Here you will find the answers to many commonly asked questions...

Do I need a partner to take lessons?

No, you do not need a partner to join group or private lessons.

Although ballroom dancing is obviously a partnered activity, when you are first learning, it is most important to be able to dance your steps on your own. Too often do we find people jumping into dancing with a partner, when they don't even know their own steps. The result is that the balance is off, timing is off, and everything is off to create a recipe for disaster. (Learn more about our the Individual vs. The Team in our Philosophy of Teaching.)

We can definitely help to find you a partner, but you need to be at a certain skill level to increase your chances of finding someone to agree to partner with you. If you're looking for a partner, your best bet is to take some classes on your own, develop your own individual skills, and then have us help you find a suitable partner. If you want a partner in a hurry, your best bet is to accelerate your learning through private lessons.
(Learn more about lessons for Singles in our Lessons Section.)

 

Do I need specific shoes or clothing to join the class?

No, you do not need specific shoes or clothing at the Beginner level.

Although we do prefer a particular type of shoe for ballroom dancing, it is not essential to have them when you're first startng out. As you will be moving around for an hour or so, the most important thing is that both man and lady are dressed comfortably. Wear flat shoes or shoes with a very low heel to start, as this will make it easier and therefore more fun to learn.

If after taking a few classes, you discover that you really enjoy Ballroom dancing and would like to pursue it more seriously, then we would strongly suggest that you invest in a proper pair of shoes. A suede-soled shoe will in fact make it easier to create the body actions and footwork required on certain figures. However, if you are a novice dancer, we would still suggest a low heel, in order to help with your balance and ensure that you are still having fun when you are learning.
(See our advice on selecting Shoes in the Dance Zone.)

Should I take Private or Group Lessons?

Your goals, time, and budget will determine whether or not you are suitable for Private or Group Lessons.

If you want more individual attention and would like to direct your learning to suit your own individual pace, private lessons are for you. As the teacher to student ratio is one-on-one (or one-on-two), you will receive much more individual attention than in a group class setting. The teacher will be able to be more hands-on, dancing with you and showing you things that target your own particular issues. Private lessons are definitely the way to go to accelerate your learning at the highest rate.

Group lessons, on the other hand, are for the individual who would like to learn in a more social environment, where other couples will be around to help encourage, motivate and have fun with each other. Group lessons are a better option if you have a limited budget, as private lessons are indeed more expensive.

Having a mix of Private and Group lessons is the most helpful combination. The knowledge and techniques that we provide in our JC Group classes can be very helpful for your dance development and can be refined through individual private lessons. In the group setting, as we mentioned above, you will develop a team atmosphere and gain the comraderie of friends who are going through the same kind of dance training that you are. JC Dance Co classes are a great supplement to your regular Private Lessons.
(Check out our JC Dance Co. group classes.)

What is the difference between signing up for a full Session Package vs. taking Drop-in classes?

The benefit of signing up for Full Session Packages versus Drop-ins is the opportunity to take lessons at discounted prices and more importantly, a better continuity of learning.

We do allow drop-ins to our JC Dance Co. classes, however, we encourage people to sign up for the full Session Packages. Our classes are designed to be continuous and progressive training classes. Therefore, it would be most beneficial for you to purchase a package and attend all sessions, so that you can build on your skills from week to week (and at discounted prices).  It is always better to have the constant repetition and reminders, as well as the ability to draw generalizations across different classes.

If you are trying out the class for the first time or do not think you can commit to attending classes regularly, you can certainly attend on a drop-in basis. Each session of classes (RSS & PEAK ) can stand on it's own, meaning that you will be able to learn new techniques regardless of whether or not you attended the last class. Of course, it is more beneficial for you to attend classes on a regular basis, but if your schedule does not permit it, then you are welcome to come on a drop-in basis.

If you are attending on a drop-in basis, please feel free to join in anytime! Like we mentioned, each class can certainly stand on it's own. Therefore, you do not have to wait for the beginning of a new session before joining in.