Frequently Asked Questions
Our answers to all your questions. Questions are listed by subject
About Ballroom Dancing
What Is Ballroom Dancing?
Ballroom dancing is a term that frequently encompasses any form of partner dancing. In the vaguest sense, it involves dancing in a certain way that matches a specific style of music. You dance with a partner with some form of body or hand contact, and one person is considered to be the leader (traditionally the man), while the other is considered the follower (traditionally the woman)
What Are The Various Dances Out There?
There are dozens of dances out there that are frequently considered to be ballroom dancing, or are frequently associated with ballroom dancing. Here's how they're divvied up:
|
International Standard:
Waltz Ballroom Tango Viennese Waltz Quickstep |
International Latin:
Samba Cha-Cha Rumba Paso Doble Jive |
|
American Smooth:
Waltz Tango Foxtrot Viennese Waltz |
American Rhythm:
Cha-Cha Rumba East Coast Swing Bolero Mambo |
|
Classic/Vintage:
Waltz Polka Tango Foxtrot Peabody |
Other (Nightclub/Country/Social)
Argentine Tango Salsa Hustle Night-club two-step West Coast Swing Zydeco Lindy Hop East Coast Swing Cumbia Mambo Merengue Bachata Cha Cha Kizomba Country/Cross-step Waltz |
If you're looking for more details about each dance, check out our "About Ballroom Dancing Page"
How Does A Partner Know What To Do ?
As mentioned earlier, partner dancing involves one person being the leader, and the other being the follower. The leader is the driver: he/she initiaties a pattern or turn. The follower is the reactor: he/she responds to the leader's lead and follows through.
Leading is done by creating a change in body movement or hand position, and the follower learns to recognize what change goes with what pattern or turn. The more you learn the more you can do!
Leading is done by creating a change in body movement or hand position, and the follower learns to recognize what change goes with what pattern or turn. The more you learn the more you can do!
Is Ballroom Dancing Hard?
Getting started is definitely easy to do; all it takes is a little practice. It's like learning a new language or learning to drive a car; it might be a little intimidating when you are first getting started, but you start off easy, and then work your way up to something more complicated. Eventually, it feels like the most natural thing in the world.
Anybody can dance; it just takes a little commitment. just like any other hobby.
Anybody can dance; it just takes a little commitment. just like any other hobby.
But I...(Have Two Left Feet, No Sense Of Rhythm Or Coordination, etc.)
We get this a lot, and it's never proven to be a hindrance. We've seen people go from be extremely uncoordinated to becoming one of our best students. Dancing, just like any other physical activity, simply requires patience, practice and learning within your own comfort zone.
How Long Will It Take To Get Good At Dancing?
That depends on you! Everyone learns at a different pace, but your ability to improve depends on how often you attend classes and how often you practice outside of classes. The more you dance, the sooner you'll improve.
How Can You Tell What Dance Goes With What Song?
Each dance form uses a different rhythm and requires a certain tempo to make it comfortable. Each form also has a specific attitude or feel to it (ie, floaty, bouncy, heavy, smooth, etc). After a while, when you listen to the music, you start to identify which dance styles can fit that particular song.
If you're still unsure, test a few dances out while you're listening to the song; you'll notice which ones seem to fit the song best.
...Or you can do the popular classic, and look around to see what everyone else is doing :)
If you're still unsure, test a few dances out while you're listening to the song; you'll notice which ones seem to fit the song best.
...Or you can do the popular classic, and look around to see what everyone else is doing :)
Do I Need Special Clothes/Shoes?
Not at first.
When it comes to clothing, just about anything comfortable works. There's no specific dress code for dancing, so long as it's publicly decent and doesn't restrict your movements.
As for shoes, comfy and light shoes work best when you're getting started, especially ones that don't slip off your feet easily. Plastic or leather soles work best. Avoid heavy boots or flip flops!
Once you get more serious about dancing, you're going to want to invest in dance shoes. They fit like slippers, they have suede bottoms which make it easier to execute turns, they're flexible to allow for proper foot technique, and they're extremely comfortable so you can dance all night long!
