General FAQs
Dance Party FAQs
What should I wear?
Come as you are. There are no special clothes for learning to
ballroom dance; wear your work clothes or wear your sweats, just
be comfortable. However, this is a contact sport. So we all appreciate
good hygiene: pop a mint, check the underarms, wash your hands,
and, if you sweat a lot, bring a towel and maybe an extra shirt.
Do I need special shoes for class?
There are shoes specially designed for ballroom dancing. They
have:
- Thin, flexible soles allowing your feet to bend freely and
for you to feel the floor underneath you
- Either heel strap, laces, or ankle strap preventing the shoe
from coming off
- Suede bottoms allowing the foot to slide on the floor (for
easier turns) & just enough traction to prevent slipping
and falling
However, if you are new to dancing, this is may not be a purchase
you want to make right away. Street shoes that mimic these characteristics
as much as possible will be best for your learning process. Avoid
flip flops or slides that force your toes to grip the shoes to
your feet; also avoid thick platforms or heavy tread that make
your feet clunky.
How long does it take to be a good dancer?
That depends. No, really, it does. It depends on how much time
you have to devote to practice and lessons, and it depends on
how you define "good."
Learning to dance is much like learning a new language, except
in dancing you use your mind and body. To learn a new language,
you start with some vocabulary words, practice the pronunciation,
learn how to put together simple sentences, and of course learn
your numbers. In dancing, you start with a few basic steps, learn
how to do it comfortably, and put the steps together to music
which requires knowing how to count it. And just like learning
the language, this level may help you survive a one-time event,
but soon all will be forgotten. . . unless we practice,
and continue learning.
That's why people have always tried to make learning a language
fun by bringing people together with games or round tables of
discussion allowing native speakers to help new learners. Dancing
is naturally fun to practice because it already brings people
together!
Want some hard fast numbers? Couples getting ready for their
wedding and first dance can usually accomplish what they want
in 6-8 private lessons, sometimes as few as 4 private lessons
for bare bones survival.
What if I have no rhythm?
Most people really do have some sense of rhythm and don't know
it. In this case, it's as simple as showing you how to listen
to the music, and then practice. But even if it's not already
hidden in you, rhythm can be learned!
What if I have two left feet?
If you have never danced before, and most of your physical activities
have always involved daily-used movements (i.e. walking, running)
then it may seem like you have 2 left feet.
This feeling however, really says nothing about your agility
or physical dexterity. This is partly because you are asking your
body to do things it's never done before, and partly because learning
to dance requires mental activity too. This makes it that much
more healthy for you too! Keep trying, and you'll reap the rewards.
I don't have a partner. How can I learn
to dance?
No partner is required for any of the group classes. Yes, sometimes
we get more leaders that followers, and sometimes more followers
that leaders. We simply rotate partners, and everyone gets chance
to learn and dance. Also, you can take private lessons by yourself.
Your instructor will be your partner.
Where can I buy music (so I can practice
at home)?
You can search on-line and find some good music, just be prepared
to pay $20-29 for a CD or 2-CD set. Never buy so-called "dance
music" without being able to listen to a sampling of the
songs first. (Often, CDs marked as such are highly synthesized
music-not enjoyable listening.)
Some music stores and many on-line stores provide a sample listening
service. We plan to offer dance CDs for sale sometime in the future
too; that way you can get recommendation directly from your instructor.
Keep an eye on our website for the "Dance of the Month"
series too (coming in 2006). We will be suggesting songs/artists
appropriate for each dance.
How do I schedule private lessons? What
hours are available?
Simply contact the studio when you are ready to start (382-8782,
info@sapphiredance.com).
All private lessons are by appointment. Depending on the season
and instructor availability, times are available during the day
as early as 9 a.m., in the evenings as late as 10 p.m. weekdays
or weekends too.
Private lessons are 50 minutes in length, scheduled 1 per hour.
More details on private lessons.
What if we bring a 3rd person or
another couple to our private lessons?
You are welcome to organize a small group of people for semi-private
lessons. Private lesson pricing is valid for 1-2 people, beyond
that the total hourly cost increases slightly. However, if you
are splitting the cost, then the 'per person' hourly cost actually
goes down. Contact the studio for details (382-8782, info@sapphiredance.com).
More details on private lessons.
What are benefits of group versus
private lessons?
We always encourage people to participate in a mix of both. Group
classes provide a social atmosphere that allows you to change
partners and prepare for the party atmosphere. (See 'Do
I have to change partners?' to find out why this helps you
learn.) They also provide a cost effective way to learn steps.
