How much do you dance per week?

[Peaches]

OK, guys, help me out here, please. This question is for a project in a stats class I'm taking.

In an average week, how many hours do you spend dancing (rounded to the nearest hour)? Include: lessons, group classes, practicing, social dances, competition. (Did I miss anything, lol?)

Thanks in advance!

Edit to add: I need at least 50 responses, so...PLEASE RESPOND!!! :-D

[dldbm]

15 hours

[madmaximus]

22ish




m

[DrDoug]

10

[samina]

9 in a good week

[danceronice]

11-12 depending on several variables (sometimes I practice longer, sometimes I leave the party early, etc.)

[ThisIsNotMe]

about 12, in the average week. I think.

[Chiron]

12

[jwlinson]

14

[fascination]

uh...never less than 8...rarely more than 20

[elisedance]

9

[timbp]

Typical week: 11 hours
This week: 4 hours (maybe a bit more; I'm not sure how much dancing I will do on Saturday).

What is your course about?
I'm currently studying stats myself. My next assignment is looking at the Shipman (UK doctor/serial killer) data, and writing a report on whether he could have been detected earlier by statistical process control.

Tim

[bordertangoman]

Varies; 5-7 normally but say in the past month its probably totalled 37

[Peaches]

Typical week: 11 hours
This week: 4 hours (maybe a bit more; I'm not sure how much dancing I will do on Saturday).

What is your course about?
I'm currently studying stats myself. My next assignment is looking at the Shipman (UK doctor/serial killer) data, and writing a report on whether he could have been detected earlier by statistical process control.

TimB.S. basic stats class that I'm taking, b/c it's been so long since I've had stats that I don't remember it, and I need to take the classes after this one (econometrics and regression stuff and blah blah blah) for work. Unfortunately, this class isn't really doing what I need it to do. Thank goodness I have my old textbooks.

[bordertangoman]

B.S. basic stats class that I'm taking, b/c it's been so long since I've had stats that I don't remember it, and I need to take the classes after this one (econometrics and regression stuff and blah blah blah) for work. Unfortunately, this class isn't really doing what I need it to do. Thank goodness I have my old textbooks.

I seem to remember something about taking billiard balls out of bags and Gaussian Curves,
yet stats fails to take into account Sods Law and the argument that if there is a prize behind one of three doors and you pick one of the others then if one is opened the chances of you winning is improved if change your choice to the other remaining door.

Baffling :confused:
Our maths teacher was a psychopath; if you did something wrong he used to slam his hand down on a desk and shout "NO!" so loud that you could hear him three classrooms away.

I once impressed him by solving an A level question with O level maths.

Obviously I should have been studying dance not maths but such are the whimes of the Fates

[Peaches]

Lol. And to think that I actually like stats.

I was looking something up online the other day, and was half excited, half depressed to run across a particular word (heteroskedasticity). Excited b/c it rang bells and I remember learning that in school, half derpressed b/c I didn't remember what it was.

It's just sad b/c this class is being taught so poorly.

[Joe]

Not enough. That is to say, about 7.

[WorksForShoes]

Average of 8; good week or pre-comp, more like 10-12.

[JEM]

Typical week 12 hours

[Purr]

I'm going to say 10 on average; however, that's highly variable.

[cornutt]

Right now, only about 5.

[Purr]

B.S. basic stats class that I'm taking, b/c it's been so long since I've had stats that I don't remember it, and I need to take the classes after this one (econometrics and regression stuff and blah blah blah) for work. Unfortunately, this class isn't really doing what I need it to do. Thank goodness I have my old textbooks.

I took econometrics when I was a senior in college. There were only 4 of us in the class, which was taught was an professor originally from India, who was one of the smartest people I ever met. We used SAS software for our assignments. That class was a blast.

[etp777]

6 or 7 hours before I left.

[nucat78]

9 usually.

[Gorme]

I seem to be on the extreme end here, but I spend ... 28 hours. :shock: I'm a really slow learner.

[Gumby]

Average 15

[NielsenE]

Average: 15

[elisedance]

I seem to be on the extreme end here, but I spend ... 28 hours. :shock: I'm a really slow learner.


:)

Are you a pro?, semi-pro? Or do you just happen to have a dance studio in your basement... :envy:

[etp777]

whatever the answer, I'm jealous. :)

[Zhena]

8 normally. More for parties and events.

[Gorme]

:)

Are you a pro?, semi-pro? Or do you just happen to have a dance studio in your basement... :envy:

Far from it. I'm a social dancer who goes to a studio in the evenings where there is some kind of lesson, class, or party going on every day. As a private student, I don't pay for floor fees. I also assist in group class so I don't pay for social parties.

[elisedance]

Hmmm. Still envy!

[DizzyDancer]

15 or so. I think it's easier for partiers to rack up the hours.

[skwiggy]

About 7.

[Peaches]

About 7.Kinda figured that would be the case. ;-)

[anp73ga31]

5 hrs a week on average (would like for it to be more, but hey, you work with what you've got!)

[skwiggy]

Kinda figured that would be the case. ;-)

Just trying to give you more data points. :cool:

[Peaches]

Just trying to give you more data points. :cool:Thank you. All are appreciated. (And it's better than the alternative, I suppose.)

[Stagekat]

Most weeks, phisically working on dance is about 5 hours. If I'm lucky I can get it up to 7.

If only I could actually work on the dancing as much as I think about working on the dancing... :)

[bordertangoman]

what about watching dance live shows or youtube?
or teaching?

[TangoTricia]

the answer for me appears to be 24hrs. This is somewhat of a surprise, so in the best tradition of maths. classes I have set out my working below. It represents my regular schedule, for weeks when i don't miss anything, for example, easter holidays meant last night's lesson was cancelled and we had a practice instead, but in general this is what my Tango week looks like. It also exclused the hours i spend at a pc listening to music, reading about other peoples experience and dreaming, going through last night's tango in my head.

subtotal: 5hr classes + 3hr practice + 8 hrs milonga

tuesday 1hr class, 2.5 hrs milonga
weds 2hr practice
thurs 2hr class
fri 1hr class, 2.5 hrs milonga
sat 4hr workshops, 3 hr milonga
sun 1hr class 1hr practice

[Peaches]

what about watching dance live shows or youtube?
or teaching?Teaching, yes. Watching, no.

