Private Lesson

[yoyao]

how many private lesson do you guys take? it cost like 65 bucks per hour in my area, and defintely not something I can afford :cry: I try to take the group lesson but seems it is really hard to find the intermediate Waltz or other dance I want...so it is a big problem, how do you guys practice and learn?

[Sagitta]

I don't take that many private lessons either!! It takes longer, that way but it still works out.

How to learn if there aren't classes in your area? Find a dance partner and practice with them. Use videos, or FREE video clips from the web... If you cannot get a partner then practice by yourself. Visualize what you learn, write down how you are supposed to be carrying out your moves...(I learnt the reverse turn in waltz by myself. When it came time to dance with someone it wasn't that hard.) Then find likeminded people and have dance parties. Or if you cannot do that then figure out where you can sneak in those dances. For instance at the end of almost every contra dance there is a waltz or two!! No ballroom dances? Then make sure you are at a contra dance at the end, and you will get a waltz!

[twodance]

Easy, buy some tapes from Dance Vision and learn the step patterns only. On the Dance Vision web site is a list of teachers who teach their syllabus. Set up lessons to learn how to lead or follow the steps and for styling. Half the time on lessons are for learning the patterns. This way you only take lessons when you need them.

[tasche]

Where abouts are you located? Maybe someone here knows some classes you haven't heard about. I take one a week and pay the same as you. Planning to up to two in the new year but still take 2 group classes per week

[KevinL]

how many private lesson do you guys take? it cost like 65 bucks per hour in my area, and defintely not something I can afford :cry: I try to take the group lesson but seems it is really hard to find the intermediate Waltz or other dance I want...so it is a big problem, how do you guys practice and learn?

I don't take private lessons presently because I am (unfortunately) one of the better dancers in the area, and the other local teachers aren't far enough ahead of me. However, when I was living in SF I would usually take a private lesson each week, for about $60/hour.

As an easy answer, keep taking the group classes, and work on technique and lead/ follow with the basic steps. That way you are at least dancing, and can ask the teacher questions. I would hope they would answer your more technical questions without putting the real newbies at a disadvantage.


I don't take that many private lessons either!! It takes longer, that way but it still works out.

How to learn if there aren't classes in your area? Find a dance partner and practice with them. Use videos, or FREE video clips from the web... If you cannot get a partner then practice by yourself. Visualize what you learn, write down how you are supposed to be carrying out your moves...(I learnt the reverse turn in waltz by myself. When it came time to dance with someone it wasn't that hard.) Then find likeminded people and have dance parties. Or if you cannot do that then figure out where you can sneak in those dances. For instance at the end of almost every contra dance there is a waltz or two!! No ballroom dances? Then make sure you are at a contra dance at the end, and you will get a waltz!

Yes, yes, yes. Do everything you can to dance where you are presently. Really dedicated? Contact www.USABDA.org and find out about starting a chapter in your area.

I may be going to a contra dance tonight...


Easy, buy some tapes from Dance Vision and learn the step patterns only. On the Dance Vision web site is a list of teachers who teach their syllabus. Set up lessons to learn how to lead or follow the steps and for styling. Half the time on lessons are for learning the patterns. This way you only take lessons when you need them.

www.dancevision.com videos usually cost ~$49 but they also sell instructor manuals associated with those videos for ~$59. The manuals cover the patterns in much more detail than you will think necessary at first, but are very good in conjunction with the videotapes. You may need someone to explain the terminology when you first get the manual, though.

I'm certified through DanceVision, so I teach that syllabus. At least one couple of my students bought the mauals and videos, and a few other people have thought about it. I have heard the one couple who has the manual telling other people that the videos, manuals, and live instruction together make learning much easier. The videos and manuals are available for review all the time, and anything they can't figure out from that they can ask in class.


Where abouts are you located? Maybe someone here knows some classes you haven't heard about.

Yes, where are you located, people on this forum seem to be very helpful, 8^).

Check www.usabda.org for local chapters and teachers.
Check www.dancevision.com for teachers.
Check www.ballroomdancers.com for teachers.

There must be other places that list teachers online? Anyone?

Kevin

[msc]

I take one per week. I wouldn't mind taking more, but unfortunately my instructor's time is limited. Actually, I haven't had a lesson in over a month due to her travel, my travel, and the flu.

[pygmalion]

Hope you're feeling better, msc.

I take two 1.5 hour lessons per week. More than that would be too much, with my current coach. It's a good balance for me. The lessons are far enough apart for me to practice suuficiently, but close enough together that I don't forget everything in between.

It is expensive, but I think it's worth it.

[yoyao]

how much u guys spend on dancing alone!!! :shock: :shock: :shock:

[Sagitta]

If you are referring to going out dancing -- not lessons, apparel etc -- not that much. I always go to the free dances, as I cannot afford much on what I make, after group lessons, shoes...other non-dance expenses... :? However, with the occasional drink and a couple cover charge dances a month, $50, maybe?

[pygmalion]

$50 a month? Huh? Are there a lot of freee dances where you are? Sponsored by the university and such?

