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2006-10-19 12:41 PM

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Expert
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Lake Forest, Illinois
Subject: Question for the dancers

Hey all,

This spring I am looking to get into a dance class with my wife as our date night.  She is really excited about it which is cool because it is a type of working out that she doesn't see as excersize.

My questions are primarily for those who have either taught or attended formal dance classes geared towards adults.  I took dance classes when I was a kid but haven't seen the inside of a studio in a while.

In my research so far it looks like ballroom dance is the most common adult course of instruction.  Is this pretty accurate?

How expensive a passtime is this likely to be?  Are classes usual informal or do people get dressed up for those and not just competitions? What kind of questions should I be asking to find a good school.  I don't really know anyone in my area that does this on a regular basis.

Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks!

Joshua



2006-10-19 1:35 PM
in reply to: #572875

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Queen BTich
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Subject: RE: Question for the dancers
Wait, you don't mean exotic? Oh, nevermind.
2006-10-19 1:49 PM
in reply to: #572875

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The Original
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Raleigh/Durham
Subject: RE: Question for the dancers

I've taken salsa and swing dance lessons.  You'll have to call around to get prices becuase that probaly varies between the studios.  From what I remember, a group of us went weekly for I can't remember how long- maybe 6 weeks?  We got a group rate and I think it was around $20-$25 an hour- I can't remember.  It was a lot of fun.  Because we only took swing and salsa lesson we didn't necesasrily dress up , but we didn't wear shorts and t-shirts either. 

Most of the women wore black pants with a nice shirt- either short sleeved or sleeveless.  It did get hot in there and you will sweat, so you don't want to show up wearing long sleeves or a sweater.  I wore comfortable shoes-  you'd need shoes that wouldn't stick to the floor so you can move easily.  Most of the women wore some type of black heels (within reason) or even had their own dancing shoes. I don't remember what type of shoes the guys wore but I think most type of dress shoes would work if they're comfy and don't stick to the floor.

Most studios offer a variety of classes- ballroom dancing, the hustle, swing, salsa, and the list goes on so you'd just have to ask about that.

Also, when you check into it make sure to ask if you have to come with your own dance partner.  When I took lesson we had our own partners.  Only reason I say to ask this is because some classes don't require dance partners, so when you show up they either randomly pair you up with someone, or you spend time switching off partners.  Since you want to take dance lessons as your date night, just make sure you'll be able to spend the time with your wife

Ya'll should have fun!  I really enjoyed taking lessons!

2006-10-19 1:54 PM
in reply to: #572875

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Expert
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Sarnia, Ontario
Subject: RE: Question for the dancers
Well,

My wife and I did this 2 years ago. We had a great time!

It was ballroom dancing. It was informal.
It was geared to couples of all ages.

I don't consider myself a good dancer by any stretch, and I still say it was just plain fun.

Ours was a beginner class, with a new dance introduced (almost) every week.
They made tapes for you to practice to, and really encouraged everyone.

We are talking about doing it again, maybe next year.

Go for it!
2006-10-19 3:15 PM
in reply to: #572875

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Crystal Lake, IL
Subject: RE: Question for the dancers

Who needs formal lessons?  Just watch Gene Gene the Dancing Machine!

Watch this video clip like you you'd watch spinervals or Abs of Steel and you'll be boogeyin' down in no time.

I loved this act.  Probably explains a lot. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACpNVD5GMUw

2006-10-19 3:34 PM
in reply to: #572875

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Veteran
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Near Salt Lake City
Subject: RE: Question for the dancers
My wife owns a dance studio so I've attended my fair share of adult classes. They're great fun. Our ballroom teacher competed professionaly and is very talented. This would be my main focus, quality of teacher and decent studio a close 2nd. wear nice clothes (not a tux or suit or even really tight pants like on TV) but slacks and a nice shirt are very appropriate. We have a lot of people come in jeans or shorts and that's ok but dress nice, dance nice, feel nice! It's a GREAT couples activity. We have 10-20 couples every week and you meet nice people and some of the dances can get the heart rate up. Have fun!


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