[bordertangoman]

Watching, no.

Damn! then I suppose that rules out thinking and dreaming about dancing too ;)

[Peaches]

Damn! then I suppose that rules out thinking and dreaming about dancing too ;)And posting on D-F about dancing! :-)

[Keemum]

12 is probably the average for me and my wife

Keemum

[elisedance]

Damn! then I suppose that rules out thinking and dreaming about dancing too ;)

I see you found the new thread on this. We are going to upgrade dreaming and sleeping to dance forms...

[bordertangoman]

I see you found the new thread on this. We are going to upgrade dreaming and sleeping to dance forms...

I would like a pay-as-you-go live webcab into my brain then you could all see how scary and weird it really is when I'm dreaming ( and I could earn some extra cash on the side)

[BM]

14? That sounds about right, I think.

[Debra]

About 5 for the present.

[reb]

Average dancing time in studios, at comps = 10 hours/week.

[fire_dancer]

Lately I'm dancing around 15-20 hours a week at the studio. For most competitors, at least 10 per week seems to be mandatory. :)

[Stillharbor]

16ish hours

[WaltzElf]

I’m sure this topic has been done before, but it only just struck me recently just how much training I’ve been doing the last few months.

3 hours a day, every day. 4/day weekends. That’s 23 hours a week, not including fitness at gym and such. Over half that time is in lessons, but still.

On the plus side I’m definately noticing a massive improvement in my dancing. Just as well considering we’re shooting for the big leagues now.

So how much training do you all do?

[Easy]

I was that way in the beginning...now I teach 7 to 12 hours a day. It's a long week.

I really didn't want to get into how much I put into my dancing, but I did want to tell you to keep it up as much as you can. Putting more time and effort into your dancing in the beginning just improves everything exponentially...I hope I used that word correctly...I'm not a big word person :) Many people spend more time and money over a longer period of time achieving less results, because they look at the length of time factor(spreading it out) as opposed to the results factor. They might spend more time and money over a longer period of time, but you'll be in one year where they'll be in five years...if they ever get there.

[WaltzElf]

Well, I’m pretty close to achieving what I wanted to in dancing now. I qualify to compete in open amateur in two styles, and are very close in the third. From there it’s just a matter of working up to the point where I’m a finalist in opens championships.

The amount I’ve improved in the last 3 months, where I’ve really ramped up my training, compared to the 9 months previous, when I started taking the sport seriously, to the year before where I took up dancing for the first time is amazing. I literally don’t recognise myself in the mirror any more, so yeah, I’m over the moon (as sore as I get at times).

Thanks for the kind words though. The more I dance the more I realise I really do live for it, so there’s no chance in cutting back the amount of work I do any time soon. If anything I'm looking for ways to extend my training further at the moment.

[Easy]

COOL!!! Go get em' tiger :)

[samina]

Sounds great, waltzelf...happy for you. Sounds like your star is rising. :)

I currently don't invest nearly the time I would like to with my dancing, but I hope that will change soon. My work location, schedule, and the fact that I don't live near a practice space all factor in. Am hoping I will be able to change each of those factors soon.

But for now, I train twice a week for a couple hours at the studio, and generally get in at least one evening of social dancing. Another 1-2 evenings involves formal fitness training, plus whatever I can squeeze in on my own.

Three hours a day sounds dreamy to me...

[QPO]

Yes, I think you put in what you can, as life tends to get in the way. We have a lesson on a Wednesday that is 1/2hr latin 1/2hr new vogue 1/2hr modern. We get there early to practice and then after the class dance for another hour. On a Friday dance from 7.30-10.30 (no lesson) and always dance somewhere on a Saturday night. We have a private lesson on a Saturday and practice after. So we get the dancing and not so much instruction, but I consider it practice as we always try to do our best. My husband current studies and the time that takes is massive, so once that is finished we will look at our dancing and see what we want to do with it. For now we enjoy it. If you are dancing three hours a day, you must see a huge improvement :-) Good Luck to you.

[Joe]

WTH, you take 12 hours of lessons a week? Are you doing Pro/Am or something?

[WaltzElf]

WTH, you take 12 hours of lessons a week? Are you doing Pro/Am or something?

If not more.. 5 hours worth of group classes, 3-4 hours lessons with my comp partner, another 2 hours with my show dance partner, and 4 hours by myself.

So actually closer to 14-15.

Definately not doing Pro Am. Pro Am means nothing in Australia (there's only a handful of comps for it and it's more for the people who are not yet up to beginners amateur competition but want to give it a go, so their teacher takes them through it).

Amateur all the way.


If you are dancing three hours a day, you must see a huge improvement

It's an exponential thing too. When I was only dancing a few times a week I'd improve, but I wouldn't necessarily feel like I'm improving, and I'd often have to spend some time in practice just remembering what I should be doing. Everything I learn now seems to get committed straight to muscle memory now, and I often feel in a single practice/ lesson that I'm walking away having made a definite jump in ability.


I really can't recommend daily training enough if at all possible. Even 1 hour a day is much, much better than a 4 - 5 hour block twice a week.

[Cashmere]

I was dancing 9 hours a week of private lessons if he didn't cancel. 3 hours 3 days a week. He only really teaches 3 days a week and sometimes saturday mornings for a group class. So it's on him not on me, I may have danced more but he chooses not to work more. (Pro)

Saturday if he felt like teaching I either took 1 hour alone and 1 hour of lesson with the hubby for social dancing with the hubby. But that was rare as he usually didn't feel like teaching on the saturday afternoon and in 4 months only had 1 hour on the saturday, his choice not ours.

I practice at home as I have the room and the wood floor and that's whatever time I have to do it.

I don't go to social dances as hubby does not do all the dances, and he is not big into it. Sometimes there is one resto and they have a tiny dance floor and if we eat there then we dance. Otherwise that's it. I wish it were more.

[DanceMentor]

I don't want to come across in the wrong way, but it is important to work "smart". I've seen a lot of people work really hard, and that's good to an extent, but you have to look at how they work. Are they fixing their issues? Or are they practicing hard, but not correcting problems?

The same thing goes for lessons. For a couple it would make sense to spend a few hours per private lesson trying to master what they learned. If all the couple does is take lessons all the time, and never practices, there will likely come a point when progress becomes slowed.

