Archive for February, 2010

If you’ve decided you’d like just one left foot, it may be time to look into some dance lessons. But, this can be a daunting prospect for someone who does not dance. Or, for someone who may not even LIKE to dance but is being (ahem) nudged to get some lessons by someone else who feels you’re skills may be lacking. There are dozens of dance instructors in Orange County but finding that perfect match can be difficult and requires more than a yellow pages search for the biggest ad.

Here are some things to think about when choosing your dance instructor:
?    Chemistry — Do you like the person giving the dance lessons? Make sure this person is someone from whom you can take direction and whose presence you’ll enjoy each week.
?    Skill – Does this person teach people at every skill level? This is especially important if you have never taken a lesson. Your instructor will need to teach at a very different level than if he/she were teaching someone who already has some skill.
?    Modern or Classical – What types of classes does this person teach? Know exactly what type of lessons you’ll want to take and find someone who has special interest or training in that area of dance.
?    Cost – How much will lessons set you back? For some people, this is not much of a consideration. For others, expensive dance lessons can be a deal breaker. Know the instructors fees up front (the more experience, the more expensive the lessons) so that you aren’t wasting your time if you can’t swing it.
?    Practice – Will you have time to practice? If you won’t, it will take you longer to learn the moves you need to learn and may require additional instruction, which could be frustrating for you.
?    Location – Will you be willing to go out of your way after a long day of work/on the weekends for the right instructor? Be honest about this. If you’re not, you may not make it to class. Also, make sure the location you choose is open when it will be most convenient for you.

Dance instructors are not “One Size Fits All.” We all have different personalities, styles, methods and areas of expertise. And, while most instructors go out of their way to be flexible for their students, they ARE the instructors and they do the things they do for reasons which may not be immediately clear.

But, if you go into the whole process with a positive attitude and a genuine desire to learn, you’ll come away from the experience with some great skills almost guaranteed to make you the life of the party!Get Orange County Dance Lessons at Avenue 56 Dance Studios.