[yoyao]

ok guys, I just got back from a trip to Italy, it was fun! anyway, school started again, and I am back to UK. I am planning to take some private lession here after I found out that a private lession here cost is around 20 ponds per hour! it still expensive consider the pond to dollars is about 1 to 2 now, but hey! it is half of the price compare to the state (around 70 bucks) and I can see my partner pretty often this way :)

[Sagitta]

$50 a month? Huh? Are there a lot of freee dances where you are? Sponsored by the university and such?

I go to all the free dances. One social dance party the first Friday of each month. Salsa nights every Tuesday at common ground don't have a cover charge. Thursday I just practice rueda with a group of people. I actually have started attending more of the cover charge events now, usually going out after the event to a 24 hour joint for breakfast etc. This combination is sure to up my original amount.

[Adwiz]

Nothing can compare to private lessons, so even if you can only afford one per month or so it is worth the expense. You'll learn so many details that can't be seen or covered in videos, because they will relate specifically to things you personally need to improve. For example, in a recent Waltz lesson, my instructor noticed that I wasn't properly on my toe at the end of the first part of a natural turn. I had never even thought about this, but by not being on the toe early enough it robbed me of power for the rise. Little things like that are worth their weight in gold.

I take at least two private lessons per week, either one hour or 1.5 hours each depending on how close to a competition we are. One is for standard with an instructor who specializes in International Standard dances, the other is for Latin with an instructor who very recently left competition to become pro. I love his energy for teaching, and the very current styling details he is able to provide.

[tsb]

Nothing can compare to private lessons, so even if you can only afford one per month or so it is worth the expense.

agreed; it often turns out that more instruction can be gained in one private than in a series of group lessons that cost the same amount. my instructor also allowed me to videotape lessons which gave me something to go back & review. some instructors have the same rate for singles vs. couple. if you have a regular practice partner you could possibly split the expense and improve the benefit ratio further.

[pygmalion]

I agree, tsb. Actually, I think of group lessons only as practice sessions these days, and use them to practice the things I learn in my private lessons.

[dancin_feet]

I am currently taking 1 x 45 minute private lesson a week as with my performance training and rehearsals I am doing, that is all that I can afford. Would really love to be doing 2 a week at the moment, but, that's life.

I find them invaluable for technique and the finer points of my dancing. My advice would be if you can afford 1 a month, do it, and practice practice practice everything you learn in that lesson for the month so that you don't lose it.

[pygmalion]

I'm considering finding a coach for International Latin/American rhythm, and there's no one suitable (read excellent) nearby.

Does anybody here commute long distances for dance lessons? I'm considering finding a coach in South Florida (about a 3.5 - 4 hour drive) and taking long lessons every 3 to 4 weeks.

Advice, anyone?

[Sagitta]

3.5-4 hours is quite a drive!! I know of teachers who drive 1-2 hours to teach salsa? I haven't heard of a person going as far as you're planning to, in my area, though. If it's a long lesson every 3/4 weeks it might be something that I would consider doing, though. :)

[pygmalion]

The teacher my styling coach recommends is her former pro partner, and man! can he dance. The only problem is that he doesn't teach in this area anymore, ad he's a 3.5 hour drive away.

But, if I've learned nothing else in the past couple weeks, it's that I want to hold out for the best teacher I can possibly get. Why settle for tier two or three, when for a little extra effort (or money LOL), you can have one of the best? For a social dancer, the distinction might not be that important, but for a competitive dancer, especially a perfectionist like me, it becomes very important.

It's great if your coach has studied with the best dancers in the U.S. It's a whole different ball of wax when your coach IS one of the best dancers in the U.S. So if they're both accessible, then why not? No arrogance here, and no intent to waste the great coach's time. Just a desire to be the best dancer I can, as soon as I can. *shrug*

[Sagitta]

That's great Pygmalion!! :D :cheers:

[dancing_moogle]

OK, I got a question. From which do you get most benefit - when you take private lessons with a partner OR just with the teacher alone?

I usually aim to take private lessons every week, except when I'm going outta town for work (or just work in general). And I agree with pygmalion that it's very expensive, but very well worth it if you wanna learn something. But based on my partnerless state, it makes me feel like my private lessons are a waste of time/money, which is something I really feel bad about. :(

Is it just me or does anyone here have the same problem as mine?

[Sagitta]

If you take a lessons with a partner you can share the costs. I think that is the biggest benefit, (from the perspective of a social dancer). Right now I find it too much of a hassle, so I've taken various private lessons alone. I thought these were worthwhile. :)

[yoyao]

Pygmalion, wow, driving 3 to 4 hours just for a lession! u are the utlimate hardcore dancer out there :shock: but I do agree with you, a good instructor is very important. but that is just too far!!! ma, I am sure one day, I will see in one of the professional dance competition.. maybe in blackpool? I am going there this yr, not to compete, but just as an audience :) ok, as for dancing_moogle's question, me too will go to private lession alone, since my partner would not go with me! I don't know what is her problem, every time when I asked her to go to a lession or go out :D she would say Yes, and then ignore me later with some lame excuse. well, maybe some girls out there can help....It just really frustrate me..and I guess I will have to move on. :(

