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Frequently Asked Questions about my classes and common Misconceptions about learning to dance
Why learn to dance?
For starters, it is a lot of fun! Fun aside, dancing has so much more to offer than just a good time. Exercise, stress relief, self-confidence, social poise, and a creative outlet are amongst the many benefits you can receive from dancing. See my page "Why Ballroom Dancing" for more on the benefits.
I've got 2 left feet, is that a problem?
It is not uncommon to have an initial fear of dancing. Think about it, learning anything new that is physical and mental will scare most people. You might truly believe that you can't learn, but in fact the reasons that stop people learning are:
- It's public. You are out there for people to see. You think you are going to look silly.
- You've had some past experience that reinforces this fear.
- You think you're awkward and uncoordinated.
These reasons are not real, they are just fears and anxiety, which is perfectly normal. My Survival dance course is designed for the absolute beginner with the above fears. I've selected dances/steps that are easy to learn and I don't rush through anything. I also limit the size of my classes so I can attend to everyone. The art of teaching beginners is to make things easy and fun. If you are really unsure then it's best to book a private lesson, where I can introduce ballroom dancing to you, listen to your needs and construct a program that works for you.
The reality of learning to dance is that you are learning some new physical skills and some strange new knowledge at the same time. You are at once training your body and your mind. This takes a little more effort than just one or the other. It takes a little more time and perseverance. Understanding this can make things much easier. Physically there is nothing stopping you. If you can walk - you can dance. Dancing the different styles is just different kinds of walking.
What must I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing that doesn't limit your mobility. Sneakers/takkies are not the best since they stick to the floor and limit your mobility in certain dances. A normal dress shoe with a smooth sole is fine to start. Ladies you may wear high heels, but not too high (not more than 3 inches I'd say), it's also better to wear a shoe that is closed around the heel for maximum support. Other than that, just dress comfortably. If you are learning to dance for your wedding, then it's a good idea to practice in a similar shoe to what you'll be wearing on the night. For the ladies SOLO latin class you can wear normal gym attire, for shoes you may wear a high heel or any flat soled shoe that you can turn comfortably in (e.g jazz shoe).
Where can I buy dance shoes?
Visit Dance Emporium in Plein Street, Cape Town - 021 4627331. Tell them you were referred by John Hamman.
Visit Dance Emporium in Plein Street, Cape Town - 021 4627331. Tell them you were referred by John Hamman.
Where can I go and dance socially?
PWP is a social dancing club and has existed some 35 years. A good level of ballroom and latin music and dancing every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. Held normally in the Voortrekker School Hall, Salisbury Rd, Wynberg. Visit http://pwp.org.za/ for more info and calendar. The UCT ballroom society also has a fair number of social dance evenings, normally held at Jameson hall on upper campus. Visit www.ballroom.uct.ac.za for more info and schedules. If a night of Salsa dancing is your thing, there's quepasa in town. www.quepasa.co.za for more info. For Tango Milongas (socials) visit www.tangocapetown.
We're getting married, what would you suggest?
You should definitely aim to do 5 x one hour private wedding dance lessons (wedding dance package) with me to work on an opening dance. If you are getting married and can make my beginner Survival course dates and times, then I’d suggest you do the course to get a good feel for a few of the popular dances (which you can use anywhere) and then perhaps book a few private sessions to work on an opening dance for your wedding day. The beginner course might spark some ideas as to which dance you like and may want to do at your wedding. I also find that couples who do my group course first or alongside their private lessons have a better idea of what they want from their wedding dance and are able to pick up any choreography a lot quicker.
How long before our wedding should we start doing lessons?
Ideally about 2 months before your wedding. I know how hectic things get 2 weeks before your big day, so it's better to start early. Even if you are getting married in 6 months time, its good to start thinking about songs that you'd like to dance to and run them past me to see if they are suitable.
Do I need a partner to start?
The short answer is - No you don't. I prefer people to join my group courses with a partner, and I cannot guarantee anyone a suitable partner. I have single men/women who have taken a few private lessons with me and then joined a group course. You have a much better chance of finding a suitable partner if you have a bit of experience to begin with. If you are single and are really interested in learning to dance, then I'd suggest you take a few private lessons with me. This way I can also get an idea of your needs and perhaps introduce you to a suitable partner. It's very difficult for me to try and find everyone a partner especially If the only contact I've had with you is email/a phone call.
