Frequently Asked Questions....
Do I need a partner?
No, you don't need a partner. However it is important for us to keep a balance between men and women at the studio. There are times when we may have a waiting list for our classes, to help keep that balance.
What clothes should I wear?
Our studio has an easygoing, casual feel. 'Nice' casual clothes are recommended while workout wear, shorts and tank tops are strongly discouraged. We also suggest that you avoid strong perfumes as some students can be allergic. For a more detailed review of clothing and etiquette tips please visit our etiquette guide.
What shoes should I wear?
The best shoe is one that is comfortable and offers good balance. For beginners we recommend a comfortable dress shoe; rubber soled sneakers make turning much more difficult. For ladies we recommend a heel height that you would be comfortable walking in. A flat shoe would also be just fine.
If you expect to carry on with your dancing for longer than a few months then we strongly suggest dance shoes, which are more comfortable and easier to dance in than street shoes.
What if I miss a class?
Missing a class is not a problem. We understand that people have busy lives and that things come up. With that in mind we always take time to review at the beginning of each class.
What if I've taken lessons before?
If you have previous dance experience, we should make an appointment to get a sense of where you're at and where you fit in our program. One way is through a private lesson. This way you can start learning immediately. Another way is to drop in to the practice party where we can get a feel for your dancing and recommend the program best suited to your needs.
What is the age range at your studio?
We have a very wide demographic - people of all ages love to dance! Most of our students are between 30 and 60 years old, but we also have people in their early 20's and 80's. If you're under 18, you'll need to accompanied by your parent or bring a signed note of permission from your parents and their phone number.
Do you switch partners in your classes?
Yes, we do. There are many good reasons for this policy:
- it creates a better rapport in the class and the studio overall. You'll enjoy your classes more if you know and can joke with the people in your class.
- you become a better leader/follower by dancing with a variety of people. Each person feels different to dance with and so your skills have to be higher to adapt to each situation.
- It prevents bad habits from forming in couples. We don't want a wink, for example, to become a signal for an underarm turn.
- If the material is new to you, it may help you to dance with our advanced students, who often repeat a class.
- It allows the teacher to dance with everyone and so be able to give better personal instruction as well as to give you insight as to how the step will actually feel as you get better.
Having said that, if you really prefer not to switch partners we can always accommodate you with private lessons.
How do I get the most out of my lessons?
To get the most out of your lessons you need to dance! Come to the practice parties, attend the workshops, and take regular private lessons to make sure you're on track. We know that when you first begin, there's a lot to take in and so we also have an online resource, www.dancingfordessert.com where you can review most of your introductory and Level 1 steps
How do I register?
You can register by calling us at 604-881-1234. Or, if you prefer, you can register by email at magda@dancingfordessert.com. Just let us know which classes you're planning to attend then show up 10 minutes before your class starts to pay. We accept cash or cheque. Please make cheques out to Dancing for Dessert.
What if I missed the first class of a series?
This is a tricky one. If you've never danced before your should probably either wait until the next start date or take a private lesson to catch up. If you have some dance experience please talk to us so we get a feel for how quickly you'd pick up the material.