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Lesson Information
Generally in learning anything an individual is introduced to material. The material is then taught and learned. This is typically where the light bulb turns on. Finally the material must be reviewed. In our studio we utilize the introduce/teach/review method with our group lessons, private lessons, and practice party lessons.
Group lessons
These were designed to reduce the cost of lessons by teaching certain aspects of dancing to a group of students at one time. A regular schedule of Group Lessons is maintained to cover every level of dancing advancement as well as each of the dances.
Benefits of a group class
1. Competition – Students see others who started at the same time they did progressing rapidly and will themselves strive harder to learn.
2. Meet People – In addition to making more friends and expanding their social life, students are able to see for themselves the learning problems of others and are thus better able to understand their own.
3. Variety of Teachers – While all instructors teach the same curriculum, they differ in personality, individual flair for the different dances, and manner of expressing. Students should have the benefit of this variety to help them develop their own dancing personality and to help avoid over-dependency on one teacher.
4. Balance – A person who cannot dance alone cannot dance lightly and easily with a partner. It would be impossible to find a better way to develop a dancer’s balance than is offered in Group Lessons.
5. Confidence – When students see themselves able to perform the step patterns on their own, they acquire confidence because they know what they are doing.
Private Lessons
While Group lessons offer many advantages, the value and necessity of the personal attention given through the Individual Lesson is essential and cannot be minimized. Group lessons provide the mechanics of dancing, but the artistry of dancing is perfected during the individual lesson.
Benefits of a Private Lesson
1. Perfect and Polish – The step patterns and styling points taught at previously attended Group Lessons are given finish and polish. Questions are answered so students will have a true understanding of material covered.
2. Combinations – Learning to combine new step patterns with previous knowledge makes for usable variety.
3. Continuity – A flowing line of movements creates an attractive picture. Students should be prepared for quick stops and sudden changes of direction without breaking continuity.
4. Secrets of Leading and Following – These are important abilities and are taught under actual dance floor conditions.
5. Feel for Music and Dancing – Freedom of expression and styling avoid a mechanical appearance.
Practice Parties
The school parties and practice sessions are the ideal place for a student to test his new dance steps with partners other than his teacher. It is here that the student first begins to feel like a dancer – that he is having fun with his dancing and is gaining new confidence. Demonstrations by students are highlighted. The purpose of parties and practice sessions is to allow you to use your dancing and help you practice and develop the dances you have already learned.
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