If you are a single and take private lessons with me you will also have the option of doing a medal exam, where you will be assessed by an independent examiner. I will partner you for your exam.
Groups or private lessons?
The short answer is - No you don't. I prefer people to join my group courses with a partner, and I cannot guarantee anyone a suitable partner. I have single men/women who have taken a few private lessons with me and then joined a group course. You have a much better chance of finding a suitable partner if you have a bit of experience to begin with. If you are single and are really interested in learning to dance, then I'd suggest you take a few private lessons with me. This way I can also get an idea of your needs and perhaps introduce you to a suitable partner. It's very difficult for me to try and find everyone a partner especially If the only contact I've had with you is email/a phone call.
If you are a single and take private lessons with me you will also have the option of doing a medal exam, where you will be assessed by an independent examiner. I will partner you for your exam.
Groups or private lessons?
Ideally a combination of both. Group classes are a fun and affordable way to get introduced to a variety of dance styles, socialise, practice and prefect your floor craft. Groups are taught to move at the pace of the class, which often leaves several students behind, confused and quitting. They are meant to be followed up with private lessons or you will soon look like a group class only dancer. That is, lack of technique, frame, connection and all the stuff that happens above the feet.
Definately consider private lessons if...
- You want to improve your technique and prevent bad habits
- Your work schedule means you can't make the advertised group dates and times
- You are learning to dance for your wedding
- You prefer individual attention and have specific learning needs (e.g ballroom only, latin only)
- You don't have a partner to begin with
- You want to do a medal exam or enter the world of competitive dancing
If you want to take your dancing a little more seriously and you like the idea of having a goal to work towards then I can highly recommend you do a medal test. A medal test gives you the opportunity to be graded by an independent examiner in whichever dances you choose to perform. There are gradings from beginner to advanced, including social and competitive dancing. Please contact me if this interests you so I have enough time to prepare you. You receive an internationally recognised certification from an internationally qualified examiner.
*NEXT OPEN MEDAL TESTING DAY - SATURDAY 7th MAY 2011*
What if I miss a group lesson?
If you miss one of the lessons during the beginner Survival dance course, you can always catch up easily and make amends during the Recap session at the end of the same course. If you are worried that you may miss 2 or more sessions, then perhaps book for the following course. Another option is to book a private lesson with me to catch up on what you missed.
If you miss one of the lessons during the beginner Survival dance course, you can always catch up easily and make amends during the Recap session at the end of the same course. If you are worried that you may miss 2 or more sessions, then perhaps book for the following course. Another option is to book a private lesson with me to catch up on what you missed.
I/we want to take private lessons, which dances should we start with?
Are lessons expensive?
Ballroom dancing is the only hobby I can think of that isn't seasonal, requires no special equipment, can be done at home or out in public as well as offering a range of physical, mental and emotional benefits. how much does it cost to be a golfer? There is the cost of equipment, joining a club, green fees, bad weather interrupting play etc. If you're taking up cycling, how much does it cost to buy a good bike?Even if you only took a few dance lessons you would have the information and steps to be able to use at a variety of occasions for the rest of your life!
Good question, which I get very often. No two students are alike so everyones package will be slightly different. Have a look through my page on "About the Dances" to get an idea of whats on offer and the page on "Private Lessons" for the benefits and costs. Some students have a preference for Ballroom and others prefer the Latin. Your best option is to book 4 x 45 minute private sessions with me, where I can teach you a basic step in a few of the dances. At the end of the 4 lessons we can discuss your preferences or likes/dislikes and then design a program to suit your needs.
Are lessons expensive?
Ballroom dancing is the only hobby I can think of that isn't seasonal, requires no special equipment, can be done at home or out in public as well as offering a range of physical, mental and emotional benefits. how much does it cost to be a golfer? There is the cost of equipment, joining a club, green fees, bad weather interrupting play etc. If you're taking up cycling, how much does it cost to buy a good bike?Even if you only took a few dance lessons you would have the information and steps to be able to use at a variety of occasions for the rest of your life!
