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Sapphire FAQs
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:
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 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 than followers, and sometimes more followers than 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. You can also check out our YouTube Channel where we have 20+ playlists of song for practice, organized by dance style.
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:
Based on your schedule, budget and desired level, your instructor can help make suggestions on how to achieve a good mix of group and private instruction.
Do I have to change partners in group class?No, you don't. And until we are done with Social Distancing, you won't be asked to. Under normal cercumstances, 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 night, doesn't mean you are obligated to do it every time.
Do I need to register for group classes ahead of time?Though it's so easy to forget, and we really want you to come anyway if you do, please do try to register ahead of time. During the COVID-19 crisis, all in-person events will have maximums and require advanced registration by email. We don't want to have to turn you away at the door because the class is full. When less than 6 people sign-up, a class can get canceled. Your early registration can encourage others to sign-up too, and prevent cancellation. The instructor will 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. So, registering early, though not always required, is beneficial
for everyone. Where do I go?All private lessons are held online or at the Sapphire Ballroom & Dance Center, while group classes are held at various locations. Every group event has a "Location" listed.
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?Like and follow us on Facebook.com/SapphireBallroom or join our email list. 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 FAQsShould I come to the pre-dance lesson if I'm new to dancing?Yes, please! The predance lesson (7:30-8:30pm) 2nd Saturday dances usually covers 1 dance, and starts with the basic step. This is the best time to learn a new dance, meet other dancers (some of them as new as you are!), and just get the feel of the party. As a new dancer, if you walk away with two basic steps, you've done well. 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 most of the social 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. 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?Bringing food to share at our dances is not a necessity, but greatly appreciated. Besides you get a chance to win free stuff. Other than that, bring yourself, a pair of dance shoes (if you have them), maybe a water bottle. That's all it takes!
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 and long-time partners.
What other kinds of dance parties do you offer?We have hosted or have scheduled the following dances:
Other ideas for events include the following:
Please let us know which options most interest you. |
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540-382-8782 - info@SapphireDance.com |
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