Dance Manhattan Productions
212-807-0802 . info@dancemanhattan.com
Insights on How to Get Started Dancing!
What class and level should I take?
Dance Manhattan would certainly be happy to help you coordinate one-time or ongoing private classes. We would discuss the dance background and goals of those participating and create the perfect learning environment for your group!
If joining classes which are open to the public is your preference, find a studio that suits your needs (types of dances, location, etc) and browse through their online schedule to find the topics and levels that interest you. In NYC, Dance Manhattan recommends You Should Be Dancing..! (37 W 26th St, NYC) as an excellent choice! They offer a full line-up of Group Classes, Workshops and Socials in all dance styles which are open to the public. You'll find Dance Manhattan owner, Elena Iannucci, teaching her ever-popular Swing Classes here on Tuesday evenings. (Website)
Once you've decided on a location, you'll find that classes are typically level based, so, a beginner class in any style, regardless of topic, is for beginners. That means simply, no experience with the dance is necessary.
If you are not a beginner in your dance, but have some experience or have previously studied elsewhere, consider the following if they are offered:
. Schedule an Intro Session or Class, where an instructor will help you define your level
. Audit all or part of a class to see if it's suitable
. Take a "refresher course" that is slightly below your assumed level to ease you into our class culture
If you do sign up for a class and it is not the appropriate level, simply ask your instructor's advise.
What if I'm not sure what dance I want to learn?
One way to get a sense of the various social dances is to visit the STYLES section of this website for descriptions and lots of videos of the various styles ... you can also take a quick look at some of the videos below:
Argentine Tango- Jennifer Wesnousky & partner
Argentine Vals- Audrey Martinez & partner
Swing / Lindy Hop Charleston- Paolo Lanna and the Rhythm Stompers
West Coast Swing- Sophie Cazeneuve & partner
Balboa- Lainey Silver & partner
What's the best way for me to learn if I am a Beginner?
If you'd like to study in a customized, private environment, open only to you and your friends, Dance Manhattan is happy to help. Just give us a call and we'll get you started!
If you are interested in an environment open to the public, studios typically have a number of ways for you to learn --
. Private lessons (study exclusively with an instructor at your own pace)
. Basic Group classes (classes in a group setting which typically rotate partners unless noted as COUPLES ONLY/WELCOME), or
. One-Day Crash courses and workshops (intensive one-day trainings).
Your approach should be what suits your learning style and schedule best. Many students often end up taking a combination of all three.
Weekly practice sessions and parties will help you practice what you are learning and solidify the movements. Join your friends, old and new, to practice new skills, share what you are learning, and have fun! Many studios offer weekly or periodic practice sessions and parties in a variety of dance styles. Check online calendars to see what's available and jump right in!
You can also check Dance Manhattan's calendar for events we co-sponsor and recommend: Event Calendar.
Should I register with a partner?
This depends on what you are signing up for. "Couples ONLY" group classes require a partner. If a class is noted as "Couples Welcome", it typically means you can sign up with or without a partner. Classes without a designation typically DO NOT require partners and will rotate participants throughout the class.
If you would like to dance exclusively with your partner, private lessons and COUPLES group classes are the way to go!
Whatever your preference, dancing with different partners is an excellent way to hone your leading and following skills. So, even if you dance primarily with one partner, we recommend you attend a class which rotates partners from time to time.
How long will it take to learn one of these styles?
Each person has their own learning curve. We recommend you feel very comfortable at one level before proceeding to a higher level. Check the prerequisites for next level classes and ask your teacher if they think it's time for you to move up a level. Obviously, your success will depend greatly on your dedication to the style. The more you practice what you learn, the faster you will become comfortable with your style. And, somewhere along the way, branch out to other dances! Social dancing, and its music, is infectious and there is significant crossover! So put some swing in your tango, or foxtrot in your swing, or tango in your salsa....
One way or the other, don't delay... join us for a dance today!
Questions?
Feel free to contact us for advice: Call 212-807-0802; or (Click Here to Email Us!)