Why do you care so much about ballroom dancing and bringing it to Yakima of all places?
A: I'm from Moxee, I never knew how to dance or what it entailed before starting when I was 25. It altered my life.
The reality of learning the language of ballroom dancing is that you (and your partner - if you have one) aren't just being educated on how to move your bodies elegantly, quickly, sharply and with great intention and bold flexibility. You are, in fact, learning a lifelong skill to be used anywhere you want, you are exercising your body in increasingly nuanced ways, and you are building and maintaining relationships in a safe, fun and dynamic social environment.
Learning these skills, among others (discipline, great posture, musical and body rhythm, social awareness, focus, working together in a partnership to achieve something greater than the self, etc.) informs not only our life on the floor, but almost everything we do.
Few alternatives exist where all of these skills are nurtured and developed as much as they are in partner dancing.
Thanks for reading - now, join us!
Q: Do I need special dance shoes?
A: No. Eventually, many students purchase dance heels or shoes as they are easier to turn, spin and rotate in. We can help you when this becomes the case. We recommend avoiding loose fitting shoes and sandals.
Q:What do I wear?
A: Casual/normal attire is totally fine - you'll see most of our students in "business casual" attire. For costume parties, we invite everyone to dress up! We don't have a formalized dress code.
Q: Do I need a partner for ballroom/partner dancing?
A: Not at all. Your instructor becomes your partner during personal lessons, which often makes learning a little easier and straightforward. We rotate partners during group classes so you'll get a chance to practice with a wide variety of dancers at various skill levels. There are lots of benefits to this.
Q: Do I have to rotate partners in group classes or practice parties if I come with my wife, boyfriend, friend or partner?
A: No, you don't have to - BUT... it makes learning dance not only a lot faster for beginners, and it also makes the experience way more communal, interesting and fun. We know it takes courage, but we promise it's way more helpful.
Q: How long does it take "get good" at dancing?
A: How good do you want to be? How much impact would you like it to have?
Ballroom dancing, like learning guitar, ballet or mixed martial arts is an ongoing process. For some it's a life-long pursuit, so some people are constantly honing their bodies and craft. That said, you can learn some basic skills and a couple of steps in a single lesson, but to "be good" depends on what you mean. We help define these ideas on the first few lessons, we educate people to understand what the investment of time and energy looks like, based on what we're understanding their goals and ambitions to be. On average it can be in as little as 6 months or up to a year.
Q: What dances should I learn?
A: We'll educate you on a few dances on each of your first 2-4 lessons so you understand the music of each style, some dance steps, basic skills and where you might use them.
Q: What can we expect to learn on our first personal lesson?
A: Your first lesson is meant to accomplish three things:
1) The basics of 2-4 dances.
2) To help us understand your interest in dance (self development, intimacy, social development, exercise, etc) so we can find dances that accentuate those pursuits.
3) How to relax and have fun while learning an "easy to learn, yet hard to master language".
Q: Where can we actually use the dance skills and "language" you are teaching me/us?
A: First, in our studio on varying Friday evenings! There are several opportunities in the valley, lower valley and beyond each month to use your dancing. WIT Cellars (in Prosser) also hosts a Latin night once a month as well. We've gone to Wenas Creek, The Eagles, Hoops and many more to enjoy a wider variety of dances.
When you dance, the opportunities to use it truly are endless.
Q: Can we just come to group classes?
A: We offer a few public group offerings a month. These are a la carte sort of speak, come in and learn a little and then "BAM!" see ya later!
In group settings, we're not able to offer the valuable insights and personalized attention needed to properly grow your body and skills. Often, when people don't get something in a group setting (or don't understand what an instructor is asking) they get frustrated and that frustration leads to disappointment and that disappointment leads to never dancing again - it's like Star Wars and slowly creeping to the dark side - which is awful!
We know how beneficial dancing is for the mind and body, let alone the personal and social spirit of each individual, so we take learning dance seriously - so you don't have to.
Learning dance in a systematic and slightly more formalized sense takes dedication, repetition and habit building. We wouldn't be very successful with our clients if we tried to teach a hodge-podge of people that came and went as they pleased, cherry picking random steps and techniques from group classes. There are other opportunities in the valley that focus strictly on group classes which may be a better fit for those that are seeking a more casual education.
We're here to try and answer common questions regarding ballroom dancing - reach out if you have any others!