I have two left feet! How hard is it to learn to dance?
If you can walk, you can dance. Dancing is like walking in time to the music. If you can walk, you can dance!
What if I have no rhythm?
Learning to find the beat in the music is part of learning to dance. Have you ever tapped your foot to a catchy tune? That's moving with the beat -- part of your natural rhythm. We will teach you how to find the beat and take your steps in time with the music.
What music can I dance to?
Classical to Modern, Rock to HipHop, we dance to a wide range of music. From Frank Sinatra to Smash Mouth, Duke Ellington to Enya, Rosemay Clooney to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. There are good dance numbers from Sting, Gloria Estefan, Toni Braxton, Linda Ronstadt, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, Marc Anthony, Sarah Vaughn, Chris Isaak, Shakira, and many more.
What if I don't have a partner?
Your instructor will serve as your partner for lessons. You can also meet other local dancers at our group classes and weekly parties.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothes that allow freedom of movement. Most parties are casual, but we do have formals several times a year. You should wear comfortable dress shoes (but not sneakers, unless they are dance sneakers). Leather soles are best (rubber/non-skid soles don't let you slide your feet or spin and will mark the floor). Ladies should be aware that many of their steps will be taken going backwards, so backless shoes like mules or slides don't work well (something with an ankle or instep strap is best). If you get into dancing seriously, you will want to buy dance shoes (one key feature is suede soles).
How long does it take to learn to dance?
People learn at different rates. Learning time is affected by how often you take lessons, how much you practice, and how good you want to get! The average person takes a couple of months to be comfortable dancing a variety of different dances (say foxtrot, swing, rumba, and waltz) in a social setting. If you want to focus on one dance (salsa, for example), it might only take a few lessons. You can learn enough to get started from a single group class.
Where can I practice?
We have dance parties every Friday night. Admission to regular parties is $10/person or $5 with student ID (occasionally we have special events with a higher cost). Wheather or not you are taking lessons at Academy Ballroom, you are welcome to practice at the Studio during normal hours for only $5 per person. We offer many events each month so our students can stay sharp.
How much do lessons cost?
Group classes are generally $10/person. Private lessons from professionals in the southeast average $75 per session (couple or individual). (This is comparable to a lesson from a golf or tennis pro, a fitness session with a personal trainer, or a facial, perm, or haircolor with highlights in local salons). Coachings from visiting champions may be priced slightly higher, either because of demand, or to cover travel costs. We offer introductory specials and discount packages. See "lesson rates."