And its not just how many lessons you take. You can take from every coach that comes through your city, but they may very well lead to confusion. It is more important to figure out just a couple of the best people, and work with them. Maybe you don't take as many lessons, but you set yourself up to consistently move forward by working with the right people over a period of time. You don't buy it because its on sale. You buy it because it is what you need. :)

[Cashmere]

I don't want to come across in the wrong way, but it is important to work "smart". I've seen a lot of people work really hard, and that's good to an extent, but you have to look at how they work. Are they fixing their issues? Or are they practicing hard, but not correcting problems?

The same thing goes for lessons. For a couple it would make sense to spend a few hours per private lesson trying to master what they learned. If all the couple does is take lessons all the time, and never practices, there will likely come a point when progress becomes slowed.

And its not just how many lessons you take. You can take from every coach that comes through your city, but they may very well lead to confusion. It is more important to figure out just a couple of the best people, and work with them. Maybe you don't take as many lessons, but you set yourself up to consistently move forward by working with the right people over a period of time. You don't buy it because its on sale. You buy it because it is what you need. :)

You are right about the progress. I see it with the hubby, but it's all he wants. He has no itnerest in competing and he is happy with the 1 hour lesson if and when he gets it and he could pass completely too.

We started with a female teacher to teach us together just for social. I love to dance and I wanted to compete and go further and dance more for exercise and my love of of dancing and to improve. I changed to this Pro and since I dance more, hubby is happy to not even dance. If we go to a social event where there is dancing he will do a waltz or a swing dance and that's it.

But I did see his progress slow down when we skipped lessons. The woman we had was not a "Pro" by anyone's standard here, I would guess. She was not registred or licensed, never competed herself and just was what my Pro calls a social dance teacher. She took off once for three months to go work in europe in the summer.

So I totally agree. For me I don't know that I have much choices. I can't go to a social dance at night without the hubby. Not my style. I have no partner to practice with without my teacher. I practice alone at home I have full length mirror and parquet floor and space so I practice alone. Don't know what else there is.

[SwingWaltz]

About 4 hours practice per week for us. I know it sounds really slack. :P

P.S That's on top of the 2 private lessons we have. So 1 hr private lesson and 2 hr practice for one style per week.

[WaltzElf]

I don't want to come across in the wrong way, but it is important to work "smart". I've seen a lot of people work really hard, and that's good to an extent, but you have to look at how they work. Are they fixing their issues? Or are they practicing hard, but not correcting problems?

The same thing goes for lessons. For a couple it would make sense to spend a few hours per private lesson trying to master what they learned. If all the couple does is take lessons all the time, and never practices, there will likely come a point when progress becomes slowed.

And its not just how many lessons you take. You can take from every coach that comes through your city, but they may very well lead to confusion. It is more important to figure out just a couple of the best people, and work with them. Maybe you don't take as many lessons, but you set yourself up to consistently move forward by working with the right people over a period of time. You don't buy it because its on sale. You buy it because it is what you need. :)

I agree with all of this, especially the end point. We have one teacher per style, and while we’ll occasionally get a lesson from an alternative if our regular teacher is away, or to play the politics by having a lesson with a teacher who is also an adjudicator, having more than one “permanent” teacher per style just gets confusing.

Of course if you can find a good quality teacher that will put aside as much time for lessons as you want, that’s a bonus :-)

[jwlinson]

I don't want to come across in the wrong way, but it is important to work "smart". I've seen a lot of people work really hard, and that's good to an extent, but you have to look at how they work. Are they fixing their issues? Or are they practicing hard, but not correcting problems?

The same thing goes for lessons. For a couple it would make sense to spend a few hours per private lesson trying to master what they learned. If all the couple does is take lessons all the time, and never practices, there will likely come a point when progress becomes slowed.

And its not just how many lessons you take. You can take from every coach that comes through your city, but they may very well lead to confusion. It is more important to figure out just a couple of the best people, and work with them. Maybe you don't take as many lessons, but you set yourself up to consistently move forward by working with the right people over a period of time. You don't buy it because its on sale. You buy it because it is what you need. :)

We actually had another couple who started at the same time we did go up to our coaches and ask them why we were improving so much and they were improving so little. Coach said "Simple. They practice."

We spend some practice time in the studio to work on our dancing alone, but also get in time at social dances to work on floorcraft. We probably get in somewhere around 12 hours total per week, more some weeks.

[Joe]

If not more.. 5 hours worth of group classes, 3-4 hours lessons with my comp partner, another 2 hours with my show dance partner, and 4 hours by myself.

Do you have a life?

[Ballroom Dru]

Do you have a life? Or is dancing his "job".

[Ballroom Dru]

12-16 hours per week plus 1-3 lessons per week (average 2).

[WaltzElf]

Do you have a life?

I work, but other than that dancing is my life. Why would I want to do anything else?

[QPO]

There is nothing wrong with being passionate about something. For you it is dancing for others it is cars, or bikes, tennis, collecting stamps. If it makes you happy and the ones that surround you are supportive, well go for it. I am so happy that my partner in life shares the passion as much as I do.

Live life, you are a long time dead ;-) dance dance dance :p

I work, but other than that dancing is my life. Why would I want to do anything else?

[WaltzElf]

I think a snide comment about not having a life because I spend my time in the dance studio is pretty wayward anyway.

I mean, what is "having a life" anyway? It'd be nice if Joe qualified his little aggressive comment towards me.

[BallandChange]

I spend about 2-3 hours a day in the studio at least 5 days a week. I work 10 hours a day to support my dance habit. I go directly from work to pick up my fiancée' and then head to the studio. I have 2-3 privates a week with my pro, then and 2 joint lessons with my fiancée'. My biggest challenge is that my fiancée is at the point where she is at the cusp of beginning to dance silver patterns in smooth and rhythm whereas I am dancing open routines in both rhythm and standard with my pro. Note, that this is dancing open routines is not new for me since I had been doing open routines as am/am a couple of years back with an amateur partner (not my fiancée').

I feel that I am spread to thin. I put a lot of time and effort into practicing with my fiancée and working with her but it is at the expense of not practicing my open routines. I am considering eliminating one of the dance styles form my competitive repertoire since I feel I am not doing myself and my dancing any justice in trying to dance both open rhythm & open standard routines without having a partner to work with or even the time to practice the routines on my own.