When it comes to clothing, just about anything comfortable works. There's no specific dress code for dancing, so long as it's publicly decent and doesn't restrict your movements.
As for shoes, comfy and light shoes work best when you're getting started, especially ones that don't slip off your feet easily. Plastic or leather soles work best. Avoid heavy boots or flip flops!
Once you get more serious about dancing, you're going to want to invest in dance shoes. They fit like slippers, they have suede bottoms which make it easier to execute turns, they're flexible to allow for proper foot technique, and they're extremely comfortable so you can dance all night long!
What Are The Rules When You're Out Dancing?
There aren't any strict rules, but there are some etiquette guidelines that are a good idea to follow if you don't want to become the dance pariah:
Rule #1:
If the dance is a travelling dance, always travel counterclockwise around the room. If you're doing something that travels very little or stays in one spot, dance in the center of the floor.
Rule #2:
Practice good floorcraft. Watch where you're going and plan your steps and reactions according to your surroundings. If you crash into, or step on someone else, apologize, even if it's not your fault. Also adjust the size or your arm and/or leg movements when the floor is really crowded.
Rule #3:
Do not correct or try to teach your partner while you're dancing with them, especially if they didn't ask for it. People just want to have fun when they're out dancing, and being corrected (even if it was meant kindly) can discourage a person and ruin their entire evening. This also applies to group classes.
Rule #4:
Avoid holding on to your partner roughly or tightly. Leading and following should feel light and gentle, not like you're trying to wrestle your partner to the gorund. Also, make sure your hand or body contact isn't making your partner feel uncomfortable (ie, staring at your partner, pressing your body up against your partner, hands on the low back or hips, etc).
Rule #5:
Adapt to your partner. Leaders should never do a step that is clearly too advanced for their follower, and followers should never anticipate or back-lead their leaders.
Rule #6:
Don't say no to one person, then yes to another. If you told someone no, and you weren't already committed to another partner for that song, sit out that song.
It's always best if you have a good reason to say no to someone, such as you need a break, you already promised the song to someone else, or you've danced with that person before and it was an unpleasant experience that you don't want to repeat.
Don't say no to someone simply because they don't dance as well as you do.
Rule #1:
If the dance is a travelling dance, always travel counterclockwise around the room. If you're doing something that travels very little or stays in one spot, dance in the center of the floor.
Rule #2:
Practice good floorcraft. Watch where you're going and plan your steps and reactions according to your surroundings. If you crash into, or step on someone else, apologize, even if it's not your fault. Also adjust the size or your arm and/or leg movements when the floor is really crowded.
Rule #3:
Do not correct or try to teach your partner while you're dancing with them, especially if they didn't ask for it. People just want to have fun when they're out dancing, and being corrected (even if it was meant kindly) can discourage a person and ruin their entire evening. This also applies to group classes.
Rule #4:
Avoid holding on to your partner roughly or tightly. Leading and following should feel light and gentle, not like you're trying to wrestle your partner to the gorund. Also, make sure your hand or body contact isn't making your partner feel uncomfortable (ie, staring at your partner, pressing your body up against your partner, hands on the low back or hips, etc).
Rule #5:
Adapt to your partner. Leaders should never do a step that is clearly too advanced for their follower, and followers should never anticipate or back-lead their leaders.
Rule #6:
Don't say no to one person, then yes to another. If you told someone no, and you weren't already committed to another partner for that song, sit out that song.
It's always best if you have a good reason to say no to someone, such as you need a break, you already promised the song to someone else, or you've danced with that person before and it was an unpleasant experience that you don't want to repeat.
Don't say no to someone simply because they don't dance as well as you do.
Where Can I Get Dance Shoes?
Any dance supply store should have dance shoes. Lisa's favorite store in Connecticut is Dancingly Yours, located on Rt. 10 in Plainville. Prices range anywhere from $75 to $200, depending on the brand. It's a good place to get started.
Dance shoes are available online as well, but we recommend going to a physical store for your first time, so that a salesperson can help you find the right shoe for you. If you do order your shoes online, be sure to try them on a carpeted floor, so that if it doesn't fit, you can return them unscuffed.