Private lessons can be used to learn steps too, but are especially
beneficial for working on the finer details and technique.
In private lessons, your instructor can give the individual attention
necessary to answer more personal questions:
How do I get my body to move like that?
How can I tell when my partner is leading this move?
How do I lead my partner in this move?
How can I make it more fun to dance with me?
When the music comes on, how do I know what dance to do?
Based on your schedule, budget and desired level, your instructor
can help make suggestions on how to achieve a good mix of groups
and privates.
Do I have to change partners in
group class?
We highly encourage you to change partners. It is an excellent
tool for learning to dance. When dancing with your significant
other, we tend to get lazy. Yes, it's true. The follower is more
likely to back lead without realizing it, and the leader is more
likely to let her, thus never learning to lead. Also, believe
it or not, we tend to have less patience with those that are closest
to us. So let your partner mess up with everyone else. When you
get back together, you'll both have an idea of what the move is
supposed to feel like.
We do, however, understand that sometimes dance class is part
of a couple's limited time together or it serves as date night…and
that's a good thing. Therefore, no one is going to make you change
partners. The instructor will usually give directions to the class
on how to change partners, and what to do if a couple chooses
not to do so.
Also, just because you change partners one week, doesn't mean
you are obligated to do it every week.
Do I need to register for group classes
ahead of time?
Though it's so easy to forget, and so tempting to show up at
the first night of class, please do register beforehand. Play
it safe, and register 3-7 days before the class starts.
When less than 6 people sign-up, the class can get canceled.
Your early registration can encourage others to sign-up too, and
prevent cancellation.
The instructor will often be there and ready to hold class, even
if too few people are registered. Many times several people show
up to make a class, which is great…but unfortunately we've
seen others miss such opportunities to dance by assuming the class
was already canceled.
Then there is the other extreme. We don't want to have to turn
you away at the door because the class is full. The official cut-off
is 20 people, but we allow some flex. We will not let our classes
get any larger than 24 people. (Cheaper-Than-A-Movie Beginner
Dance Workshops, lessons prior to Saturdays at Sapphire social
dances and Special Event Workshops are the exception.)
Note: If a 4-session group class has 16 or more people registered,
everyone receives a FREE admission to a Saturday at Sapphire Social
Dance.
The last reason to register is related to the "No Partner
Required" policy. The only drawback of the policy is that
an occasional class will be unbalanced in terms of leaders or
followers. Knowing the ratio ahead of time can help the instructor
recruit more people to balance out the class.
So, registering early, though not always required, is beneficial
for everyone.
Where do I go?
All private lessons are held at the Sapphire Ballroom & Dance
Center, while group classes are held at various locations. Currently
these include the Blacksburg Community Center and the Radford
Recreation Center. (See 'Location Information'
for details.)
Will I ever be "that good"?
What's the main thing that 'good dancers' have that you don't?
They've got the fever and they've been practicing! It takes time;
just keep working at it and you'll get there…if you want
it.
Ballroom dancing is wonderful because you can take it as far
as you want. Your goal can be to just get-by at holiday parties
or weddings. Your goal can be to achieve amateur titles at competition.
You are probably somewhere in between, but whatever your goals
may be, you can have fun with ballroom dance!
How can I stay informed about dance
events and lesson opportunities?
Drop us an e-mail at info@sapphiredance.com.
We'll add you to the distribution list to find out about dances,
group classes and other dance opportunities. Most of the time
the e-mails will be organized so you can go directly to the info
you want, often directing you to more information on the website…so
don't worry about having to fish through endless amounts of information.
And, at any time you can ask to be removed from the list. In fact,
we ask that you let us know when you have changed e-mail address
or moved out of the area.
Dance Party FAQs
Should I come to the pre-dance lesson if
I'm new to dancing?
Sure, all levels are welcome. The lesson (7:30-8:30pm) before
4th (and some 2nd) Saturday dances usually covers 2 dances, and
starts with the basic step. Just be prepared for the lesson to
be fast paced in order for the more intermediate dancers to learn
something too. As a new dancer, if you walk away with two basic
steps, you've done well.
Pre-Dance lessons on "Open House and Beginners' Dance"
nights are geared much more toward those just getting started.
Look for these events on the Events page.
Coming to the pre-dance lesson is also a great way to meet people
who could be potential partners without having to ask someone
"out of the blue." Once you have danced with someone
during the lesson, they are more likely to ask you to dance later
in the evening, and they are easier to approach if you have questions.
