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American Dancesport Center 561-558-1234 |
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| American Dancesport Center 23076 Sandalfoot Plaza Drive Boca Raton, FL 33428 Phone: 561-558-1234 Fax: 561-482-5678 Copyright Anybody Can Dance, LLC All Rights Reserved. |
If you don't find answers to your questions, please call us 561-558-1234.
Q. How do I know if I can really learn?
A. If you are an absolute beginner and have no prior dance training of any kind than this pertains to you.
Learning to alternate 100% of your body weight, from your left foot to your right foot, on time to the
rhythm of a song, is what will seem the most frustrating in the beginning. The concept seems simple and
will make complete sense, yet doing it consistently for the length of a song is foreign to our bodies. We
like to walk to our own rhythm and change weight to whichever foot, at whatever speed, we feel like at
that time. So at first, this will seem frustrating. However, it won’t take long at all. And once your body
commits it to muscle memory, learning other steps and even other dances become easy.
Q. When I think of Ballroom Dancing, I think of what my grandparents used to do. I want to
learn faster dances, does ADC teach that too?
A. Absolutely! The term “Ballroom Dancing” is loosely used as a general term to describe any dance that is
done with a partner.
Ballroom Dancing is: Salsa, Merengue, Samba, Cha Cha, Mambo, Tango, Bolero, NightClub Two-Step,
Country Two-Step, Paso Doble, Quickstep, Waltz, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, Argentine Tango, Disco-
Hustle, Bachata, and any of the Swing Dancing styles (i.e. Jitterbug, Jive, Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing,
West Coast Swing, and Shag)
Q. That seems like a lot of dance styles and almost feels overwhelming. How can I learn even 4
different dances without getting confused?
A. Most dances have interrelated patterns. This means if you learn 7 patterns in the Rumba, well
congratulations, because you’ve unknowingly just learned the same 7 patterns you will have in the Salsa,
the Cha Cha, the Mambo, and the Bolero. The only difference between those 4 dances will be the
characteristics of the dance. Meaning, the “Basic Step” which is the first pattern you’ll learn and use to
mark the rhythm of that dance. Once you understand that, you’ll see how easy it is to apply each of those
7 patterns in all 4 of those dances. And that interrelated concept will hold true for ANY AND ALL of the
dances you desire to learn. We instructors always say, “Why learn 1 dance in 10 lessons, when you could
learn 4 dances in 12 lessons.”
Q. Do I Have What It Takes?
A. We know that contrary to popular belief, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE TALENTED to be a good
dancer. Every so called “talented” dancer that I’ve spoken with have all confessed that practicing was the
actual secret to their success.
Q. Can You Teach Someone That Has No Rhythm?
A. Another myth I’d like to bust is the one about being born with rhythm, or “that rhythm is in the blood”.
“You either have it, or you don’t”, is what I hear all the time. Rhythm is defined as “A pattern of regular
reoccurring beats”. Although some people can hear a reoccurring thump in a song, nobody is able to
identify the Salsa rhythm, or Rumba rhythm in a song (no matter how rhythmical they may be) without
first being taught what to listen for.
Q. What Do I Need To Be A Good Dancer?
A. We’ve established in the above question that neither talent, nor bloodline plays a part in whether or not a
person will be a good dancer. Let’s talk about what tools one will need.
Desire to learn and patience! That’s all. The learning process itself should and will be fun.
Q. How Long Will It Take Me To Feel Comfortable On The Dance Floor?
A. By the way, everybody’s definition of comfortable is different. I consider comfortable to mean to blend
in with the rest of the crowd on the dance floor. Use an average of 2 lessons per week as a good
benchmark or reference. Next, need to understand where you plan on dancing. If you’d like to frequent a:
a) “Dance Hall” where all Ballroom, Latin, and Nightclub music is played, you probably want to know at
least 6-8 different dances so you can dance the night away. This should take about 8-12 months so you
get a nice variety of dances and patterns under your belt.
b) “Latin Club” dancing, where generally Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue music is mostly played, should
take you about 3-5 months.
c) “Nighclub” or “Lounge/Restaurant” dancing is where a wide variety of today’s popular songs will be
played and should take you about 6-8 months. A lot of today’s music is pop, techno, hip hop or some kind
of fusion. This brand of upbeat music is designed to keep the crowd pumped and awake. Here Hustle, Cha
Cha, Swing, Merengue, and Rumba are dances that can used. If you want to dance with someone or by
yourself, you should get comfortable understanding and playing around with these rhythms and steps.