Dance shoes are available online as well, but we recommend going to a physical store for your first time, so that a salesperson can help you find the right shoe for you. If you do order your shoes online, be sure to try them on a carpeted floor, so that if it doesn't fit, you can return them unscuffed.
About Hartford Ballroom
Where Are You Located?
We are located at 56 Arbor Street in Hartford. It's a big red brick building that also houses Real Art Ways. Once you turn on to the street, you can't miss it.
For more specific directions, go to our Directions Page.
For more specific directions, go to our Directions Page.
How Long Has Hartford Ballroom Been Around?
Hartford Ballroom was first created back in 2009 by Michele Evans. Michele has been teaching for years, but had only been renting a space. When her classes got too big for the space, she decided sign a lease and thus have her own studio to work with. Hartford Ballroom was first located at 30 Arbor Street (the big gray and orange building), but after 6 years, Michele found more reasons to end her lease than to continue, and Hartford Ballroom moved out.
Her two children, Nate and Lisa, made the joint decision to find a new studio space for Hartford Ballroom and were lucky enough to find a place....in the building next door! That's right, 56 Arbor Street had a dance studio space up for grabs, along with a better lease agreement, and the Evans children went for it. Hartford Ballroom has been in suite 411 ever since!
Her two children, Nate and Lisa, made the joint decision to find a new studio space for Hartford Ballroom and were lucky enough to find a place....in the building next door! That's right, 56 Arbor Street had a dance studio space up for grabs, along with a better lease agreement, and the Evans children went for it. Hartford Ballroom has been in suite 411 ever since!
The Doors Are Locked! How Do I Get Into The Building?!
Don't panic! There's a way in.
For security reasons, the building doors are locked after business hours, but they all have a keypad. We have the current code on our home page. Just enter the code and you're in!
Real Art Ways has it's own entrance at the back of the building. Please respect their space and avoid trying to enter the building through their gallery.
For security reasons, the building doors are locked after business hours, but they all have a keypad. We have the current code on our home page. Just enter the code and you're in!
Real Art Ways has it's own entrance at the back of the building. Please respect their space and avoid trying to enter the building through their gallery.
I See Another Location Listed On Your Directions Page: Brodie Park
What Are You Using This Space For?
What Are You Using This Space For?
The Berkshire Hall in Brodie Park, New Hartford, is a space that Lisa Spiro rents so she can teach classes on Tuesday nights (since the main studio is already being used by Nate for Argentine Tango).
To find out more about the classes at Brodie Park, please visit our Group Classes Page.
To find out more about the classes at Brodie Park, please visit our Group Classes Page.
Where Can I Park?
At our main studio, there's a parking lot that wraps around the back and side of the building. You'll see a driveway immediately to the left of the building.
Our Lessons and Programs
How Many Classes Do You Offer, And How Do They Work?
We offer multiple classes throughout the week, with different levels of difficulty. All of our classes are walk-ins only.
Our Standard Classes (Levels 1-4) each cover only one dance per month. Once the month is up the dances in each class move up to the next level.
For example, if Level 1 was covering Foxtrot in January, then next month (February) Foxtrot moves on to Level 2, then to Level 3 the following month (March), and so on. That way, if you really like a dance, you can follow it up the levels!
To make things easier to understand remember, we only teach a certain number of patterns and turns in each class, which we continue to repeat each week. This not only helps our students practice and perfect the moves, but it also helps those who can't make it to every lesson that month.
We also have special workshops and dance events for dancers who love salsa and Argentine tango! Visit our group class page and our workshop pages to find out more!
Our Standard Classes (Levels 1-4) each cover only one dance per month. Once the month is up the dances in each class move up to the next level.
For example, if Level 1 was covering Foxtrot in January, then next month (February) Foxtrot moves on to Level 2, then to Level 3 the following month (March), and so on. That way, if you really like a dance, you can follow it up the levels!
To make things easier to understand remember, we only teach a certain number of patterns and turns in each class, which we continue to repeat each week. This not only helps our students practice and perfect the moves, but it also helps those who can't make it to every lesson that month.
