Learning Choices

Learning Choices

It’s not always an easy decision to make. Do you want to learn around like-minded people, or is that intimidating?

Is it better to learn at your own pace, or benefit from the questions others ask?

No matter what you decide to do, it helps to know what each side brings to the dance floor.

Group Classes

The Pros.
Welcome to a friendly environment of dance enthusiasts! At an affordable rate and with plenty of chances to make friends, groups certainly are an appealing way to learn. Especially good if you have trouble motivating yourself to practice at home.

The Cons.
It may be friendly, but it may also be intimidating – who likes making a misstep in front of your peers? Plus you certainly can’t count on the lesson going at your speed, or targeting the steps you want to work on. Hopefully the class is on at a convenient time for you, because that’s not going to change either.

What you can do about it:

1. Ask questions! It allows the instructor to add more detail which can help you, not to mention those too shy to speak up.
2. Practice the technique you know. You might have done the rumba box 10 years ago, but I guarantee you can still improve how you do it.
3. If you can, talk to the instructor after class or just before. Often, this is your best chance to get a few extra tips to practice in between classes.

Private Lessons

The Pros.
It’s as personalized as you could want: YOUR dance goals, taught the way YOU want, at YOUR pace. Not to mention on a flexible schedule – no having to change your weekly plans to make dancing ‘fit’.

Plus, you can always count on your teacher to spot those bad habits in your technique and correct them before they get too ingrained. Dance with a Partner and halve the cost.

The Cons.
Private lessons aren’t cheap, so make sure you get all the value you can from them. Also, some people don’t like being the centre of attention – although a patient instructor can be a great way to get past that.

What you can do about it:

1. Figure out what you want to accomplish before you come in. The more you tell your instructor, the more they can help you.
2. Speak up! If you want to spend more time on a step, if you prefer a new step instead of drilling technique, let your instructor know. At least give them an opportunity to explain why their method will help you.
3. Be discerning. If an instructor isn’t willing to listen to you and doesn’t explain their own reasoning, find someone else. You aren’t paying a premium to get a one-size-fits-all teaching approach.

Sometimes, combining the two will help your dancing immensely. You can also add personal practicing and do more dancing at socials.

Remember, any additional time spend on the dance floor will only improve you skill and make you a better dancer.

Happy Dancing!