[dancing_moogle]

Pygmalion, wow, driving 3 to 4 hours just for a lession! u are the utlimate hardcore dancer out there :shock: but I do agree with you, a good instructor is very important. but that is just too far!!! ma, I am sure one day, I will see in one of the professional dance competition.. maybe in blackpool? I am going there this yr, not to compete, but just as an audience :) ok, as for dancing_moogle's question, me too will go to private lession alone, since my partner would not go with me! I don't know what is her problem, every time when I asked her to go to a lession or go out :D she would say Yes, and then ignore me later with some lame excuse. well, maybe some girls out there can help....It just really frustrate me..and I guess I will have to move on. :(

Hehe, I wouldn't commute so far to take lessons (group or private). But I'll certainly go far to social dance so I can get away from the city.

yoyao, maybe your partner is selective when she teams up with someone. I know this because I'm kinda like that too, but I understand why it's frustrating. And actually for me, some guys would turn down my invitation to go dancing. *groans* :evil:

Good luck and I hope things change for you and your partner! :)

[pygmalion]

Of course, I'm going to check and ask around for an excellent coach closer. If I don't have to drive three or four hours, I'd prefer not to. But my standards for coaches is way, way up, so chances are, I'm going to have to sacrifice a little more. *shrug* That's the way it goes.

[dancin_feet]

I only have private lessons with my instructor as I don't have a dance partner. But for me that is better because I am interested in MY dancing, not my dancing with someone else. Not really interested in comp and I want to move at my pace, not be held back or hold someone else back because one of us can't get it right.

[yoyao]

Of course, I'm going to check and ask around for an excellent coach closer. If I don't have to drive three or four hours, I'd prefer not to. But my standards for coaches is way, way up, so chances are, I'm going to have to sacrifice a little more. *shrug* That's the way it goes.

thinking about reloacate?

[yoyao]

by the way, do u think if it is ok if I start to ask another girl to go to the private lession. sounds sily, but since I need a partner to practice and I can't get that with my current one...

[pygmalion]

Relocation is a good suggestion, but I probably won't since I just found (thanks Dancing Mommy) a great smooth coach relatively nearby. But you never know. I'll keep my options open for the future.

And when it comes to taking couple lessons, I know a lot of people who do. It seems to work for them, other than an occasional squabble. *shrug*

[pygmalion]

I talked to my styling coach today. As it so happens, the Latin coach she recommends comes to my area, every so often. So there's no reason why I can't start studying with him, whenever he's in my area. That will cut down on my driving time considerably. I can always videotape lessons, email or call him for consultations. This guy is good.

My bottom line: Do whatever you have to, to get a good teacher.

[_ruskitantzor_]

in my area its 50 bucks per couple or alone, i take 3 privates a week plus 5 group classes a week

[dancing_moogle]

Here's another thing I've thought about (and I hope I'm not the only one thinking this :oops: ). I know many dancers are taking private lessons to prep for a competition. But do any of you take private lessons just to have practice, esp. if you have no partner to dance/compete with?

So far that's all I've been doing when I'm taking lessons. It's quite expensive, but again, I like to learn as I'm taking more and more lessons.

[Sagitta]

Have you considered using social dances for practice? Just yesterday night I tried out ne cha cha moves I learnt from video clips at a ballroom/Latin dance. The ones that worked well I used throughout the night, but then there were some that I realized I didn't know as well as I thought. So, I abandoned those and will work on them more. Takes a little longer, but it is cheaper. There also is something rewarding about breaking a move down, focusing on different aspects and putting it together again, entirely by oneself. :D

I use privates and group classes for different purposes. I don't compete at all and so both are for solely my benefit and improving my social dancing. I use privates to improve on my technique and group classes for general practice/learning new moves etc. While I work on technique during group classes I find that the instructor cannot give me the same level of attention that I get in privates, and that does make a difference. :)

[SDsalsaguy]

Have you considered using social dances for practice?
My old partner and I did that last weekend at the monthly USABDA dance... In three weeks we're going to reprise our old Rhythm routines and, not having practiced or competed in close to two years now, we ended up working out a lot of our old materials.

[pygmalion]

Hmm. How does that work -- I mean, practicing comp routines at a social dance? I guess it should be fine unless you're doing something huge or something dangerous. Sounds like a good idea. I'll do that, if I ever get a comp routine together again. :oops: :lol:

[SDsalsaguy]

We went to the far side of the floor, made sure we were out of everyone's way, and just did our thing. Anytime we got close to those social dancing we just toned down what we were doing, more to just mark the choregography than try and dance it all out.

Didn't seem to be a problem... but there was also room for us to do this.

[yoyao]

just had my frist private lession! it is totally awsome! I learned more in one hour than 3 month! but the girl I went wasn't my partner..since my partner is not going w me :( but the private lession totoally kick ass!!!! deifiently will do it again in the future!!!

[pygmalion]

Cool. :D Now do you see why I'm hooked? :wink: :D

[yoyao]

Cool. :D Now do you see why I'm hooked? :wink: :D

it is a expensive habbit

[pygmalion]

No fooling! Time to get a second job. LOL. :lol: