Teachers in Washington DC

[Natalka]

Hi Everyone!
I had a friend ask me who the best teachers are in Washington DC...for Rhythm, Latin and Smooth...
Can anyone suggest a few people?
Thanks!

[Ithink]

For all those, Ron Bennett. For latin, Igor and Polina Pilipenchuk (they're in Baltimore, about an hour from DC), Sasha Senko and Lydia Petrigova, and Nonci Tirado.

[icequeen]

Where do Senko and Petrigova teach from?

Also, any recommendations for teachers who are strong in both standard and intl latin? I have heard that I should look up Dan Calloway--any experience with him, or others in the area? I will be moving to the DC/Bethesda area, and would prefer something that I can take the metro to.

Thanks!

[Joe]

what's your level?

[Ithink]

Sasha and Lydia teach out of Du Shor (and maybe others), a studio in Bethesda, very metro-accessible. Sasha is former US Amateur 10-dancer so I suppose he can teach standard as well.

I took from Dan for about 3 years as a syllabus dancer and for syllabus he is good. However, I will caution that he does NOT put much emphasis on technique, lead/follow, etc. but more into competition-centric dancing (both leader and follow do their parts but you are often not taught how to follow or lead them and how to dance as one). He'll make you look good in competition but it'll only get you so far. While it's fun, because his way contributes to good competitive results, once we got to open we discovered we didn't really know much about dancing:( The coach we have now is the opposite and I often wonder how much better we'd be now had we taken from her the whole time we've been dancing together (7 years or so).

[icequeen]

what's your level?

I started seriously training just a few months ago (was primarily social dancer before). Am now working on silver standard/latin. I would rather have a teacher who is focused on technique; I figure I can always pick up patterns later, and in the context of group classes.

Speaking of classes, are the DuShor classes good? And what is the going rate for private instruction in the DC area? (I've been living in the midwest, where I imagine prices are perhaps lower than on the coasts.)

[Ithink]

If technique is what you want, for standard I would look at Ian Gillett who teaches out of Chevy Chase Ballroom (also next to a metro stop). For latin, I imagine both Lydia and Nonci would be good. If you want a male teacher, then Sasha.

For group classes, I would take the Chevy Chase Ballroom ones, taught by Ron Bennett. Can't imagine the instruction at Du Shor's classes would come anywhere close to those taught by Ron.

[skwiggy]

If technique is what you want, for standard I would look at Ian Gillett who teaches out of Chevy Chase Ballroom (also next to a metro stop). For standard, I imagine both Lydia and Nonci would be good. If you want a male teacher, then Nonci.

For group classes, I would take the Chevy Chase Ballroom ones, taught by Ron Bennett. Can't imagine the instruction at Du Shor's classes would come anywhere close to those taught by Ron.

I imagine this was just a mistake from posting speed, but I have to pipe in to say that Ithink probably meant to say that Lydia and Nonci would be good for Latin. And, that Nonci is a female. :p

I concur about Ron Bennett's classes. I can't imagine you'll find better instruction in a regular group class setting anywhere in the DC area. Ron is a fantastic teacher, very experienced, and very knowledgeable.

[skwiggy]

For syllabus level, you might want to look at the local university classes also. Many of them offer quality group instruction open to the general public at a very affordable rate.

Private lessons in DC can range anywhere from $40/hour to $80/45 min, and up to about $125/45 min for visiting coaches. I'd say you should expect to pay at least $70/45 minutes for the real quality instructors.

I concur about Ian Gillett being an excellent choice for Standard, very focused on technique, and metro accessible. I took from Ian for years, and learned a lot.

Nonci is great as well, specializes in Latin, and comes to the metro accessible studio with some regularity. Or at least she used to last time I checked.

[Ithink]

I'd say you should expect to pay at least $70/45 minutes for the real quality instructors.