I think if I was to concentrate on one style it would alleviate my frustration :headwall: and guilt as well as allow me to continue to progress. My thoughts are to continue with my standard since I am an older gentleman and see my opportunities to improve better at standard rather than rhythm. My pro feels differently, she says that she really looks forward to dancing with me and she says I am continuing to making good progress. She likes that I can respond quickly to what she asks and that I understand when and how to correct myself. She also says that I am a quick study, that I don’t have a problem with learning and performing many routines (Open standard, bronze standard, silver standard, bronze smooth, silver smooth, bronze rhythm, silver rhythm, open rhythm and a showcase) and that I have a good understanding of the concepts behind the techniques for each style of dance.


I love dancing all these styles and am really torn as to what to do. Walking away from my rhythm open routines :sad: at this point in my life might indicate that I will never return to rhythm at this caliber again in my life. What to Do :confused: ??

[Terpsichorean Clod]

I think a snide comment about not having a life because I spend my time in the dance studio is pretty wayward anyway.

I mean, what is "having a life" anyway? It'd be nice if Joe qualified his little aggressive comment towards me.
No need to take it seriously. Qualification in bold and italicized below. ;)
Joe: Do you have a life?

[fascination]

joe is joe....

[WaltzElf]

Haha! I'll remember that in the future :-)

[samina]

I think a snide comment about not having a life because I spend my time in the dance studio is pretty wayward anyway.

I mean, what is "having a life" anyway? It'd be nice if Joe qualified his little aggressive comment towards me.

Nah, I don't think it was meant the way you're taking it...as fasc said, joe's joe. :)
And really, it was an aptly wry comment that probly many of us can relate to, because dance requires so much time and dedication to get good at.

I mean, it takes a tremendous amount of time, sweat,and determination just to be mediocre. So it tends to *become* one's life if you aspire to rise beyond that.

You're in good company.
:D

[fascination]

when I was new I thought joe hated me...heck maybe he does....but I mainly learned that ...well...joe is joe...and he grew on me ;)

[fascination]

:cool:plus...I wanna dance with him again

[samina]

:cool:plus...I wanna dance with him again
I don't blame ya. Talk about a present lead...

[latingal]

Believe me, I don't want to know what Joe would say if I posted the number of hours I put in a week.... *grin*

[fascination]

note: I did not answer this thread myself...having done so many times previously b/c the answer is... no...I do not have a life

[Joe]

If you do nothing but work and dance, you have no other life than dance. If so, you must be the life of the party at cocktail parties.

I know you have a life outside dance, Fascination. I too have other interests that I indulge from time to time.

[fascination]

okay...from time to time ;)

[latingal]

If you do nothing but work and dance, you have no other life than dance. If so, you must be the life of the party at cocktail parties.

but do I care if I'm the life of the party? probably not....

besides, it soooo not all about me, it's just as much fun to find out what other people are getting in to!

[QPO]

well, my experience is that when I tell people that I do dancing they all go, Oh that is nice I wish I could dance. But then they dont want to put the time in, there is always a reason of life getting in the way. I think people that are happy at what they do will always be the life of the party as they enjoy life itself.

[WaltzElf]

If you do nothing but work and dance, you have no other life than dance. If so, you must be the life of the party at cocktail parties.

I know you have a life outside dance, Fascination. I too have other interests that I indulge from time to time.


Lucky for me I don't go to cocktail parties!

I dunno, guess I'm lucky that I'm a journalist, and therefore I'm inundated with the news and people outside of dance from 9-5. I never have a shortage of things to talk about on the rare occasions I bother to socialise with non-dancers (I'm also blessed to belong to a great studio filled with great people).


That and when you're around non-dancers all you need to do is say "I'm a dancer" and you've got a hail mary of an ice breaker anyway. :D

[Laura]

I'm great at cocktail parties!

[fascination]

Lucky for me I don't go to cocktail parties!

I dunno, guess I'm lucky that I'm a journalist, and therefore I'm inundated with the news and people outside of dance from 9-5. I never have a shortage of things to talk about on the rare occasions I bother to socialise with non-dancers (I'm also blessed to belong to a great studio filled with great people).


That and when you're around non-dancers all you need to do is say "I'm a dancer" and you've got a hail mary of an ice breaker anyway. :Dyea, but up here it means you'd better be willing to talk about dancing with the stars for the next hour and a half:rolleyes:

[samina]

I think people that are happy at what they do will always be the life of the party as they enjoy life itself.
Nicely put, QPO.

[samina]

yea, but up here it means you'd better be willing to talk about dancing with the stars for the next hour and a half:rolleyes:

LOL...if I had a nickel...

[Twilight_Elena]

So when we say cocktail parties, you're referring to the "two for one cocktail" nights at the nearby pub where we all get drunk on strawberry daiquiris, right?

[emeralddancer]

I did a search. Not sure if there are key words to use but ... did not find what I was looking for. So if one of the mods knows where I can look ... feel free to guide me there and trash this. :D

I really was curious as to how many classes/practices/group sessions one takes on a weekly basis.

Again I understand it is pretty subjective whether you are social, am, or pro right?

So as a social dancer how often?

A competing pro/Am how often?

A competing Am/AM how often?

A pro .... how often?

Me I WANT to compete, eventually. So for a year I did 1 private class a week and did socials every other weekend. (new to all of this so did not know at the time where different studios/ballrooms were) Plus very very nervous about going to other studios that are not my home one right now. But that may change to incorporate group classes.

NOW .... I do private classes twice a week and socials every weekend. (when funds allow for the socials)

Again I understand a lot of it has to also do with other factors too ... like: Money, time, commitment. :eyebrow:

I think I am looking more for an idea/average? Is this possible?

Thanks!

[WaltzElf]

I train every day and generally have between 4 and 6 private lessons, either by myself or with my partner, a week, as well as 2 group classes and, of course, practice.

