Ballroom Dance Instructors: A Beginner’s Guide

You’ve looked around at all, you’ve probably found a wide range of prices and options and are not sure what is best for you, or even how to proceed.

Here are a few guidelines to help you in your quest.

Park Districts:

Usually offer classes only.  Instructors range from self taught to certified professionals.  Pricing can be low and can also be as high, or higher than at a dedicated ballroom studio.

Recommendation:

• A great way to get your feet wet.

• If you really want to learn, this is not the best option.

• Be sure to do some homework beforehand, or at least be prepared for a simple class with an amateur instructor.

Modern, Jazz, Tap, & Ballet Dancing Studios:

Usually offer classes only.  Instructors are mostly not certified for ballroom instruction, but do have extensive dance background.  Ballroom is a secondary market at these studios.  Often classes are taught routines much like their other classes and instructors can’t address the ins and outs of dancing well with a partner.

Recommendation:

• Another terrific way to get started, especially if other options don’t exist nearby.

• You may outgrow your instructor since it’s not their primary focus.

• At some point you’ll need to find a focused ballroom instructor to learn the intricacies of lead and follow and other aspects specific to couple’s dancing.

Ballroom Dancing Studios:

Usually offer a mix of classes and private lessons.  Instructors range from raw beginners to top professionals and fees usually correlate to the experience of the instructor.  Some studios require that you take private instruction in order to attend classes.

Recommendation:

• Ultimately, the best way to learn any partner dancing (ballroom, salsa, swing, latin, tango, etc.).

• Look for a studio that fits your needs, your style and your personality.

• Ideally, you want an established instructor even though the price per lesson is higher.  You’ll pay less over time since the instructor isn’t cutting his or her teaching teeth on you.

• Beware of lengthy contracts and of teachers that spend more time selling than teaching.

• A mixture of private lessons and classes is the best approach no matter where you go.

As you seek out what is best for you and your goals, remember that learning to ballroom dance is equivalent to learning a new language; almost anyone can teach you a few key phrases, but it takes a bit more to become fluent and competent.

By Maren Oslac