Unless you go to your coach's house, which is very metro-inaccessible;) Only in that case can you find a very good quality coach for less than that amount:)

[Ithink]

Icequeen: now that I know your height (from the other thread) Ian is probably not the best teacher for you (I think he is a very skinny 6'3":)). When he is around (he splits his time between DC and his native Austrlia though so he wouldn't be in DC full time), Paul Huston is excellent. And, for your height, I'd take from Ron Bennett as well, for privates in addition to group classes that were mentioned above...

[Brush Tap]

If you're looking for Int'l Latin, Ariel Rad (male) is PHENOMENAL. He will take you to the very core of Latin technique- you might not get to actually "dance" much at first, but if you're technique-minded and can bear with the wait, he's absolutely fantastic. Easy to look at too!

[skwiggy]

As far as I know, Ariel usually teaches in Baltimore. So if icequeen is looking for metro accessible, he may not be an option unless he takes occasional trips down to DC.

[icequeen]

Thanks for the great advice, everybody. I'll make sure to look up the classes and instructors when I get to DC! If any of you are around and recommend social dances, etc., it would be great to meet up!

[Joe]

The best social dances are easily the Chevy Chase Ballroom College Night dances, usually 1st and 3rd Saturday. They're a little lighter in the summer when many of the local college kids are out of town, but in the fall and spring the studio can be packed. Well over 100 people.

[Twilight]

Hello everybody,

Great thread; very informative. Nobody has mentioned Silvia Beltran in this thread. What do people think about her instruction? I believe she teaches at DuShor and Alliance Dance Institute in Alexandria, VA.

Also, between Nonci and Lydia, who would be better for Latin and why? For a male dancer, would it be better to work with male or female instructor or take lessons from both? Besides Ron Bennett's group classes at Chevy Chase, what would be some other good (and worthwhile) group classes in either Latin or Standard to take in the DC metro area?

Finally, what would be the best place for adult ballet classes in the DC metro area? How about modern dance? From my research thus far, it seems like the Arlington Center for Dance would not be a bad choice.

Thank you and cheers. Keep on dancing!

[IlyZislin]

Where do Senko and Petrigova teach from?

Also, any recommendations for teachers who are strong in both standard and intl latin? I have heard that I should look up Dan Calloway--any experience with him, or others in the area? I will be moving to the DC/Bethesda area, and would prefer something that I can take the metro to.

Thanks!

If you are willing to drive up to Baltimore, Igor and Polina are 10 dance and are excellent teachers.

[IlyZislin]

Hello everybody,

Great thread; very informative. Nobody has mentioned Silvia Beltran in this thread. What do people think about her instruction? I believe she teaches at DuShor and Alliance Dance Institute in Alexandria, VA.

Also, between Nonci and Lydia, who would be better for Latin and why? For a male dancer, would it be better to work with male or female instructor or take lessons from both? Besides Ron Bennett's group classes at Chevy Chase, what would be some other good (and worthwhile) group classes in either Latin or Standard to take in the DC metro area?

Finally, what would be the best place for adult ballet classes in the DC metro area? How about modern dance? From my research thus far, it seems like the Arlington Center for Dance would not be a bad choice.

Thank you and cheers. Keep on dancing!

For group classes check out GUBDT (as was mentioned earlier), www.georgetownballroom.org

[Nik]

Du-Shor classes are very good, I have been there and watched a couple and Sasha and Lydia are VERY good and in both int. styles.

If you really want to learn dancing from people who know what they are doing, then you want to go to them.

[skwiggy]

For ballet and modern or other solo dance forms, check out joyofmotion.org.

[Mikey]

Hello everybody,

Great thread; very informative. Nobody has mentioned Silvia Beltran in this thread. What do people think about her instruction? I believe she teaches at DuShor and Alliance Dance Institute in Alexandria, VA.

Also, between Nonci and Lydia, who would be better for Latin and why? For a male dancer, would it be better to work with male or female instructor or take lessons from both? Besides Ron Bennett's group classes at Chevy Chase, what would be some other good (and worthwhile) group classes in either Latin or Standard to take in the DC metro area?