[fascination]

I think I just typed this answer this week somewhere...

anyhow...used to take 10 hours a week b/c it was cheap and convenient and I had the time and money...now it is expensive and not as convenient and I would say it is averaging between 5-7 hours every week to 2 1/2 weeks depending upon when the pro is available...am currently doing no groups or socials only b/c it isn't a good thing right now...I practice daily allot in the absence of lessons...in spurts that would be hard to calculate as I have a great space in my home ... and I work out somewhere beween 8 and 15 hours a week on top of that

[fascination]

oh...I compete pro am generally 10 comps a year

[dancingirldancing]

I do 2-3 private and 3 advanced group classes now. Planning to do AM/AM comps when I find the right partner and get blessing from DH.

Not much personal practice due to lack of partner.

[Ravenmoon]

I have two group lessons and one private lesson a week normally with at least 14 hours of practice a week.

[Laura]

I think I just typed this answer this week somewhere..
Yes, there was a whole thread...TC...can you find it?

(As for me, 6-8 privates per week, solo practice the days I don't have privates, 10-12 Pro/Am competitions per year.)

[Purr]

At present I take between 2 and 4 lessons per week with one pro, as well as 1 group class. I also take 1 lesson per week with a second pro.

[mamboqueen]

Yes, there was a whole thread...TC...can you find it?



heh...slacker!



Pro/am student; take 2 lessons/week and practice about 5-6. That's about all I have time for.

[2totango]

Wow! I am in awe of y'all. I am only able to fit in 1 private a week as my instructor is usually booked. I practice the exercises he gives me 2-3 times a week, but cannot practice with a partner as I have none. I supplement that with exercise classes 2 times a week and yoga.

[etp777]

pro/am student. Just went from one private a week to "two" (once I start having both teachers there to rehearse showcase, I'll only come once a week, but will be paying for both their time, of course), and I take any bronze gropu that doesn't conflict with my work schedule. Actually just changed schedule to stay downtown later so I can go to more classes. Also practice by myself a minimum of 30 minutes a day, am starting new workout plan next week (supposed to today, but I won't count on me not deciding on lazy way out ;) ) and go to a social at least every other week.

[danceronice]

I try to get two privates, four group in per week. Right now, the groups are on 'summer break', and I'm also having to stretch on the privates--but if I skip the September competition I was planning on, it should be good and I can keep it at two a week, and pare down the groups to two a week as well. With the comp I was goind to have to cut down to one private, but doing some figures, I can make it work until Ohio (and if I had to drop one private a week, then I couldn't dance with both pros at that comp anyway, plus it would screw up my prep for Ohio. And maybe that'll give me a chance to save up for Vegas, too, assuming at least one pro is going to that...)

[NielsenE]

Pro-am student here. Currently doing three privates a week, normally one regular group class (though its only 2-3 people in it :) ), I'm also in two formation teams at the studio so that's a 2-3 more group classes a week. Anytime there's a more specialty group class I'll pop into those too. Practice between 6-15 hours a week on top of that depending on my motivation that week.

Back when I was an amateur competitor, typically did about 1 private/week per style I was focusing on at the time (normally 1-2 styles). Did 1 group class per style as well for most of that time, and practiced closer 10-20 hours a week on top of that.

[mamboqueen]

someone found the landscaper with the money tree ;)

[nucat78]

Wow! I am in awe of y'all. I am only able to fit in 1 private a week as my instructor is usually booked. I practice the exercises he gives me 2-3 times a week, but cannot practice with a partner as I have none.

Are you anywhere near Chicago? ;)

Monday - 2 hours of group classes
Tuesday - 2 hours of group classes
Friday - 1 hour group class and then 1.5 hours practice social
Saturday - 1 hour technique class and whatever social dancing is available Saturday night if I can get to it.
Sunday - 2 or 3 hours of group classes

I'm taking a break from privates right now but I was taking 1 or 2 per week - need to save some pennies to hit Orlando to watch the comps in September. I practice whenever I can at the studio, usually right before or after a group class, either alone or with a random follow.

And I signed up for a formation team that starts practicing next week on Sundays.

[etp777]

heh nucat, you still looking too?

[nucat78]

heh nucat, you still looking too?

Yup. I have one practice partner but she's a dentist and sometimes works emergencies so our practice times are dicey.

[samina]

4 lessons/week (two doubles to consolidate travel). up til now, no solo practice all year (not laziness, just logistical limitations), but trying to get that up to 2-3x/week.

probly 15-17 comps this year, 11 so far.

despite the relatively infrequent studio time considering my comp commitments, i live & breathe this stuff 24/7, and do various personal trainings regularly.

[LucyDiamond]

2 or less comps a year (not really into competing)
4-6 showcases a year (usually 2 new routines a year and perform each 2-3 times)
2 private lessons a week (sometimes an extra one thrown in at a different studio or with a visiting coach)
Not a lot of physical practice but tons of visualizing my dance. Like sam, I live & breathe dance 24/7. It's always uppermost in my mind, even while working.

[suburbaknght]

I'm a new pro (teaching, not competing). I take 2-4 private lessons per week (going up when we're working on an exhibition piece) and do at least an hour of practice per day, either with my partner or drilling on my own. Depending on our coach's availability, there may be a pro group class each week. I also have a weekly class in international (I teach American) but that's mostly just for fun. In addition, there are workshops and seminars on a roughly monthly basis.

Or, to paraphrase a famous quote: "When I come into a little bit of money I buy dance lessons, and then if there is any left, food."

[jennyisdancing]

heh nucat, you still looking too?

Too bad I'm not in the Chicago area, oh well.

[nucat78]

Too bad I'm not in the Chicago area, oh well.

Southwest has cheap airfares between here and Philly. ;)

[jennyisdancing]

Southwest has cheap airfares between here and Philly. ;)

Only if you're paying. The only price I can afford right now is "free". :p

[Laura]

I supplement that with exercise classes 2 times a week and yoga.
Oh, if we're counting that, then I take two sessions of gyrotonic and two sessions of Pilates a week, too.

[2totango]

Hey, now, Laura, I was only counting exercise so I didn't sound like toooo much of a slacker. I work 3 jobs as well.....all to pay for lessons and the few comps I go to a year. Sigh.

Nucat78....sorry, I am in Columbus. Not terribly far, but not close enough to practice on a regular basis. I do travel, though!

[Laura]

You don't sound like a slacker!

[2totango]

Oh, but you don't know what the jobs are :) I am a slacker compared to everyone on this board who are taking 2-6 private lessons a week. I'd kill to get that time with my instructor, but then we'd probably end up killing each other.

