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Unless otherwise stated:
Classes are 55 minutes in length
Most group classes are five sessions long
Workshops are usually one-time events.
My teaching background, style and philosophy:
I have been teaching for over twenty-years. Outside of teaching social dancing, I have a formal background in tap, jazz and ballet. I have been dancing since I was nine-years-old. "I love dance". I enjoy teaching others to dance, and watching them become confidant as they progress and as they fall in love with dancing themselves. Watching new students smile and having those Aw-Hah moments brings me great delight.
I know both the lead (man's part) and the follow (lady's part) therefore I am able to completely understand and teach both parts and help with any difficulties that may arise. By knowing both the Man's and the Lady's parts I have the entire picture not just half of it at my disposal.
As your instructor my objective is to teach you to dance, so that you can go out to a Social Dance Event or venue and have confidence dancing with others.
For the wedding couple my objective is to teach you so you can shine and be confident for your "First Dance" and many more though-out your married life. Please take classes early. See Wedding Dance
My classes include helpful techniques on frame, connection, timing, teamwork, leading, following and styling. You will also learn dance terminology throughout your classes.
Beginner Sessions are taught in a progressive building block format. Each week we will review the prior weeks material and then add on a new figure, unless a great number of the students are struggling with the reviewed material in which case we will spend additional time on it.
Even though we work hard and focus on dancing, my classes are relaxed and light hearted. Please feel free to laugh at yourself during class. You can get into some funny positions and do some wild and crazy things with your feet at times. Be patience with yourself and your partner. Laugh if you mess up and try again…
Students:
Do Not Wear Open heeled shoes during dance class. Flip Flops, thongs, clogs, or shoes that do not close around your heel are inappropriate and are unsafe for dancing. Heels should be not be over 2" high.
Don't forget to bring your positive personality, to class.
Basic Group Class Format:
Registration &endash; will be at the start of the first class of the session.
This can be expedited by filling out the On Line Registration.
Please come at least ten-minutes early to register in person, if you did not register on line.
Be certain to pre-register by calling or emailing prior to class to let me know your intention of attending.
1. Warm Up Song. This is your opportunity to get into dance mode. Dance what you know. You do not need a partner to warm up your mind and your body. Do your part alone if your partner has not arrived. (Omitted at first class of beginning level)
2. Review Previous week's figures (steps)
3. Break down of new figure:
--a. Men and Ladies will be separated
--b. Men will be taught their part
--c. Ladies will be taught their part
--d. All will dance separate their part without music. I call out the rhythm for you.
--e. All will dance separate their part with music
4. Dance with partners without music
5. Rotate and dance without music
6. Dance with partners with music
7. Rotate and dance with music
8. Dance reviewed figure(s) with new figure
9. Last song practice and enjoy your self. You may dance other figures that you know if you partner is able to follow them.
10. Any announcements, Q/A as time permits.
This format is not set in stone. This is just to give you an idea of how my group class operates, if this is your first time.
Students are welcome to ask questions during class as needed.
Throughout class I teach and observe the students, I go over and assist students as needed, or I will review with men, ladies or both the part that is causing difficulty. I am more lenient with beginning level students on some issues. I allow a learning curve, permitting you to work out some issues on your own when appropriate. In other words I am not going to be riding your coattail.
You are welcome to call or email me as needed. Some things I will be able to assist you with over the phone or through email, however other things you will need to see and/or feel to understand.
I have punch and a few snacks available, at most group classes.
You are welcome to bring a beverage for yourself to class. Some students bring a snack to share with other students. I am sure your classmates will enjoy your contribution. We even swap recipes, which is fun.
Please do not set food or beverages on the same table with my electronic equipment. Water and electronics do not mix.
I encourage all students to learn the names of each figure. Learn your dance terminology this will aid you greatly when advancing to Intermediate/Plus levels. Knowing the basics, as well as, their names will make progression clearer and easier.
I hope this article is of some help to you, Miss Lori
I suggest that you also read: What to wear, The Great Student, and Practice these articles are on this web site.
NOTE: If you have a teacher that is always dancing and does little instruction or watching of the students, then you have a performer instead of an instructor.
