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Q. I am overweight and/or out of shape. Should I wait until I get in better shape to start dancing?
A. NO! People of any fitness, age, or shape can learn to dance, but please let us know if you have any particular injuries or weaknesses that you need to be especially careful about. Taking ballroom class is a good way to start getting fit if you don’t do any other exercise, and a great addition to other ways of getting fit if you do. Ballroom dance is especially good for flexibility, posture and balance.
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Q. I’m afraid I will look silly.
A. Are you willing to risk some awkward moments in order to gain a lifetime pleasure? Even advanced dancers sometimes look and feel awkward when learning new things, but they understand that it is a natural part of the learning process. They know that the awkwardness will pass and their efforts will be rewarded! Don’t worry about being watched - everyone is intent on improving their own dancing – they don’t have time to watch others. Technical and engineering type people especially appreciate the structure of ballroom dancing. The steps fit together in patterns that are challenging and fun to work out – like a puzzle.
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Q. How long will it take me to learn to dance?
A. After your very first lesson you will be able to dance some basic steps. However, learning to dance can be a lifetime endeavor. There are many different dance styles and perfecting your movement and partnering skills is a never ending process. In fact, one of the enjoyable things about ballroom dancing is that it never gets boring – there is always more to learn!
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Q. Do I need to come with a partner?
A. Tuesday and Wednesday evening classes do require a partner. We have a class on Thursday evenings called Dance Grooves that is for people who do not have a dance partner. Some of our students have asked friends or family members to come to classes with them in order to learn to dance. It is OK if partners are of the same sex as long as they are comfortable with each other. We also offer private lessons where people who do not have a partner can dance with one of the instructors.
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Q. What should I wear?
A. People will be coming from work or school so you will see a variety of outfits ranging from jeans to business attire. You do want to wear nonrestrictive clothing. Please wear something comfortable that will not inhibit your movement.
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Q. What kind of shoes do I need?
A. Both men and women should wear leather or smooth bottom shoes. Tennis shoes are not recommended. Rubber soled shoes stick to the floor and will not allow you to turn, twist, or spin. Women: please do not wear mules, slip-ons, platforms, or flip-flops. Your shoe should have a closed back or traps to hold your foot in place. You want a flexible shoe that will stay on your foot. Once you become addicted to dancing, you will want to purchase a pair of dance shoes. We have shoes for sale or we can help you find the right shoes elsewhere.
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Q. How do I sign up?
A. Just come five minutes early to your first class. We have a short registration form for you to fill out and you are set to dance. You may pay with a personal check or cash. We do not accept credit/debit cards at this time.