[fascination]

correct

[emeralddancer]

I was just telling my husband that I think I need to find another job so I can take more classes. (BTW .... possible new job on the horizon with a 10K raise over what I am doing now which mean I can maybe fit another 2 classes in a week of private OR start on group lessons along with the private so .....keeping fingers crossed! So send good luck my way with that. :D)

I am simply in awe of all of you.

I just am trying to figure out how to pay for all of this. I mean the private lessons, which are beneficial and I love, just cost so much (and not nearly what some of you pay I am sure)

So like WOW, WOW and WOW!

Congrats to you all and the commitment you have made.

I one day will be there. Because another part of this is having a non-dancing spouse. And while mine is very understanding. I think it can tax his nerves at times. Thank God he goes to AC for the weekend every quarter. So he does not have alot to say on my lessons. ROTF!

[_malakawa_]

now, i am whole day in the studio because i am a teacher.

but i will compete professionally. that mean - practice every day for minimum 3 hours.

private lessons - of about 6-8 a week, and group as much as we can.

when it comes to my student - i push them to have 2,3 private lessons and to come every day on a group class. :cool:

[anntennis]

I usually take about 3 -4 privates a week, sometimes back to back 2 sessions to save on travel.
I have one instructor for Standard and another for Latin.

I had third for Swing and Hustle, but I am taken a break with this instructor to concentrate on my Standard.

Hope to compete soon- October. That would be my first competition.

In addition, I do workout with personal trainer once a week at the Gym and take once a week tennis class (tennis was my mad passion, but dance took over).

Sometimes socials - there are a lot of socials choices in NJ and NY.

I wish I have more energy, sometimes just crush on weekends and do nothing.

I changed jobs recently, and unfortunately it is not as flexible as my previous job, and I spend too much time at the office, and often am too tired to dance. Have to change this situation soon.

[Terpsichorean Clod]

How many hours do you practice a week (http://www.dance-forums.com/showthread.php?t=21508)
Practice Time vs. Lessons Time (http://www.dance-forums.com/showthread.php?t=22760)
Class Project--How much do you dance? (http://www.dance-forums.com/showthread.php?t=24395)
Hours/ week (http://www.dance-forums.com/showthread.php?t=25524)
Quick survey - number of lessons (http://www.dance-forums.com/showthread.php?t=26624)

[Terpsichorean Clod]

heh...slacker!
I heard that...:p...er...Your Royal Mamboness!

[Terpsichorean Clod]

Social dancer here.

1.5-2 hours of partnered practice
1.5-2 hours of solo practice
1 45-minute private lesson and 30 minutes of practice immediately following
1 or 2 socials
I might drop into the beginner class if they need leaders and I'm trying to work on something like posture.

Edited to add: Except for the beginning smooth class, I do only standard.

[emeralddancer]

How many hours do you practice a week (http://www.dance-forums.com/showthread.php?t=21508)
Practice Time vs. Lessons Time (http://www.dance-forums.com/showthread.php?t=22760)
Class Project--How much do you dance? (http://www.dance-forums.com/showthread.php?t=24395)
Hours/ week (http://www.dance-forums.com/showthread.php?t=25524)
Quick survey - number of lessons (http://www.dance-forums.com/showthread.php?t=26624)


Thank You TC!!!!!!! You ROCK!!!!!! :rocker:

[dancingirldancing]

How can I find a practice partner, not a comp partner YET ?

Maybe if we are compatible then we can compete together BUT for a couple of month just practice partner ?

A bit like asking someone to be a casual date without commitment....

[Terpsichorean Clod]

You're welcome, emeralddancer! :banana:

[Terpsichorean Clod]

How can I find a practice partner, not a comp partner YET ?

Maybe if we are compatible then we can compete together BUT for a couple of month just practice partner ?

A bit like asking someone to be a casual date without commitment....
Sure! Why not? As long as the two of you discuss your expectations. There's a whole spectrum: casual class buddy, dance friend, practice partner, dancers with benefits, still dancing with other people, dancing exclusively, comp partner.

[fascination]

not everyone is looking for a committment

[QPO]

We have one group lesson per week, use to have two, but one place closed down. have a private lesson on a saturday and dance somewhere most Saturday evening. but as tyou have to work out where you are going with your dancing. We are on the being the best at a social level and not looking to compete, time and finace constraints. ;-|

[Standarddancer]

We right now dance at Open am champ level. It's hard to say how often we take lessons, sometimes when our teachers in town, we take everyday, but they travel so much and a lot of times they are not around, so sometimes we don't have lessons for a few weeks and only practice by ourselves.

We want to practice like 5 or 6 days per week, but due to some stupid things like work, etc. we only practice maximum 4 days a week, felt like slackers:( we should practice more....

[jerseydancer]

AM/AM international standard senior II competitor
Weekly:
1 1-hour private lesson international latin (mostly done for overall conditioning)
3 to 4 1-hour private lessons in international standard
4-5 hours of practice (most hours on weekend)
ocasional seminairs (about once a year)
6-8 competitions a year

we would like to add at least one more private lesson per week, and 2-4 more practice hours.
If I can quit my job, I would practice every day and have lessons every day, but someone has to somehow pay for the lessons:)

[kimsb2429]

Been dancing for a year; Amateur Latin Dancer preparing for prechamp debut. Definitely lesson once a week on honing the basic technique and/or a choreo lesson on connection + related technique. Costing $40 ish on average when split with my partner.

[Stagekat]

Purely Social Dancing for me....
1 private in American Rhythm & Smooth/week. Sometimes a second in Salsa with another studio (Second Studio is too far/instructor too busy to do every week)
Up to 6 groups/week depending on my schedule/who's teaching- 5 in American Styles, 1 in Int'l Latin.
1-2 Socials at a myriad of studios per week.

[QPO]

Now where is that thread again , you know when you are addicted to dancing ;-) when you spend 6 days a week doing it and the 7th day thinking about it. It takes over your life! :-)

[MissBallroomBear]

;-) when you spend 6 days a week doing it and the 7th day thinking about it.

And on that 7th day everyone knows to keep the hell out of your way- not a happy camper.

[dancepro]

I am retired now, but was a competing professional in England.

