Make our boogie better!

August 5, 2007 11:37 AM

Looking for some recommendations for dance classes in NYC.

We've both got rhythm and aren't shy on the dance floor, but don't know any of the major dances, so our creativity tends to peter out. I'm also a lousy lead. Does anyone have any first-hand experiences/recommendations?

What's preferable:
- Group classes
- "Good" > "Cheap"
- Covers a few different styles
- Tends towards couples over singles

What's not preferable:
- Super-basics. We can step in time, so I don't want endless drilling in rhythm.
- Emphasis on waltz over Latin.

Thanks!

posted by mkultra to sports, hobbies, & recreation (4 comments total)

Sorry, just to be clear, you're looking for ballroom classes? I know 2 great dance studios but not for ballroom.
posted by spec80 at 11:53 AM on August 5, 2007

Yes, ballroom. No jazz/tap/show/modern.
posted by mkultra at 11:57 AM on August 5, 2007

I am not in New York, and can't help you with specific studio recommendations, but just some advice:

If you want to learn ballroom dancing, you wouldn't do it very well in a group class setting. Most Ballroom studios teach a majority of their lessons through private lessons (for couples or single persons) and then group classes just supplement what you learn in your private lessons. Beginner ballroom group classes would be very very basic, and probably quite frustrating given that you don't want a super basic class!

What you want to look for then, is a "social" ballroom studio, as opposed to a "competitive" one - ie, they teach ballroom dancing for social dance purposes, and probably have heaps of social events you can attend to practice your moves and get your boogie on. Privates are good, they allow you to get better at your own pace and over more ground quickly if you pick up quick.

A lot of ballroom studios tend to hire novices to teach beginner dancers/new students. Ensure this is not your case by going into the studio a couple of times and noting who the good teachers are, and request to be taught by them. Don't let yourself get bullied into "packages" or doing medals (exams). They are unnecessary if all you want to do is learn to dance with your partner!

I know you said no latin, but the street latin dances tend to have more relaxed social group classes as well as plenty of social events/clubs to attend for boogying, in particular salsa. New York is one of the best places to attend salsa classes, and many many ballroom dancers eventually find that salsa gives them the relaxed/social nature of the sport they were seeking.

If you are a lousy lead, definitely practice with AS MANY PEOPLE as you can. Don't limit your dancing to with your SO/dance partner. It's the only way you'll start to know what works and what doesn't, as dancing with only one partner gives you a very limited view of how you should be leading.

Also, know that when you say you want ballroom lessons, you are referring to a plethora of dances - foxtrot, waltz, quickstep etc. You will probably be taught all of those.

I doubt any of this actually answered your question, but thought some added info may help you in your search. Go online and do a google search for listings of studios and classes available - i can help you with plenty of recommendations for salsa classes in NY but not ballroom.

Most studios allow you to come in for a complimentary lesson anyway to get a feel for the style of the studio, don't give up till you've found a studio you feel comfortable at!
posted by miz brown at 7:56 PM on August 5, 2007

Thanks for the info, miz brown. I am actually looking for more Latin than "classic" (not sure how it technically is termed) ballroom stuff like waltz and foxtrot- something that would be more applicable to the places we'd fid ourselves rather than Aunt Ethel's cotillion.
posted by mkultra at 9:01 AM on August 6, 2007