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Frequently Asked Questions About Fred Astaire Dance Studios
Where are you located?
We're located on Valley Road, just minutes from Montclair State. We serve Essex
Fells, Little Falls, Caldwell, West Caldwell, West Orange, Verona, Cedar Grove,
Little Falls, Montclair, Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Clifton, Wayne, Paterson and
more.
I've never taken ballroom dance before, what do I do?
The best way to start is to sign up for our Introductory Special. You'll get
2 private lessons and 1 group classes, and you'll see what we're like, and what
we have to offer. And it's only $99.
What will I learn in the Introductory Program?
In the Introductory Program, you'll learn the basics of cha cha and swing, foxtrot
and tango OR waltz and rumba. You'll learn if you want to take more lessons!
When does the Introductory program start?
What's unique about the Upper Montclair Studio is that we don't make you start
at certain times. We have group classes for beginners every Monday at 7:45 and
Friday at 9:15. That way, you may start anytime you want and we get to keep
our class size small and intimate. After your group class, you should schedule
your private lessons to follow up on what you learned.
How many lessons will it take me to become a good dancer?
Good is a relative term. Most of our clients are satisfied with their dancing
after the social foundation program. We recommend at least 25 lessons to be
able to hold your own on the dance floor.
What do I wear to my lessons?
Ballroom dancing is a chance to dress up. The better you look, the more confident
you'll feel. We ask that you do not wear jeans or sneakers. Please, no rubber
sole or black bottom shoes. A leather sole shoe is the best. No sweat pants
or shorts and tee shirts please!
You teach ballroom, do you also teach the Latin dances?
We consider ballroom to be any dance where you get to hold your partner in your
arms, and lead and follow. We teach all the SMOOTH dances, waltz, foxtrot, tango,
viennese waltz and quickstep. Yes, we teach RHYTHM AND LATIN dances too : cha
cha, swing, salsa, mambo, merengue, hustle, rumba, bolero, jive, samba.
Do you teach hip hop or ballet?
No, we do not currently have any other forms of dancing besides ballroom.
Do you teach rock and roll?
Yes, we can absolutely teach you to freestyle to contemporary music without
a partner.
What's the difference between American and International? Amercian Smooth - Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, incorporates steps
done with your partner in dance position, along with side by side work, open
work, underarm turns and lots of Fred and Ginger type styling. Danced only in
America.
International Standard or Modern - Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Viennese
Waltz, are danced always in closed dance positions. Partners remain in contact
the whole dance. Tempos are usually slower. International is reserved for people
who are serious about their dancing.
American Rhythm - Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing, West Coast Swing, Mambo, Salsa, Samba,
Merengue, Hustle, Bolero, Single Swing- Characterized by natural hip and body
rhythms, more bending and straightening of the knees.
International Latin - Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive-Characterized
by trained hip, rib and body action, in depth study of Latin American Dances.
A quicker straightening action is noticeable.
WE TEACH ALL OF THESE DANCES!!
Is It Difficult to Learn to Dance?
It's actually easy to learn. As with any physical activity, it takes the body
approximately 5 hours to learn to "muscle memorize" any new activity.
It will therefore take time to learn the various dances and develop a repertoire
of steps. Keeping your lessons close together will help ensure your success
and satisfaction.
I don't want to take Group Classes. I'm afraid to embarrass myself in front
of other people!
It helps to remember that everyone in your group class is at the same level
as you. Some people learn quickly, some more slowly. Remember that everyone
in the group is concerned about what others think of them. No one is going to
have time to worry about how you look! Their thinking about how they look! So,
relax, take your time and have FUN learning. Anyone who can walk can dance!
Can I learn to Dance like the ballroom dancers I see on TV?
Why Not?! What you see on TV is actually DanceSport. Consider the difference
between ice-skating at Rockefeller Center and the Olympics. With dancing it's
the same. The people you see on television train for the sport of Competing.
About have of our student body is currently active in Competition. They too,
want to look like the professionals, and they've realized on their own that
Competing is the fastest way to improve your dancing skills. If you have the
time and the determination, you can become as good a dancers as you'd like!!!
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