We had 3-4 lessons a day, 5 days a week
We had different kinds of practice session.
1. Solo practice of drills 2 hours a day, 6 days a week
2. Together practice of technique 2 hours a day, 6 days a week
3. Together practice of none stop dancing 2 hours a day, 4 days a week
4. Together practice in costume 1 hour, 1 day a week
5. Together practice of finals 2 finals in row x 2, 1 day a week
6. Mental practice 1 hour a day, 6 days a week
7. Day off yeaaaaa:cool::D

I have since found more efficient ways to practice and none of my students practice as much as I did. I am now able to teach them how the mind works and are therefore using many shortcuts. But if you did do as much as I did, you will get very good, I am sure.

Dancepro

[lcdancesport]

Oh my goodness, I love hearing how dedicated everyone is. I'm trying to convince my students to come in twice a week and for them they're very back and forth on it... Have to think about this. There is maybe a few students that come in to actually practice too, most just come in for lessons/groups.

[WaltzElf]

Now where is that thread again , you know when you are addicted to dancing ;-) when you spend 6 days a week doing it and the 7th day thinking about it. It takes over your life! :-)

We use that seventh day for either “for fun” group class (which is a casual, social class where we kind of just chill), or competition.

7 days a week dancing. Any less and I get bored anyway.

[dancepro]

Oh my goodness, I love hearing how dedicated everyone is. I'm trying to convince my students to come in twice a week and for them they're very back and forth on it... Have to think about this. There is maybe a few students that come in to actually practice too, most just come in for lessons/groups.

I had the same problem for a while, until I sat them (my students) down and had them write down why they are dancing and what they want to get out it. I also had them write down how many rules of dance they already knew and how many they think it would take for them to reach the goal they had. There are 20 basic rule, more then 400 on the third level and well over 8000 on the fifth level, so there is plenty for every level, this got them really going. They then started asking how to get more efficient, because they were running out of hours in a day. I also told them that I didn't really care if they practiced as I would just have to say the same things over and over. If they wanted to pay for the same information again and again, they were quite welcome. I then started calling them my pension plan and they soon found the goal and they started practicing by their own initiative. The best thing is for them to get themselves inspired to get into the studio for practice.

Dancepro

[WaltzElf]

Dancepro if you ever find yourself in Australia I would love to get some lessons off you.

[dancepro]

Dancepro if you ever find yourself in Australia I would love to get some lessons off you.

Well, thank you so much WaltzElf. It would be an honor to be of service to you. I have never been to that part of the world, but maybe one day, one never knows. I do travel around the US, Europe and Asia coaching different subjects, so maybe we will meet somewhere some time. I am sure you can find great coaching right there in Australia. If you really want a teacher or person in your life just use "The Secret". I did that to get many of the great masters I have been fortunate enough to study under.

All the best, and once again thank you for the compliment.

Dancepro

[WaltzElf]

Well, thank you so much WaltzElf. It would be an honor to be of service to you. I have never been to that part of the world, but maybe one day, one never knows. I do travel around the US, Europe and Asia coaching different subjects, so maybe we will meet somewhere some time. I am sure you can find great coaching right there in Australia. If you really want a teacher or person in your life just use "The Secret". I did that to get many of the great masters I have been fortunate enough to study under.

All the best, and once again thank you for the compliment.

Dancepro


I do have some wonderful teachers here – world champions and the like but I’m at the stage of my dancing now where I need to look at getting a bit of a broader perspective on things. I’ve read many of your insights into the art on this forum, and I’d very much like to see how they translate one day, so, with any luck our paths will cross!

[tangotime]

I ?


NOW .... I do private classes twice a week and socials every weekend. (when funds allow for the socials)

!



You are mixing terminology... Private LESSON, and class work , are 2 different " animals " .

[dancepro]

I do have some wonderful teachers here – world champions and the like but I’m at the stage of my dancing now where I need to look at getting a bit of a broader perspective on things. I’ve read many of your insights into the art on this forum, and I’d very much like to see how they translate one day, so, with any luck our paths will cross!

Dear WaltzElf

What kind of broader perspective on things are you looking for? There are many different ways to learn some of the things that I have talked about. I would be happy to help you find more insights from you current location. I do go to Blackpool every year and next year I will have quit a few of my kids going. So there is always Blackpool if you ever decide to go there.

If you want to meet, use the Law of Vibration and ask for our path to cross and it will happen, so be it!

Dancepro

[Kanela]

I started dancing 2 months ago. I have 1-2private lessons/wek and 2 group lessons/wk.

[syncopationator]

I'm currently up to 5-6 privates a week preparing for nationals, plus 10-12 hours of practice per week. I will cut back on the privates to my regular 3/week after nationals.

[samina]

I'm currently up to 5-6 privates a week preparing for nationals, plus 10-12 hours of practice per week. I will cut back on the privates to my regular 3/week after nationals.

lordy...the opposite with me. pro's traveling, i'm traveling... way down in all instruction & floor time with him. but finally starting some solo practice time.

awesome that you're able to jack things up, sync. you're gonna do great.

[syncopationator]

lordy...the opposite with me. pro's traveling, i'm traveling... way down in all instruction & floor time with him. but finally starting some solo practice time.

awesome that you're able to jack things up, sync. you're gonna do great.

Only 1-2 of those lessons is with pro/am teacher. the rest are with my two other coaches. Solo practice time is key. 75-80% of my practice time is solo. you would be surprised of how much you can improve practicing by yourself. The hardest part if getting into the habit of doing it, afterall, who wants to dance by themselves. But you'd be surprised at how enjoyable it can be once you really get going.

[samina]

you would be surprised of how much you can improve practicing by yourself. The hardest part if getting into the habit of doing it, afterall, who wants to dance by themselves. But you'd be surprised at how enjoyable it can be once you really get going.

not surprised at all. i love it! :) am pretty decent self-practicer, provided i have access & time, which has been my issue.

[syncopationator]

Also, self-practice is free!

[etp777]

Heh, is for me, but I know some here have paid for floro time for practicing, or at least that was my understanding. I'd pracice a lot less if I had to do that. :) just wish I was more motivated about it. I get in every day, but generally 30-45 minutes is most I can manage. And still hop around a bit. Just SO much to work on. Not like my goals are unreasonable, I just want everything in all of my dances to be perfect. :)

[Laura]

Also, self-practice is free!
Except for floor fees, which can run as high as $10/hour, but that's still a lot less than you'd pay for a lesson!