Q. Am I finished learning after I reach that “comfortable” point?
A. When you choose to end your learning process is completely up to you. Most people, when they first
come in, say things like “I am only interested in Salsa”, “I don’t like Waltz”, or “I don’t want to be
GREAT, I just want to learn some basic dancing” We will teach whatever the student wants to learn
during their private lessons. What typically happens, once they realize they are capable of learning, hear
from others how nice they look, feel how much fun they are having, and appreciate how much faster they
are picking up dance steps, many students decide they want to continue with lessons. They want to add
more dance patterns or other dances styles, improve on techniques and styling, continue dancing as a
hobby and, if really want the full amateur experience, want to try a competition.
Q. I know I want to dance. Where or how do I begin?
A. This is common. You’re excited to start but don’t know what steps to take to point you in the best
direction.
Try our “Introductory Consultation and Dance Program”. It’s an initial face to face consultation with an
instructor, followed by 3 separate 30 minute private dance sessions. We’ll find out what you truly wish to
accomplish and where you are starting from in the dance process. We’ll work on patterns in several
dances that will be beneficial to ensuring you have the dance foundation needed to move forward with
your personal dance goals.
Q. I am a single man, 45 years old, and I love latin clubs. What would you teach me?
A. We will teach you how to dance by pairing you with a female instructor who will also be your partner
during the lessons. She will show you how to lead a woman in Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata. At first,
quantity of steps is not important. Any woman would rather dance with a man that can lead 4 patterns,
while staying on time to music, versus a man that can execute 10 patterns but has no ability to guide the
woman, and can’t hear or stay on the rhythm of the music.
Q. I Don’t Know Anything At All, Do You Still Teach People Like Me?
A. Believe it or not, people do call asking if they need talent or prior dance knowledge as a pre-requisite.
The most often heard concern is “I have two left feet.” We are a dance school. We will teach you from
the ground up.
Q. Do I Need A Partner?
A. Absolutely not. If you are taking private lessons, the instructor will be your partner. If you are taking
group lessons, then there will be a group of men and women all learning simultaneously. After the
instructor teaches the pattern, you will pair up with a student of the opposite sex, providing you with
multiple partners.
Q. How does your method of teaching ensure that I will learn?
A. The studio’s instructors are all fully trained and have years of experience and talent. They will have you
learn and practice the pattern first without music and then with music. You need to be able to execute the
patterns correctly and repeatedly before the learning can become part of your muscle memory and can be
done more comfortably. To ensure that you retain what you learn then requires some practice and
repetition. For this reason, our private packages provide you with group lessons and studio practice
parties to give your extra dance time with instructors and other students. Our 3 way method of teaching
is proven to work.
Q. What classes do you offer for children?
A. We have special private youth classes at a discounted rate for children 6-17 and offer a Junior Ballroom
Bootcamp for two weeks in the summer.
FACT: Youths 6-17 years of age learn 3-4 times faster than an adult. We like to take advantage of this by
teaching them high level routines. Routines they can then take home and practice between lessons. This
method of instruction benefits them greatly in many ways both in the present and in the future. Youths can
dance at competitions with their instructor, or as a brother-sister team. Aside from learning to dance, the
process teaches them respect for the opposite sex. Ballroom youths attain better focus and do better in
school. They acquire self discipline and exude higher confidence. When they get older, they already know
how to dance thus, resulting in greater confidence at social functions and generally in any and all social
situations.
WEDDING DANCES
Q. How important is it for us to have a choreographed wedding dance?
A. Your wedding dance is as important an event as the food, setup, and other wedding plans. Aside from
your guests watching, it will also be captured by your videographer. Every time you watch your video you’
ll be reminded of the beautiful night it was, and not of an awkward moment that was uncomfortable for
you and everybody in attendance.
Q. What do I need to prepare for my wedding dance?
A. On your wedding day we want you to look natural and flow effortlessly to your song. This dance
should be performed to a song that has a special meaning to both of you. We don’t want you to appear
that you are concentrating, look scared or nervous, or that you’ve taken lessons. So, you’ll need time to
learn then rehearse the dance routine.
