What to wear?

 

Shoes- I recommend either hard soled shoes such as business or school shoes (for kids). Do not wear trainers as they restrict the movement of your feet for spins and can cause injury. Once you have been learning a while you will be required to purchase a pair of dance shoes.

 

Clothes- Anything that is loose fitting and comfortable – Gentlemen, trousers that aren’t too tight – Ladies, dresses or pants that allow freedom of movement.

 

Once you decide that dancing is something that is going to remain a hobby I can assist or recommend places to get the correct attire for practice that will have you looking great and moving with total freedom.

 

 

What age is too young or too old?

 

In most cases the youngest age is four years of age as the classes run for forty-five minutes. That can be a long time for a little one to concentrate. Of course, if you feel that your child is keen and want them to give it a go, I am happy to be a little flexible and let you know whether it is suitable on a case by case scenario.

 

There is no age that is too old, there are classes that cater to people that are retired and would like to add a bit of social fun and exercise to their lives.

 

 

Do you teach private lessons?

 

I do teach a selected amount of private lessons and they are a great way to get more detailed/ tailored information that will greatly fast track your learning.

 

The advantages and something unique at my studio is that private lessons are literally private lessons. There is no sharing the space or music with others.

 

 

What goals are there for students and how do they measure their improvement?

 

Medals and Syllabus– This is where this studio separates from the normal in Australia. These exams are based on the traditional English ISTD system.

 

The process of going through the system is longer than most schools as it has more steps patterns, offering greater versatility and is also based on the student’s ability rather than the amount of lessons that they have taken. The way it works is the more you practice and the harder you work the faster you progress. It is not based on the amount of lessons you have paid for but when you are at the correct standard to be able to take the exam.

 

You will only be able to do the exams when you are ready and in all instances, are expected to know all your routines on your own even though you will be partnered. This is to ensure a true knowledge of the steps

 

The Levels are

 

Social Dance Test    This is beginner where you will know three to four fundamental steps in each dance but know them well.

 

Pre-Bronze  additional five to ten steps and fundamental technique will be starting to show.

 

Bronze You will learn extra steps and more complex variations on the steps from Pre Bronze. On completion you will be able to get around any social dance floor with confidence using good floor craft.

 

Silver Additional steps, a good level of technical detail and good stylisation is the expectation. On completion, you will look like a trained dancer rather than someone that is only dancing on a casual basis.

 

Gold The main achievement for medallist dancing. The highest level of traditional dance variations, you will have showmanship, musicality and a good level of athleticism in your movements. You will also have the confidence to freestyle a huge amount of variations having covered so much detail.

 

Gold Star This is where we move away from the international syllabus and start to work on any number of variations that are used in competitive dancesport choreography. This will look impressive as all the foundations would have been properly completed prior to taking on these more advanced variations.

 

 

What classes can people choose to do if they are a beginner or don’t have a lot of dancing knowledge?

 

Anyone can do the Social Dance Test and Pre Bronze Classes but I would advise only more advanced dancers participate in the Silver and above medallist classes as to not hold the other more experienced dancers up. If you are not wanting to do exams you can talk to me about your suitability for more advanced classes.

 

Each level touches on Rumba, Cha Cha, Samba, Paso Doble and Jive in the Latin

 

and Waltz, Tango, Slow Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz and Quickstep in the Modern

 

The different dances will rotate so everything is regularly covered week to week.

 

 

Competitions

There are a range of competitions that operate throughout the year. These are a great way to get fully involved in Ballroom and Latin dancing. If this is something that you would like to do please feel free to talk to me as I am happy to assist you in working towards these whether with a partner or on your own with myself.

For males that want to enter a competition with a professional, I can arrange this through a number of contacts.

 

Showcases

These are going to be held once or twice a year in a separate venue depending on the demand and are a great way of joining in on a fun group routine or do a performance with a professional if you are having private lessons.

These are meant to be great creative fun and a great way to show off your dancing to your friends and family.

These nights will also be jam packed with social dancing and opportunities for friends and family that haven’t had any dance experience to be able to jump up and give it a go.

 

Contact the studio to find out the range of prices for private and group tuition.