We also have special workshops and dance events for dancers who love salsa and Argentine tango! Visit our group class page and our workshop pages to find out more!
I'm New. What Level Should I Start In And When?
Welcome to our studio!
If you're brand new to dancing, we recommend coming to our beginner classes on Monday nights.
If you've danced before, we recommend trying our Level 2 class for those who feel like they're still a beginner, and our Level 3 class for those who are intermediate/Bronze level students. Our curriculum is structured differently from other studios, so Basics and Intermediate will give you a pretty good idea of how we work.
If you're brand new to dancing, we recommend coming to our beginner classes on Monday nights.
If you've danced before, we recommend trying our Level 2 class for those who feel like they're still a beginner, and our Level 3 class for those who are intermediate/Bronze level students. Our curriculum is structured differently from other studios, so Basics and Intermediate will give you a pretty good idea of how we work.
When Can I Try A More Advanced Level?
Honestly? Any time you'd like! There are no exams you need to take!
If the level you're currently in is feeling very comfortable and easy, then feel free to follow the dance up to the next level the following month. Keep following a dance up the levels, and stop when you reach the point when the steps feel challenging, but not yet overwhelming.
Don't forget that we also recommend going back to easier levels, so you can revisit and improve upon moves you already know.
If the level you're currently in is feeling very comfortable and easy, then feel free to follow the dance up to the next level the following month. Keep following a dance up the levels, and stop when you reach the point when the steps feel challenging, but not yet overwhelming.
Don't forget that we also recommend going back to easier levels, so you can revisit and improve upon moves you already know.
How Much Are The Classes And How Do I Pay? Do I Need To Pre-Register Or Pre-Pay?
Each class is $15 a person! There is no need to pre-register for classes, nor is there a need to pay ahead of time. You just take the class(es) you want to take, and pay for it when you take it!
We can accept all forms of payment, but we do prefer cash or check. Please make the check payable to the instructor.
We can accept all forms of payment, but we do prefer cash or check. Please make the check payable to the instructor.
Do I Need To Bring A Partner With Me?
Nope! You can come alone, with a partner, or as part of a group. We have people rotate partners in class, so it doesn't matter if you come alone!
Why Do We Have To Rotate Partners During Class? Why Can't I Just Stay With My Own Partner?
We insist on rotate partners in class for a variety of reasons:
1) A person who came alone will feel included
2) If the number of leaders and followers is uneven (and it almost always is), everyone gets an equal chance to dance with someone
3) You don't get stuck dancing with someone you don't like
4) You get to meet everyone
5) It fixes mistakes without slowing down the pace of the class
That last reason is especially important for us teachers. When you stay with one person, one of you could be making a mistake with realizing it, and the other person adapts to the mistake. You'll be wondering why it's not working, and the teacher will need to separate the two of you, fix the problem individually, and then put you back together again, all the while having to ignore the rest of the class. The pace of the class slows down to a crawl, and very little gets taught.
When you rotate partners, it becomes much easier for both you and the teacher to spot the mistake and fix things. Plus you're not sure how the step works, chances are the next partner gets it and that will help you figure it out.
If you are still uncomfortable with the idea of changing partners, then we would recommend trying a private lesson instead.
1) A person who came alone will feel included
2) If the number of leaders and followers is uneven (and it almost always is), everyone gets an equal chance to dance with someone
3) You don't get stuck dancing with someone you don't like
4) You get to meet everyone
5) It fixes mistakes without slowing down the pace of the class
That last reason is especially important for us teachers. When you stay with one person, one of you could be making a mistake with realizing it, and the other person adapts to the mistake. You'll be wondering why it's not working, and the teacher will need to separate the two of you, fix the problem individually, and then put you back together again, all the while having to ignore the rest of the class. The pace of the class slows down to a crawl, and very little gets taught.
When you rotate partners, it becomes much easier for both you and the teacher to spot the mistake and fix things. Plus you're not sure how the step works, chances are the next partner gets it and that will help you figure it out.
If you are still uncomfortable with the idea of changing partners, then we would recommend trying a private lesson instead.