Bring in a CD (or flash drive) with your special song and an additional “backup” song. (Every once in a
while, a couple has a song that has great lyrics but absolutely no discernable rhythm) Although as
professionals we can always fit a rhythm to your song, it might be hard for you to hear, or stay on time to
the rhythm. That’s why it’s a good idea to think about having a backup song, just in case. Also, you’ll
want to bring the shoes you’ll be wearing on your wedding day. Don’t worry ladies. It’s only the shoes he’
ll have a preview of, not your dress.
Q. We want to stand out on our wedding day, how many lessons will we need?
A. This depends on if your goal is to “wow” your guests, or simply get through your dance comfortably.
Either way, we’ll make sure you look better than that routine of swaying from side to side you see at
many weddings. Our smallest wedding package is 5 private lessons. This will be enough to give you a few
moves that will make you stand out from most wedding dances you’ve seen. If you want, we can
customize a program for your first dance and also give you the ability to dance the night away with the
rest of the music that will be played on your special day. We even have programs designed for you and
your entire wedding party.
DANCE COMPETITIONS
Q. What are the dance competitions like and what does it take to participate?
A. You can participate in any of the four competitions we usually go to each year. Students should take at
least 20 private dance lessons learning how to free style (lead/follow). Then, commit a set number of
lessons to prepare to compete in your age category, in the specific dances, and in the pre-set attainable
bronze levels. For example competing in Cha Cha at newcomer level means five patterns in a routine
format. This should take about 5 private lessons.
These competitions complete the amateur dance experience. National competitions include amazing
professional dance shows, delicious dinners, exciting atmosphere, glamour and glitz, general and
competitive dancing, fun times with studio instructors and other students, and personal memories of
accomplishments and being part of a "Dancing Like The Stars" event!
Q. What if I just want to come to the competition and watch?
A. If unsure that you want to compete, start as a spectator. Go see what it's all about! You can cheer and
support the ADC studio and participating students. You will always be welcome to come watch. If you
want to sit with the studio table, you will need to remember to purchase your tickets in advance through
the studio.
We are happy to answer any additional questions. Please either call the studio
Monday through Friday from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm or email us at
info@AmericanDanceportCenter.com
Q. How do I know if I can really learn?
A. If you are an absolute beginner and have no prior dance training of any kind than this pertains to you.
Learning to alternate 100% of your body weight, from your left foot to your right foot, on time to the
rhythm of a song, is what will seem the most frustrating in the beginning. The concept seems simple and
will make complete sense, yet doing it consistently for the length of a song is foreign to our bodies. We
like to walk to our own rhythm and change weight to whichever foot, at whatever speed, we feel like at
that time. So at first, this will seem frustrating. However, it won’t take long at all. And once your body
commits it to muscle memory, learning other steps and even other dances become easy.
Q. When I think of Ballroom Dancing, I think of what my grandparents used to do. I want to
learn faster dances, does ADC teach that too?
A. Absolutely! The term “Ballroom Dancing” is loosely used as a general term to describe any dance that is
done with a partner.
Ballroom Dancing is: Salsa, Merengue, Samba, Cha Cha, Mambo, Tango, Bolero, NightClub Two-Step,
Country Two-Step, Paso Doble, Quickstep, Waltz, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, Argentine Tango, Disco-
Hustle, Bachata, and any of the Swing Dancing styles (i.e. Jitterbug, Jive, Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing,
West Coast Swing, and Shag)
Q. That seems like a lot of dance styles and almost feels overwhelming. How can I learn even 4
different dances without getting confused?
A. Most dances have interrelated patterns. This means if you learn 7 patterns in the Rumba, well
congratulations, because you’ve unknowingly just learned the same 7 patterns you will have in the Salsa,
the Cha Cha, the Mambo, and the Bolero. The only difference between those 4 dances will be the
characteristics of the dance. Meaning, the “Basic Step” which is the first pattern you’ll learn and use to
mark the rhythm of that dance. Once you understand that, you’ll see how easy it is to apply each of those
7 patterns in all 4 of those dances. And that interrelated concept will hold true for ANY AND ALL of the
dances you desire to learn. We instructors always say, “Why learn 1 dance in 10 lessons, when you could
learn 4 dances in 12 lessons.”
