No, we do not have memberships. Everyone is welcome and all you need is an interest in
social dancing!
What is "Social Dancing"?
For Bellefonte Dance, "Social Dancing" refers to
Swing, Ballroom, and Latin partner style dances taught and enjoyed in a relaxed
social environment. We are not involved with the competitive aspects of
dancing.
Do I need to sign-up for lessons?
Yes. We limit class size for group lessons to ensure a positive lesson
experience, so we ask that
you please contact us if you are planning
to attend a group lesson, so we can reserve your place. Depending upon
the group lesson enrollment and private lesson schedules,
we may require prepayment to reserve your place. In addition, payment in
full (check or cash) is always due at the first lesson. But remember, there are never any long-term
commitments, and your satisfaction is totally guaranteed!
How many people are in a typical Group Lesson?
The minimum for group lessons is 2 couples. The maximum for group
lessons is 8-12 couples, depending upon the dance. Typically lessons
have 3-5 couples. We limit group lesson size to ensure a high quality
lesson experience.
What if I do not have a dance partner?
No problem! Singles are always welcome, but we do limit the group
classes to 1-2 single women (if there are no single men). During lessons,
single women dance with me (if there are no single men) and in more
advanced classes we may also rotate dance
partners, as appropriate. In my experience, it is best to delay the
rotation of partners in a Beginner or Intermediate class until further stages of your
dance experience. However, in an Advanced class, partner rotation
is often a key element of learning the lead-follow dynamic. Keep in mind, as a
single women you will miss some repetitions while I help other students.
For dances and practices, I do my best to make sure all the singles feel welcome and have plenty of time out on the
floor. We are here for you!
What if I do not wish to rotate partners during lessons?
We will always abide by your wishes. However, dancing with different
partners in Advanced lessons is an excellent learning tool, plus a great way
to make new friends! As mentioned above, I do not rotate partners in
most Beginner & Intermediate classes, since in my experience this creates too much consternation with
both leads and follows... However, in an Advanced level class, partner rotation is indeed a key element to learning the
lead-follow dynamic.
What is the suggested attire for lessons & practices?
We recommend casual & comfortable clothing that allows movement. Shorts,
sweats, and jeans are all fine. I usually wear slacks and a nice tee shirt. The lesson space is air
conditioned in the summer months, and heated in the winter months, but a
bit on the cool side, so keep that in mind. More importantly however is
footwear. I recommend any comfy non-grip shoes, but if you are uncertain about footwear, bring an
alternate pair of shoes to try.
Notes for Learning Dancers
As a learning dancer, it was very common for me to take and re-take
beginner lessons, such that I could refine my technique, lead-follow, and
styling. In my dance philosophy, it is far better to learn fewer figures
well, than to try to learn many figures on a cursory basis, which are soon
forgotten. Bottom line - there is no shame in taking, or retaking lessons
below your level. Indeed this strategy will make you a better dancer. Rest
assured, if you take a lesson below your level, I will ensure your
investment with instructional nuggets to enhance your technique, form, and
style.
What is a "Beginner" dancer ?
For my purposes, a Beginner Dancer can be someone has never
danced a step, up to someone who may know a few steps, but needs a refresher.
What is an "Intermediate" dancer?
For my purposes, a Intermediate Dancer can be someone has completed
a Beginner class, up to someone who is comfortable with dance
basics with knowledge of a few figures, but needs a refresher or wishes
to focus more on technique.
What is an "Advanced" dancer?
This is important. An Advanced Dancer is fluent in a wide array of
dance tempos and styles. An advanced dancer is interested in technique
and style to complement dance figures and amalgamations in a variety of
dance styles. For my purposes, an "Advanced" dancer is someone
that has completed multiple Intermediate classes, up to someone who is comfortable with
all dance styles and variations, but with a focus on technique and
style.
What is Swing Dance?
Swing is a partner style dance to up-tempo music. There are a variety of Swing styles, including Lindy Hop, East Coast,
West Coast, Shag, and Jive. Our Beginning Swing Classes teach
single-step, 6-count, East
Coast Swing, and Intermediate Swing introduces East Cost Swing with
triple-step.
What is Ballroom Dance?
Ballroom Dance includes both "Standard or Smooth" and "Latin
or Rhythm"
styles. "Standard or Smooth" dances include Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Viennese
Waltz and Quickstep, and others. "Latin or Rhythm" dances include Rumba, Cha Cha,
Samba, Mambo, Meringue, Salsa, and others.
What if I miss a group class?
No problem! The group classes are flexible and fluid, so we can adapt to individual
needs and have weekly practice
sessions, which are included with lesson enrollment and are a good
opportunity to make up for a missed lesson. Within each class, we readily accommodate a variety of levels and abilities and utilize a thorough
review each week to ensure your success.
What should I bring?
Wear comfy non-grip shoes, and a notebook if you wish to take notes. I
do provide a brief syllabus of dance figures for most classes. Keep in
mind, water
is provided for a short break.
What is the suggested attire for dances?
Attire for Dances is more "dressy" than lessons and
practices. I recommend nice casual and comfortable attire (no shorts,
no
jeans). For example, as a minimum, slacks and short sleeve shirt for men and skirt
(or slacks) & blouse for women. In regards to my Holiday dance,
Jacket/Vest for men & Dress/Gown for women are recommended. However, do feel free to dress up
(many do) for my regular dances (I do!!), if you so desire!
If you have a question that is not included in these FAQs, please send me an email
and I will answer your question accordingly, and include your inquiry in the
FAQs, as appropriate. I appreciate the feedback!
Dance Harmony
"
Social Dancing at its Best" 220 North Main Street - Suite B
Pleasant Gap, PA 16823
Studio - 814-359-3181 kevin@danceharmony.com
