Ballroom FAQs
What Is Your Teaching Standard?
We follow NDCA (National Dance Council of American) guidelines. The NDCA provides the US recognized standard governing ballroom dance.
What Types of Groups Do You Offer?
The Traveling Dance Divas offer a variety of group classes and group class packages. Our "home base" at Etudes
Too, (1673 Pine Ridge Road), provides us an opportunity to host general public group classes at extremely affordable rates. For these groups, we offer two classes, back-to-back, in 4- week segments, one smooth and one rhythm. Students may take one class (45 minutes) or both, (90 minutes).
In addition, we offer a variety of pre-designed or custom group classes to public and private venues. These classes are offered in either 60 or 90 minute increments.
The Divas prepare our class syllabus with the specific goal in mind of teaching our students a minimum of
2-3 steps in each dance (and usually more!) over the course of our group sessions, including timing, styling, lead and follow.
What Type of Clothing/Shoes Should I Wear to Class?
Comfort is key. Street clothes are fine, just make certain to wear clothing that you can move in. Men are encouraged to wear leather-bottomed shoes. Women are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes, (no flip-flops, clogs, or open-backed shoes, please). Tennis shoes and rubber-soled shoes are a poor choice for both men and women. These types of shoes may prevent movement and could cause injury. If you continue with your dancing, you may wish to invest in a pair of ballroom dance shoes. Ballroom shoes are specifically designed for ballroom dance and offer secure comfort with suede-bottomed soles for optimum movement.
What is the Inter-Related Method of Teaching?
Many of the patterns in ballroom dancing are inter-related and can be used across several dances. Using the inter-related teaching method enables us to relate the patterns versus the timing, styling, and "attitude" of the dance, so that students may quickly learn the basics. When the inter-related method is used, learning is enhanced. Our goal is to get you and your group up and dancing as quickly as possible!
How Long is a Group Program?
General public group classes at Etudes are currently 4 weeks long, (6 hours), with new dances featured each month.
On-site group programs offer lessons in programs of 12, 10, and 8 hours. Each course syllabus we have prepared is designed to with the target goal of teaching students a minimum of 2-3 steps in each dance with timing, styling, lead and follow.
What Can I Really Hope To Achieve Through Group Classes?
That's really up to you! Learning involves a number of factors, including your dancing goals, your personal skill and learning ability, how often and how long you take lessons, as well as how much you practice! Developing muscle memory is key to retention. However, as a general rule, you can expect to learn at least 2-3 steps in each dance taught in a typical group session with timing, styling, lead and follow.
Can I Book a Shorter "Session," or Just Focus On One Dance?
Yes, and yes. We can design a group class based on your individual needs. Our goal is to help you design a program that best meets your needs. For more information, please contact us and we'll be happy to work with you to achieve your group's dancing goals.
What Can My Team Achieve Through Ballroom Dance?
Ballroom dance is, by definition, a team sport and teaches students a great deal more than the skill of how to move their feet. The underlying lessons taught through ballroom dance in studios and classrooms across the country offer a platform for understanding the basic principals of lead and follow and building group participation, courtesy, respect, cooperation, empathy, and encouragement among team members.
Can You Really Help Us Learn A Wedding Dance Before Our Wedding?
Yes, we can. Of course, first, we will consult with you to determine what your vision is for your wedding, and take into consideration such factors as your dress style, type of music, etc. We will choreograph an appropriate dance to fit your music and skill level so that you can be confident that your wedding dance is a beautiful representation of your vision.
What Can I Expect to Learn in Private Lessons?
Private instruction is the optimum way to learn, giving you focused, one-on-one instruction in pattern, footwork, technique, and styling. Your instructor will design a program based on your availability, budget, and particular dancing goals. But be aware: becoming proficient in ballroom dancing takes time, patience, and practice! No one ever became an expert ballroom dancer in 5 easy lessons! We are ready to provide you the quality instruction you require to meet your goals, but remember: your commitment to your dancing is all about YOU.