Baltimore Salsa Blog

Excerpt from KayaDance September 2010 Newsletter (copied with permission)

EVERYONE CAN DANCE
 
Throughout my years of teaching, I have met people with a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences and reasons for wanting to dance. While teaching at studios and at various venues and parties, I have made many new friends and in some cases, I have had the pleasure of learning or observing their stories.

One day in the studio, I had the unique experience of observing a beautiful blend of experiences happening all at the same time around the dance floor and inside the classrooms. On that day, I witnessed a couple engaged to be married come to the studio to learn to dance for the first time ever for their wedding day. They want to get it right and they practiced repeatedly until they could finally accomplish their dream.  At the same time, on the opposite side of the wooden floor, a girl was dancing for an entirely different reason. She is practicing to win a ballroom competition and be the best in the world. It has been her dream since she was a little girl as her mother used to be a dance teacher. In the other room in the studio, there is different couple. She already knows how to dance. He has never danced before in his life. She is taking classes with her husband who wants to learn so he can share her passion with her. In yet another room of the dance studio there is a wonderful young guy that has struggled with his self-esteem. He was encouraged by a good friend to take dance lessons to help him with gaining some confidence. Finally, in the main area of the dancing space there was a group lesson consisting of a lively, eclectic blend of students taking the class simply to have a great time together. As I looked around the studio taking this, all in I noticed how everyone had very different goals but all of them had something in common – DANCE.

Instructors are much more than dance teachers. They often become an intricate part of the lives of their students and can help people to develop much more than just as a dancer but in important moments in life. I enjoy the opportunity to create an environment to see people grow as a person beyond just a seasoned or professional dancer.

Additionally, students have choices as to whether they take private or group lessons. Some desire to learn for the first time. Others are looking to improve their dancing. Whether it is Ballroom, Latin, Salsa, Swing or Argentinean Tango, everyone chooses what is best for them.

There are some good benefits to each type of class to think about when looking for what is a good fit for you:

Group Classes:

The cost is lower
The classes are schedule on a regular date and time which simplifies scheduling
Permits to learn social dance etiquette
Introduce to lead and follow techniques
An opportunity to dance and practice with different partners
Opportunity to know people with the same interest, make new friends

Private Lessons:
 
You pay more but learn quicker because the one-to-one
Flexibility on schedules
Your partner is always your instructor
Get more practice time in the class

Both types of classes have disadvantages and the experience may be different for everyone, so let’s focus on the positive. One way to do get the best out of both is combining group lessons and private lessons since there are significant benefits to each.

There was one remaining ingredient as I looked around the studio that day that I noticed was very important and was shared among all the people there and that was – DESIRE. Everyone WANTED to be there. All you really need is to WANT to learn regardless of what your particular interest or motivation. And with that desire, you will have a great experience no matter what style or class you choose!
 
Sincerely,
Kaya