Finally, what would be the best place for adult ballet classes in the DC metro area? How about modern dance? From my research thus far, it seems like the Arlington Center for Dance would not be a bad choice.

Thank you and cheers. Keep on dancing!

I actually take lessons with Silvia Beltran and I happen to love her. I mainly focus on smooth, but I imagine she would also be fantastic for standard as well. She's very personable and knowledgable, and I find her to be an excellent teacher. I've also really enjoyed the routines I've picked up from her. I definitely recommend her.

[liangjz]

The best social dances are easily the Chevy Chase Ballroom College Night dances, usually 1st and 3rd Saturday. They're a little lighter in the summer when many of the local college kids are out of town, but in the fall and spring the studio can be packed. Well over 100 people.

I agree with Joe. That's my favorite too, but with a caveat. The room is a bit small and some people find the atmosphere intimidating(though the people there are generally friendly to everyone who walks through the door)

I often go the Promenade ballroom in Baltimore. It is somewhat out of the way for DC, but it's a huge dance floor and the atmosphere is much more laid back.

The flip side is that the music(at least in my opinion) isn't always the best and the dances can be hit or miss. The local school (UMBC) will go there almost every weekend and there are several older competitive dancers who come from time to time. All in all, it's still a lot fewer dancers. If nothing else, you get the big floor to yourself.

[latingal]

Welcome to DF Mikey!

[Joe]

Hi Mikey!

[samina]

hey mikey! :D

[fascination]

welcome...you realize of course that this begs the whole "life" cereal thing?

[samina]

of course... that's why we're luring him in... so we can create an instance to use that fabulous line... ;)

[Joe]

He's too young to understand it...

[syncopationator]

I've taken lessons from both Lydia Petrigova for latin and Olga Chekhova for standard. Both are good. Olga was Alex Senko's partner when they were amateurs and won National 10-Dance together. All three of them teach in Bethesda, MD and Fairfax, VA.

[Mikey]

welcome...you realize of course that this begs the whole "life" cereal thing?

Hi all! Thanks for the welcome!

I feel like I should make the Life cereal thing my new motto.

Joe, just because you're much older than I am, doesn't mean I don't get pop culture references. ;)

[Ithink]

"much older"... Niiice!;)

[kimV6]

Hi all! Thanks for the welcome!

I feel like I should make the Life cereal thing my new motto.

Joe, just because you're much older than I am, doesn't mean I don't get pop culture references. ;)

i can't think of a better way to start off my df life than by defending joe. he's not that much older, he's very spry for a 26-year-old ;)
although lee just pulled that card on me the other day, saying "i'm gonna feel dated here when i say this, but do you remember hot wheels?"
...we're not that much younger.

[reb]

I've taken lessons from both Lydia Petrigova for latin and Olga Chekhova for standard. Both are good. Olga was Alex Senko's partner when they were amateurs and won National 10-Dance together. All three of them teach in Bethesda, MD and Fairfax, VA.
Welcome back syncopationator!

You started a really nice thread some time ago. Glad to have you aboard.

[reb]

Hi all! Thanks for the welcome!

I feel like I should make the Life cereal thing my new motto.

Joe, just because you're much older than I am, doesn't mean I don't get pop culture references. ;)
Welcome Mikey!

Talk about perspective - since we lived it, us oldsters might not get your reference to it as pop culture!!

Unless it's really odd compared to daily life today - like watching (the old series not the movie) Starksy and Hutch stopping their car to put a dime in a pay phone to make an emergency call (of course skidding across the hood to do so).

[skwiggy]

Welcome, Mikey and Kim!

[Joe]

i can't think of a better way to start off my df life than by defending joe. he's not that much older, he's very spry for a 26-year-old ;)
Hahaha! Thanks!

[syncopationator]

Welcome back syncopationator!

You started a really nice thread some time ago. Glad to have you aboard.

Thanks. I check in pretty often to see what everyone writes, but try not to post unless I feel really strong about something.