Q. Do I Have What It Takes?
A. We know that contrary to popular belief, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE TALENTED to be a good
dancer. Every so called “talented” dancer that I’ve spoken with have all confessed that practicing was the
actual secret to their success.
Q. Can You Teach Someone That Has No Rhythm?
A. Another myth I’d like to bust is the one about being born with rhythm, or “that rhythm is in the blood”.
“You either have it, or you don’t”, is what I hear all the time. Rhythm is defined as “A pattern of regular
reoccurring beats”. Although some people can hear a reoccurring thump in a song, nobody is able to
identify the Salsa rhythm, or Rumba rhythm in a song (no matter how rhythmical they may be) without
first being taught what to listen for.
Q. What Do I Need To Be A Good Dancer?
A. We’ve established in the above question that neither talent, nor bloodline plays a part in whether or not a
person will be a good dancer. Let’s talk about what tools one will need.
Desire to learn and patience! That’s all. The learning process itself should and will be fun.
Q. How Long Will It Take Me To Feel Comfortable On The Dance Floor?
A. By the way, everybody’s definition of comfortable is different. I consider comfortable to mean to blend
in with the rest of the crowd on the dance floor. Use an average of 2 lessons per week as a good
benchmark or reference. Next, need to understand where you plan on dancing. If you’d like to frequent a:
a) “Dance Hall” where all Ballroom, Latin, and Nightclub music is played, you probably want to know at
least 6-8 different dances so you can dance the night away. This should take about 8-12 months so you
get a nice variety of dances and patterns under your belt.
b) “Latin Club” dancing, where generally Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue music is mostly played, should
take you about 3-5 months.
c) “Nighclub” or “Lounge/Restaurant” dancing is where a wide variety of today’s popular songs will be
played and should take you about 6-8 months. A lot of today’s music is pop, techno, hip hop or some kind
of fusion. This brand of upbeat music is designed to keep the crowd pumped and awake. Here Hustle, Cha
Cha, Swing, Merengue, and Rumba are dances that can used. If you want to dance with someone or by
yourself, you should get comfortable understanding and playing around with these rhythms and steps.
Q. Am I finished learning after I reach that “comfortable” point?
A. When you choose to end your learning process is completely up to you. Most people, when they first
come in, say things like “I am only interested in Salsa”, “I don’t like Waltz”, or “I don’t want to be
GREAT, I just want to learn some basic dancing” We will teach whatever the student wants to learn
during their private lessons. What typically happens, once they realize they are capable of learning, hear
from others how nice they look, feel how much fun they are having, and appreciate how much faster they
are picking up dance steps, many students decide they want to continue with lessons. They want to add
more dance patterns or other dances styles, improve on techniques and styling, continue dancing as a
hobby and, if really want the full amateur experience, want to try a competition.
Q. I know I want to dance. Where or how do I begin?
A. This is common. You’re excited to start but don’t know what steps to take to point you in the best
direction.
Try our “Introductory Consultation and Dance Program”. It’s an initial face to face consultation with an
instructor, followed by 3 separate 30 minute private dance sessions. We’ll find out what you truly wish to
accomplish and where you are starting from in the dance process. We’ll work on patterns in several
dances that will be beneficial to ensuring you have the dance foundation needed to move forward with
your personal dance goals.
Q. I am a single man, 45 years old, and I love latin clubs. What would you teach me?
A. We will teach you how to dance by pairing you with a female instructor who will also be your partner
during the lessons. She will show you how to lead a woman in Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata. At first,
quantity of steps is not important. Any woman would rather dance with a man that can lead 4 patterns,
while staying on time to music, versus a man that can execute 10 patterns but has no ability to guide the
woman, and can’t hear or stay on the rhythm of the music.
Q. I Don’t Know Anything At All, Do You Still Teach People Like Me?
A. Believe it or not, people do call asking if they need talent or prior dance knowledge as a pre-requisite.
The most often heard concern is “I have two left feet.” We are a dance school. We will teach you from
the ground up.
Q. Do I Need A Partner?
A. Absolutely not. If you are taking private lessons, the instructor will be your partner. If you are taking
group lessons, then there will be a group of men and women all learning simultaneously. After the
instructor teaches the pattern, you will pair up with a student of the opposite sex, providing you with
multiple partners.