What kind of music will be played?
We play a wide variety of music from pop standards to disco,
big band to funk, country to pop rock, new age to oldies and everything
in between. You'll see people dancing Waltz, Hustle, Fox Trot,
Swing, Cha Cha, Rumba, Merengue, Salsa, Mambo, Viennese Waltz,
Samba, Bolero, Country Two-Step, and more!
What should I wear to a dance?
Attire to the 4th Saturday dances is dressy casual. This basically
means everything from business casual to club/party dress. You
are unlikely to see jeans, tennis shoes, or T-shirts.
Some dances have themes (i.e. Sock Hop, Costume Ball, Boot Scootin'
Country Night, Disco Fever, Latin Heat etc.) and appropriate attire
fitting these themes are always encouraged but not required. Plus,
for our Snowflake Ball on 2nd Saturday of December, Semi-Formal
is encouraged but not required.
What kinds of shoes are good for a
dance?
We do ask that you consider whether your shoes leave scuff marks,
which are time consuming to clean. When we hit capacity and open
up 'The Dance Place' side, we also ask that you not wear shoes
that may scratch or dent our neighbor's vinyl floor. Otherwise,
defer to 'Do I need special shoes for
class?' for more details.
Are singles welcome?
Most definitely. There are a good mix of both singles and couples
that attend our dances, most of whom enjoy dancing with lots of
different people. Don't be bashful; ask someone you don't know
if they would like to dance. You will also find a wide variety
of age groups from 10-90. So not only can everyone feel comfortable,
you get to meet a lot of cool people too.
Should I bring anything to the dances?
Bring food to share at our dances is not a necessity, but greatly
appreciated. Besides you get a chance to win free stuff. Your
name is entered into a door prize drawing if you bring a snack
to share. Volunteer online here or contact the studio (382-8782,
info@sapphiredance.com)
by 5pm the day before a dance, and your name is entered twice!
The door prize can be anything from a hand crafted shoe bag,
private lesson, 6-pack of admissions to the Cheaper-Than-A-Movie
workshops…the options are many.
How do I ask someone to dance? What
is the etiquette?
Simply say, "Would you like to dance?" Or, you could
start (for example), "Do you know the Waltz?" If the
response is "yes," then ask the person to dance. I know
it's hard, but the more you do it, the easier it gets. You are
only asking the person for 2½ minutes of their life!
Both men and ladies should feel free to ask for a dance. Men,
however, should be prepared to do most of the asking - it's ingrained
in our culture!
Also for men: if you don't identify what dance you plan to lead,
be prepared for the follower to ask. She might feel uncomfortable
trying to follow something she's never danced before.
After the song is over, thank your partner, and exit the floor.
Take the First & Final Flourishes class to learn for details
and practice how to do this... it's an extremely useful class.
If the next song comes on before you exit, and both partners
want to dance. Feel free to ask your partner for another dance.
Watch out though: etiquette says dance no more than two dances
in a row with one partner. We tend to bend this rule a little
for married couples.
What other kinds of dance parties
do you offer?
We have hosted or have scheduled the following dances:
- Open House and Beginners' Dance (Hour to ask questions, meet
staff, register for classes, followed by strictly beginners'
lesson and then open dancing for all levels.)
- Kick the Winter Blues (Wear blue or denim, and enjoy a small
emphasis on rhythm and blues music.)
- Latin Heat Night (Mostly Salsa and Merengue, with large mix
of Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Bolero, and small mix of Waltz, Fox
Trot, Tango, Swing, Hustle, etc.)
- Country Western Dance (Mix of Two-Steps, Waltz, Cha Cha, Night
Club Two-Step, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing & Polka
all to country music.)
- Disco Fever (Variety of music with emphasis on disco and lesson
on Hustle)
- Semi-Formal Events (Snowflake Ball in December)
- Dual Dance Floor (Hosting larger groups by opening 2 dance
floors, each side playing different styles of music)
- Charity Fundraisers
Other ideas for future events include the following:
- Practice Party (Extremely casual general dance on a weeknight
with little or no refreshments…purely as an extra chance
to practice and have fun!)
- Swing Night (Mix of East Coast, Lindy Hop, West Coast, Hustle
etc.)
- Carolina Shag (Mix of beach, rhythm & blues, etc. all
good for shagging)
- High School Dance (General Dance to get more teenagers dancing.)
Please let us know which options most interest you.
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