Do You Have Any Video Tutorials Online? Can I Take A Video During Class?
Sorry, but no, and absolutely not.
We don't provide video tutorials, or allow videos to be taken during class, because we don't want these videos to become abused. There are some people who might view video tutorials as an excuse to not come to class (we've had those before), and there a few people out there who will copy and distribute the videos without our permission. The latter reason actually did happen to Michele Evans some years back, which is why she has a strict no-video policy, and which is also why her two children discourage it as well. So please, respect our wishes and do not take videos during class.
We don't provide video tutorials, or allow videos to be taken during class, because we don't want these videos to become abused. There are some people who might view video tutorials as an excuse to not come to class (we've had those before), and there a few people out there who will copy and distribute the videos without our permission. The latter reason actually did happen to Michele Evans some years back, which is why she has a strict no-video policy, and which is also why her two children discourage it as well. So please, respect our wishes and do not take videos during class.
What Dances Do You Teach?
|
American/Ballroom Tango
Argentine Tango (includes Milonga and Vals) Bachata Bolero Cha Cha Country Waltz (aka fast waltz) |
East Coast Swing
Foxtrot Hustle Merengue Night Club Two Step Quickstep Rumba |
Salsa
Samba Slow Waltz Viennese Waltz West Coast Swing |
About Private Lessons and Wedding Dance Lessons
How Do The Private Lessons Work? Do You Have To Sign Up For A Package?
Private lessons are pay-as-you-go and schedule-as-you-go! We don't offer any packages so there's no need to sign up for a bunch of lessons at once!
If you want to schedule a private lesson, scroll down to the very bottom of this page and click on the button of the teacher you want! You can also visit our Private Lesson page, or our Contact page to book an appointment, or contact our instructors.
If you want to schedule a private lesson, scroll down to the very bottom of this page and click on the button of the teacher you want! You can also visit our Private Lesson page, or our Contact page to book an appointment, or contact our instructors.
How Much Are The Private Lessons And When Do I Pay?
Private lessons for individuals and couples cost $50 an hour
Private group lessons (for groups of 4 or more) cost $15 per person per hour
You pay when you take the class, and we can accept any form of payment. Please make checks payable to the instructor.
Private group lessons (for groups of 4 or more) cost $15 per person per hour
You pay when you take the class, and we can accept any form of payment. Please make checks payable to the instructor.
Do You Provide Lessons For Wedding Couples? Are There Any Wedding Packages?
We don't offer any wedding packages or special wedding prices, but our private lessons also apply to wedding couples and bridal parties.
For wedding couples, we will teach how to dance to your song however you like. We'll choreograph the dance for you, or we'll show you a bunch of moves and patterns that you can put together yourself. Whatever you want to do, we will help you do it!
For wedding couples, we will teach how to dance to your song however you like. We'll choreograph the dance for you, or we'll show you a bunch of moves and patterns that you can put together yourself. Whatever you want to do, we will help you do it!
We're Getting Married! When Should We Start Taking Lessons For Our First Dance?
Congratulations!
On average, we find that wedding couples will start at around 3-4 months before the wedding date, and that works fine for the most part. Last-minute lessons are also pretty manageable, although we won't be able to do anything really complicated within such a short time frame.
For best results, we recommend that you start 6-12 months before the wedding date. That way, by the time you're reaching the final weeks (the most stressful time of wedding planning, believe me!), you'll already be comfortable with your dance, and it therefore won't add to your wedding stress. Plus, if you want something elegant or complicated, we have more time to work on it.
On average, we find that wedding couples will start at around 3-4 months before the wedding date, and that works fine for the most part. Last-minute lessons are also pretty manageable, although we won't be able to do anything really complicated within such a short time frame.
For best results, we recommend that you start 6-12 months before the wedding date. That way, by the time you're reaching the final weeks (the most stressful time of wedding planning, believe me!), you'll already be comfortable with your dance, and it therefore won't add to your wedding stress. Plus, if you want something elegant or complicated, we have more time to work on it.
How Many Lessons Will It Take To Get Our Wedding Dance Down?
