FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My initial quotes are based upon the information provided by clients in their original requests. These quotes are primarily for a single lesson or for an introductory special which includes two 45-minute lessons. Currently, my Introduction to Dance Package is $99 for two 45-lessons. After students have completed their introduction, I offer a variety of dance packages which are discounted based upon the number of lessons purchased by the students. I also offer a special Wedding Dance discount. I prefer the introductory package for new students as it allows me to introduce a variety of dances during the first two lessons. This template is also a little less intimidating in the beginning, especially for the new student who might be hesitant, for whatever reason, to begin learning to dance. I'm also happy to customize any lesson and I'll do my very best to help the students to accomplish their dancing goals.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I'll meet the student(s) at the studio and briefly discuss with them their goals for learning to dance. We start with very elementary movements and, once the student has mastered those elements, we begin building the dance patterns he/she/they will be using in the various dances. If the students know the type of dance they want to learn (i.e. Swing dancing, Salsa, Country & Western) then we make a plan and start working on that dance. If a student is simply interested in becoming a comfortable social dancers, then we'll begin working right away to reach that goal. For wedding couples, I have written a questionnaire which gives me the information I need to get you on the dance floor and working on your wedding dance right away. If my students need guidance in finding music, I can make suggestions. If you've already chosen a song, I am able to tell you what dance best fits your music selection. We'll talk about everything related to the dancing you'll be doing at your wedding reception, including what the bride and groom will be wearing, the dimensions of the dance floor, etc. We discuss what we'll be doing in our lessons. For example: Do you want me to choreograph your entire dance? Or maybe you'd like a few simple patterns to get around the dance floor? Will you be dancing with parents or will members of the wedding party be joining you later on the dance floor? Just let me know what you want and I'll do my very best to make it happen for you on your big day. When teaching a group class, I'll take some time to chat during the first lesson. I want to be sure everyone immediately starts to feel at ease in the studio. It's important that each student feels comfortable dancing with other people in the class and so my teaching method is designed to get everyone laughing and having fun as quickly as possible. I tell everyone what we're going to be dancing and then I demonstrate both the leader's part and the follower's part. I repeat the dance patterns or movements many times, until I'm sure everyone in the class is ready to move on to the next dance step. My teaching style, my teaching passion, is to make all of my students feel comfortable, safe, and happy with whatever dancing they are learning. Making dance FUN and EASY aren't simply buzz words, that's my mission statement as well.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've been a classical ballet student, performer, choreographer, and instructor since childhood. I studied classical ballet and musical theater at West Texas A&M University. I've also studied and performed in Japan, Russia, Denmark and many other countries. I've owned a studio and dance business since 1999 and have trained many professional dance instructors to teach all forms of ballet and social dancing. I'm nationally certified to teach classical ballet and ballroom dancing. I continue to study on my own and with dance instructors and coaches in many different dance styles. I think it's crucial for dance teachers to be current with whatever is happening in the dance world. And it's fun to learn new moves and techniques.