[latingal]

Welcome to both kimV6 and syncopationator....

[euchoreo]

What are some good instructors for latin dancing in the DC area?

So far, I've taken almost exclusively from Genya Bartashevich (mainly group classes and a few private lessons)

I've had a hand full of lessons from Nonci Tirado and Ariel Rad. I've also had a couple of lessons from Polina Pilipenchuk, but that was for waltz. I was just curious what other instructors people recommend. I'm looking for an instructor to help choreograph some routines and work on specifics for technique.

Anyone have experience with Sasha (Alexander) Senko?

[Warren J. Dew]

Is Beverly Donohue still teaching or am I 20 years out of date?

[Joe]

She is, though not as much as she used to.

Euchoreo, it would help to know if you are male or female, and whether or not you have a partner. Certainly all of the people you mention are qualified. Have you tried Igor P.? Or Nik, for that matter?

[Ithink]

Lydia Petrigova, Sasha Senko's partner, I've heard is great. Polina, Nik and Igor aren't *exactly* in the DC area but if Baltimore counts, then they would be great too, I agree with Joe.

Slava and Katya Sergiev used to do 10-dance so they too would teach latin even though they are now primarily standard competitors. Again, they are in the Baltimore area though...

[chilipepper]

I take coaching from Lydia. Feel free to PM me if you'd like more information.

[emeralddancer]

Sasah (alex) Senko is great!!!!!!!!!! He is often at the studio of Polina and Igor's. (and teaches at others) But (and I could be very wrong here, so I would call him and ask.) thought he injured his foot?! (I know it has been a bit, but how recent I am not sure) Can anyone correct me? His dancing is beautiful!

[euchoreo]

She is, though not as much as she used to.

Euchoreo, it would help to know if you are male or female, and whether or not you have a partner. Certainly all of the people you mention are qualified. Have you tried Igor P.? Or Nik, for that matter?

Oh yeah.. that would help.

I'm a male with a partner. It's not that I'm unhappy with the current instructors that I'm taking lessons from. I just realized that all of the instructors that I've considered have been encountered by semi-chance and I wanted to get recommendations both to hear people's opinions and to see what instructors might be in the area that I've never even heard about.

I've never tried any lessons with Nik or Igor P.

It's certainly true that all of the instructors we're talking about are great dancers, but I'm trying to both get an idea of what all of my options are and perhaps who is good for what.

Thanks for all of your suggestions, everyone.

[Warren J. Dew]

She is, though not as much as she used to.

I think she'd make a good coach for a competing couple, then. She has an excellent competition record plus a few decades' of teaching experience since.

[syncopationator]

For me the best teachers in the area are the ladies. In latin both olga checkhova and lydia petrigova are pretty strong. Depending on what you need to work on one could be a better fit but you should try them both. If you are doing open choreography and need some flare I'd say lydia would prob be best. If you are a syllabus dancer and want to really nail down the basics and quality olga is your girl. Also they each have completely different styles of teaching... One will nurture you and one will beat you with a stick...

[njdancegirl]

Also they each have completely different styles of teaching... One will nurture you and one will beat you with a stick...

Are you being nurtured or beaten with a stick, Sync? Or do you take from both and enjoy both approaches? ;)

[euchoreo]

One will nurture you and one will beat you with a stick...

I'm almost certainly more in need of a beating with a stick than nurturing at the moment. Which one does that?

[syncopationator]

I'm almost certainly more in need of a beating with a stick than nurturing at the moment. Which one does that?

Just PM'd you

[syncopationator]

Are you being nurtured or beaten with a stick, Sync? Or do you take from both and enjoy both approaches? ;)

I am bruised and battered :)

[euchoreo]

I am bruised and battered :)

Nice...

I'd like bruised and battered over stagnant any day.

[NoDayButToday]

Sasah (alex) Senko is great!!!!!!!!!! He is often at the studio of Polina and Igor's. (and teaches at others) But (and I could be very wrong here, so I would call him and ask.) thought he injured his foot?! (I know it has been a bit, but how recent I am not sure) Can anyone correct me? His dancing is beautiful!