[fascination]

reminds me how grateful I am to dh for letting me to turn the largest room into the house into a practice room...the man is a saint....and truly, with NP being over two hours away, I would be up a creek without it...must hasten over to gratitude thread...plus I have this cool new ballroom laptop ...and great mirrors and a tv down there to play my lesson tapes...and a fridge...and df one short procrastination away...doesn't get any better than that

[Peaches]

I'm purely social dancer (notice, F, that I didn't say "just" a social dancer? ;-) ), and pretty much purely AT dancing.

2 lessons (back-to-back) every other week.
Social dance once a week.
No group classes, no practicas.
Scattered solo practicing at home.

Very rarely (maybe once a month, or once every other month) I'll end up at a ballroom social.

Of course, that's the general plan. However, it's been about a month since my last lessons, and will be another month or so until my next one. And, it's been at least a month since I last social danced. Not a very happy camper right about now...

[fascination]

my sympathy...with NP having alot of students and travelling alot and the distance issue...it is feast or famine...usually 12 lessons in 4 days then any where from 10 to 20 days off...plus, having no local studio and not really wanting to answer alot of questions these days...it's pretty much me and my practice floor most of the time...but it is making me a better dancer...still at the end of 20 days I am pretty cranky about it

[Peaches]

Yeah, not much fun. Technically, I could be dancing more often. There are things going on in DC pretty much all evening except Fridays. But with my schedule, and living as far away as I do, well, it's just not practical. I'm not willing to drive into work to give myself the flexibility (between the time it would take, and the stress, and the cost in gas, not to mention the $15/day it costs to park by work it just isn't worth it). And I'm not willing to come home, to turn around and drive for an hour back in to dance...and I couldn't function at work if I was getting home at 1am. Not to mention not wanting to take time away from my (already limited) time with DH.

And, of course, there's absolutely no tango remotely close to me.

[samina]

Also, self-practice is free!

well... plus the hourly floor rental.:cool:

[samina]

Except for floor fees, which can run as high as $10/hour, but that's still a lot less than you'd pay for a lesson!

more than that for some of us...

[tanya_the_dancer]

Except for floor fees, which can run as high as $10/hour, but that's still a lot less than you'd pay for a lesson!

Having hardwood floors in the house helps with that. Or else I can go to the gym and use their aerobics room when it is available. Since I would have gym membership anyway whether I dance or not, I might as well use it for more things than just cardio & weights.

[timbp]

OK, guys, help me out here, please. This question is for a project in a stats class I'm taking.

In an average week, how many hours do you spend dancing (rounded to the nearest hour)? Include: lessons, group classes, practicing, social dances, competition. (Did I miss anything, lol?)

Thanks in advance!

Edit to add: I need at least 50 responses, so...PLEASE RESPOND!!! :-D

So what was your result for the stats project?
Having skimmed through the posts, I could not find a final report, but I found lots of responses that I am glad I didn't have to analyse.

[LatinDancer006]

average around 10 but almost never exceed 15.

[flashdance]

Lessons,

Mon - 45 mins (hoping to extend to 90 mins)
Weds - 40 mins


Free practice,
Every free day not in lessons or after lessons sometimes...

[QPO]

at the moment we dance 4 days a week at least one and half hours per day... two days for three hours.. I think that works out to be 12 :-)

[SwingWaltz]

3hr a week...4 on a good week *sob*

[Lioness]

2 hrs now, used to be 4 but we had to drop that class because it changed times and we couldn't get to the other one. That goes up to 7 or 8 if there is a ball or a comp on.

[lcdancesport]

Around 20 - 22

[QPO]

But in the end it is still quality not quantity...you can practice as l much as you like but as long as you don't get good instruction you would just be reinforcing bad habits.

[moondance]

I do about 9 ish hours would love 2 do more but can't afford it at £35 per lesson !:( xx

[flashdance]

But in the end it is still quality not quantity...you can practice as l much as you like but as long as you don't get good instruction you would just be reinforcing bad habits.

ditto, my bank balanace is never going to be the same again after this month :shock: asked for extra private lessons tonight.... I didn't ask for a quote... :D

Anywho I generally only practice what I know I can do properly, sometimes I'll give new steps a go to try and master them, then tidy up in the studio with the teacher :)

[lcdancesport]

But in the end it is still quality not quantity...you can practice as l much as you like but as long as you don't get good instruction you would just be reinforcing bad habits.

Right, and practicing it the correct way. I've seen some students practice over and over and over, but it just becomes mechanical. It's nice to know good technique, but once you dance with a partner it needs to flow together, so the practicing doesn't always help when you can't dance yourself first. I guess it is up to the individual and how they perceive their dancing.

[TheTexasDancer]

About 15 hours.

[Emmydancer101]

14-15 hours with practicing,classes and competiton in one week :)

[fascination]

welcome to DF to both of you

[latingal]

Welcome to DF TheTexasDancer!

(and hello again EmmyDancer101!)

[QPO]

Welcome hope you enjoy it

About 15 hours.

[QPO]

Welcome:D


14-15 hours with practicing,classes and competiton in one week :)

[newbie]

Per week?
lol
I danced 10 minutes last month I think. Now if you include the classes then maybe 3h a week.

[Sagitta]

Every week depends. New dance events or meeting dance favorites I will dance more.

[fascination]

currently 6 hours of privates..plus practice on primarily thursdays and sundays...and anywhere else time allows...then parties a few times a month...plus cross training in zumba, cardio kick, step,toning and pilates, if that counts

[jwlinson]

Every day but Tuesdays lately.

[Dancer4ever43097]

For me, I only dance about 8 or 9 a week. it seems so little but I am only in 6th grade.

[DancingShoes]

It's going up. Until recently about 6-8hrs/wk. Now more like 8-12. We've started learning our open routines and the fun factor is way up.

[dlgodud]

This week I've done 4 hours already. And adding on that, 12 more hours in this week and weekend. So it will be 16 hours. But, I guess my usual is between 8 and 12 hours per week.

[etp777]

Sure I already answered, but 5-10hrs most weeks.

[Rugby]

Every day for at least two hours a day minimum.