The number of private lessons you need will depend on what you want, how much time we have before the wedding, and how often you practice at home. That being said, the more lessons you do, the more comfortable you'll be with your dance.
We've noticed that most couples are fine with one lesson per week (we might even recommend fewer lessons, depending on how comfortable you are), but you can choose to do however many you like. It's up to you!
We've noticed that most couples are fine with one lesson per week (we might even recommend fewer lessons, depending on how comfortable you are), but you can choose to do however many you like. It's up to you!
What Do You Need To Know About Our Wedding Before We Get Started?
There are a few things we'd like to know:
1) When is the wedding date?
2) What is the song? By which artist? Do you have a copy of the song?
3) If you haven't picked a song yet, what song choices have you narrowed it down to?
3) What type of wedding dress is the bride wearing? What kind of shoes?
4) What is the floor plan and floor size?
5) What are you hoping to be able to do for your dance? Do you want a choreographed routine, or would you prefer to improvise?
1) When is the wedding date?
2) What is the song? By which artist? Do you have a copy of the song?
3) If you haven't picked a song yet, what song choices have you narrowed it down to?
3) What type of wedding dress is the bride wearing? What kind of shoes?
4) What is the floor plan and floor size?
5) What are you hoping to be able to do for your dance? Do you want a choreographed routine, or would you prefer to improvise?
I'm Worried About The Dress, Shoes, Messing Up, Etc.....
As experienced performers, we understand your worries. Our favorite motto is: "it's not the mistake, but the recovery that's important."
We know that some mistakes are likely to happen on the day of, so we take steps to prepare you for various scenarios.
Here are some things we do, or recommend to do, to help make the dance feel as care-free as possible on the day of:
1) In the last few lessons, bring in your wedding shoes, so you can break them in a little and get used to wearing them.
2) Once the dance feels comfortable, bring in a long annoying skirt or an old gown (such as an old prom dress), so you can practice with lots of fabric around your feet. If you don't have a dress, Lisa has a couple of dresses you can try on, or you can go to a consignment shop or Goodwill and buy a cheap dress.
3) Once your dance routine is looking good and feeling easy, the instructor will set up the studio floor to match the dance floor at your wedding, so you can get used to your floor size. The instructor will also ask you to face a different direction each time you practice, so that you won't be memorizing your dance based on your surroundings.
4) If you can, try to practice your dance at your reception venue. You can make the practice part of the final meeting (when you hand over the final payment, discuss food options, rehearse the ceremony, etc.). Just ask the venue manager if you can practice in the space for about 15 minutes. Also see if you can have friends or family members there as well, so you can get used to dancing in front of others.
We know that some mistakes are likely to happen on the day of, so we take steps to prepare you for various scenarios.
Here are some things we do, or recommend to do, to help make the dance feel as care-free as possible on the day of:
1) In the last few lessons, bring in your wedding shoes, so you can break them in a little and get used to wearing them.
2) Once the dance feels comfortable, bring in a long annoying skirt or an old gown (such as an old prom dress), so you can practice with lots of fabric around your feet. If you don't have a dress, Lisa has a couple of dresses you can try on, or you can go to a consignment shop or Goodwill and buy a cheap dress.
3) Once your dance routine is looking good and feeling easy, the instructor will set up the studio floor to match the dance floor at your wedding, so you can get used to your floor size. The instructor will also ask you to face a different direction each time you practice, so that you won't be memorizing your dance based on your surroundings.
4) If you can, try to practice your dance at your reception venue. You can make the practice part of the final meeting (when you hand over the final payment, discuss food options, rehearse the ceremony, etc.). Just ask the venue manager if you can practice in the space for about 15 minutes. Also see if you can have friends or family members there as well, so you can get used to dancing in front of others.
We're Having Trouble Picking A Song. Any Recommendations?
As a general rule, we'd rather not recommend a song for you, because there are thousands of songs to choose from. Our advice is to pick a song that you and your future spouse have in common or like a lot. Don't worry about whether or not you can dance to it; we are always able to figure something out. We can even mash together two or even three songs if you like.
Got More Questions? Feel Free To Contact Us!