Where in DC does he teach? Anyone have his contact info?

[njdancegirl]

I am bruised and battered :)

Me too...wouldn't have it any other way!

[emeralddancer]

Where in DC does he teach? Anyone have his contact info?

You can always call Atlantic Ballroom. I am sure Polina or Igor can give you his contact info.

[ChaChaMama]

His phone numbers are in the directory on the ndca.org page.

[euchoreo]

I just did a search under registrants for senko and didn't find it. Am I missing something?
His phone numbers are in the directory on the ndca.org page.

[emeralddancer]

I just did a search under registrants for senko and didn't find it. Am I missing something?


just PM'd you

[anniep]

Hello Dancers!
I might be moving to the DC area in the next 6 months or so... I've been trying to research instructors in that area (I currently compete Pro/Am open gold American rhythm) Does anyone know of any reputable Pro male instructors in that area? (... and I'm really trying to avoid a large franchise studio).

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance, Annie

[fascination]

Hello Dancers!
I might be moving to the DC area in the next 6 months or so... I've been trying to research instructors in that area (I currently compete Pro/Am open gold American rhythm) Does anyone know of any reputable Pro male instructors in that area? (... and I'm really trying to avoid a large franchise studio).

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance, Annie
welcome to DF...DC area is awash in talent...amd sure the locals will be piping in shortly

[emeralddancer]

Hello Dancers!
I might be moving to the DC area in the next 6 months or so... I've been trying to research instructors in that area (I currently compete Pro/Am open gold American rhythm) Does anyone know of any reputable Pro male instructors in that area? (... and I'm really trying to avoid a large franchise studio).

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance, Annie

The Promenade - independent studio - located in Woodlawn/Security area of Baltimore approx 1/2 hour out of DC
Atlantic Ballroom (where I go) - independent studio in Towson, MD
Chevy Chase Ballroom - I believe is independant in DC
Crown Dance Studio - I believe is independant Fairfax, VA (just outside of DC)
Hollywood Ballroom - I believe is independant DC
Du-Shor Dance Studio - I believe is independant in Bethesda, MD (pretty much DC)

Do a search on here or TC will be along and pop in with said previous threads which would be a good read for you.

Also there are a ton of GREAT instructors around.

PS look on the NDCA website there is a directory there of instructors (some) in MD.
Also you can contact US Dance . org or
http:// dcdancenet.com /coaches/ <---- great resource for all DC dancing. this is the coaches page. I put space in between to deactivate the link. but here you can find, coaches, comps, ballrooms, etc .... happy hunting.

[Ithink]

Hollywood Ballroom is in Silver Spring, MD, not in DC.

There is a lot of international style dancing in DC but not a lot of American style. But I am sure that any of the latin instructors here can teach American rhythm since it's looking more and more like latin these days anyway. Slava Sergiev, Sasha Senko, Genya Bartashevich, Igor and Nikolai Pilipenchuk, Garry Gekhman and Gonzalo Zambrana all do or have done pro/am before so you can get in touch with one of them when ready... One or more of them may have even competed pro/am in rhythm.

One currently competing American style couple that is somewhat in the area (I think they are somewhere in VA) are John and Leisa Howard.

[suburbaknght]

Joe and Leisa Howard are fantastic, but they're Arthur Murray (actually the AM dance directors for the region). They train a top notch staff and run many of the classes themselves, but I don't know if either has any room left for new private students, and even by pro-am standards, AM is pricey.

[latingal]

Welcome to DF anniep!

[Joe]

I don't know if Corey von Ginkel does pro/am Rhythm, but I know he does pro Smooth.

[Peaches]

I'm pretty sure he does.

[elisedance]

:oops: just replied to a post from eons ago... please pass me by...

[fascination]

corey may be on facebook for anyone interested

[anniep]

:)Thanks so much for the responses everyone...