Q. How does your method of teaching ensure that I will learn?
A. The studio’s instructors are all fully trained and have years of experience and talent. They will have you
learn and practice the pattern first without music and then with music. You need to be able to execute the
patterns correctly and repeatedly before the learning can become part of your muscle memory and can be
done more comfortably. To ensure that you retain what you learn then requires some practice and
repetition. For this reason, our private packages provide you with group lessons and studio practice
parties to give your extra dance time with instructors and other students. Our 3 way method of teaching
is proven to work.
Q. What classes do you offer for children?
A. We have special private youth classes at a discounted rate for children 6-17 and offer a Junior Ballroom
Bootcamp for two weeks in the summer.
FACT: Youths 6-17 years of age learn 3-4 times faster than an adult. We like to take advantage of this by
teaching them high level routines. Routines they can then take home and practice between lessons. This
method of instruction benefits them greatly in many ways both in the present and in the future. Youths can
dance at competitions with their instructor, or as a brother-sister team. Aside from learning to dance, the
process teaches them respect for the opposite sex. Ballroom youths attain better focus and do better in
school. They acquire self discipline and exude higher confidence. When they get older, they already know
how to dance thus, resulting in greater confidence at social functions and generally in any and all social
situations.
WEDDING DANCES
Q. How important is it for us to have a choreographed wedding dance?
A. Your wedding dance is as important an event as the food, setup, and other wedding plans. Aside from
your guests watching, it will also be captured by your videographer. Every time you watch your video you’
ll be reminded of the beautiful night it was, and not of an awkward moment that was uncomfortable for
you and everybody in attendance.
Q. What do I need to prepare for my wedding dance?
A. On your wedding day we want you to look natural and flow effortlessly to your song. This dance
should be performed to a song that has a special meaning to both of you. We don’t want you to appear
that you are concentrating, look scared or nervous, or that you’ve taken lessons. So, you’ll need time to
learn then rehearse the dance routine.
Bring in a CD (or flash drive) with your special song and an additional “backup” song. (Every once in a
while, a couple has a song that has great lyrics but absolutely no discernable rhythm) Although as
professionals we can always fit a rhythm to your song, it might be hard for you to hear, or stay on time to
the rhythm. That’s why it’s a good idea to think about having a backup song, just in case. Also, you’ll
want to bring the shoes you’ll be wearing on your wedding day. Don’t worry ladies. It’s only the shoes he’
ll have a preview of, not your dress.
Q. We want to stand out on our wedding day, how many lessons will we need?
A. This depends on if your goal is to “wow” your guests, or simply get through your dance comfortably.
Either way, we’ll make sure you look better than that routine of swaying from side to side you see at
many weddings. Our smallest wedding package is 5 private lessons. This will be enough to give you a few
moves that will make you stand out from most wedding dances you’ve seen. If you want, we can
customize a program for your first dance and also give you the ability to dance the night away with the
rest of the music that will be played on your special day. We even have programs designed for you and
your entire wedding party.
DANCE COMPETITIONS
Q. What are the dance competitions like and what does it take to participate?
A. You can participate in any of the four competitions we usually go to each year. Students should take at
least 20 private dance lessons learning how to free style (lead/follow). Then, commit a set number of
lessons to prepare to compete in your age category, in the specific dances, and in the pre-set attainable
bronze levels. For example competing in Cha Cha at newcomer level means five patterns in a routine
format. This should take about 5 private lessons.
These competitions complete the amateur dance experience. National competitions include amazing
professional dance shows, delicious dinners, exciting atmosphere, glamour and glitz, general and
competitive dancing, fun times with studio instructors and other students, and personal memories of
accomplishments and being part of a "Dancing Like The Stars" event!
Q. What if I just want to come to the competition and watch?
A. If unsure that you want to compete, start as a spectator. Go see what it's all about! You can cheer and
support the ADC studio and participating students. You will always be welcome to come watch. If you
want to sit with the studio table, you will need to remember to purchase your tickets in advance through
the studio.
We are happy to answer any additional questions. Please either call the studio
Monday through Friday from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm or email us at
info@AmericanDanceportCenter.com
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