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muyv
03-12-2009, 01:08 AM
Hi, I wonder anybody here can give some suggestions?

I have recently moved to the Bay area, and am looking for a standard coach. So I have tried out two private lessons with two teachers. Both are great dancers. But I am torn in deciding who to go with as the main coach.

Teacher 1: teaches at a studio 10 minutes drive from work. so location is really convinient. Great dancer, but not sure if his teaching style matches with my learning style yet. It seems that he is going more with the feelings of things. During the class, I was asked to relax and stop thinking, as I was thinking too much. I don't know if that is a problem I should fix (most likely it is, I think), or just the style I learn things (thinking really hard about them).

Teacher 2: teaches at a studio 35 minutes drive from home. Basically Sunday would be the only option for class, which works for me anyway. But Location is not as convinient as the first one. This teacher is also great dancer, he is also a 10-dance dancer. I feel that his teaching style might work for me better. I am those kind who has to be explained why we do what we do. As I have terrible memories, when I hear the reason, I remember what we need to do easier.

As about me, I am silver level Amature competitor, Adult, 5'8".

And also a basic question about the standard style. Are there different school of thoughts in standard as well? Is there something like a Russian style, English style, Italian style etc? If yes, who are the representatives of each style?
Any help is appreciated!

Laura
03-12-2009, 01:18 AM
I live in the Bay Area and drive from San Francisco to Campbell (San Jose) for lessons, even though there are very good teachers a 10 minute walk from my house. For me it's worth it to drive to get the teacher who is the best for me.

If you message me privately we can talk about who you checked out and who else is available. I have been dancing in the Bay Area for 11 years now and know pretty much everyone.

muyv
03-12-2009, 01:46 AM
Thanks, Laura! Just PMed you.

dancepro
03-12-2009, 03:32 AM
And also a basic question about the standard style. Are there different school of thoughts in standard as well? Is there something like a Russian style, English style, Italian style etc? If yes, who are the representatives of each style?
Any help is appreciated!

Yes, there are 4 popular styles in standard that are all different. Just to clarify everything, it doesn't have to do with what country they come from. All the styles originated in England. So it has to do with whom the teacher/coach has taken lessons with either in England or here. There should be a clear linage back to England. I know many of the teachers in the Bay area, so if you want more guidance on the style verses the teacher, do not hesitate to pm me. I will be happy to help.

Dancepro

Terpsichorean Clod
03-13-2009, 08:22 PM
I have been dancing in the Bay Area for 11 years now and know pretty much everyone.
And from the roar of the crowd a month ago at City Lights Ball, everyone knows Laura. :)

Terpsichorean Clod
03-13-2009, 08:22 PM
Welcome to the Bay Area, muyv! I'm sure Laura's already taken good care of you. You're welcome to PM me for any information on the social ballroom scene. :)

muyv
03-14-2009, 12:04 AM
And from the roar of the crowd a month ago at City Lights Ball, everyone knows Laura. :)

oh, Then I know who is Laura!:p

muyv
03-14-2009, 12:08 AM
Welcome to the Bay Area, muyv! I'm sure Laura's already taken good care of you. You're welcome to PM me for any information on the social ballroom scene. :)

Yes. Laura, DancePro and Elisedance are all giving me very helpful information! Thanks to everybody!

The dancing part of me is soooo happy that I am in Bay area now :) Much much better than where I used to be.