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1. What is Ballroom Dancing? Ballroom Dancing consists of three main styles of "Couples Dancing":- Modern, Latin and New Vogue. For a description of each style, CLICK HERE.
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2. I have two left feet, can I be taught to dance?
A common fallacy is that you can't be taught to dance. The saying "If you can
walk, you can dance, if you can talk you can sing" is very true. Some
people learn faster than others and although they may never become world class
dancers, from a social aspect they should achieve enough skills to have fun, and
manage most of the dances presented at the many Saturday night Socials.
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3. When is the best time to start learning? There is no best time to start attending dance classes. Although some
studios run courses that have a definite start and finish, social dance classes
usually operate on a system that allows you to join at any time. In Stardust
Dance classes, every week is a new beginning.
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4. Do I need a partner? No-- Possibly 50% of our students attend classes as 'singles'. Even if you do attend as a couple you will still be rotated around through a number of partners during the evening.
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5. I will feel embarrassed making mistakes in front of others. How do I overcome this problem? In Stardust Dance Classes we have developed a method that reduces the concerns that others are watching you. No one sit around the sides while the dances are being practiced. This way everyone is too concerned with their own practice to be watching anyone else. We retain a greater proportion of , in particular, males than most other venues because of these teaching methods.
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6. What should I wear?
Social Dance classes are casual affairs. However, Shorts, Thongs
and joggers are definitely out of place. The most important item is footwear.
ladies should wear a fairly low heel shoe and one that wont slip off when
stepping backwards. The soles of both men's and ladies shoes should
preferably be of leather, or a material that is pliable and allows the feet to
glide over the floor without sticking. But most importantly they should be
comfortable as you are going to be on your feet for the best part of two hours.
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7. How long does it take to learn to dance?
World champions will tell you that you never stop learning.
However after six to eight weeks of regularly attending at least one class each
week, you should start to master the more simple dances taught in the classes.
Don't be misled by statements such as "You will be dancing after one lesson".
Could you drive a car after one lesson?. After a few hours of lessons, it becomes apparent that a number of dances have similar
steps to parts of other dances. Now you are on your way to mastering
new dances faster than when you first started. By this time you have usually noticed that some dancers seem to look more relaxed and move
more smoothly than you. Then you will begin to investigate how to
'look better'. Posture, poise and balance starts to mean something.
------ You're now on your way to becoming a competent dancer. However, it takes
many many hours of practice and training to achieve that 'professional' look.
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8. Do I have to pay up front, or sign a contract for a term?
Most definitely no--- You should be wary of entering into any
arrangement that requires you to pay before you start. If for some reason
you are unable to continue, you most probably have lost your money. You should only pay
as you attend.
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9. How
many people are in the social classes?
Classes vary in size depending on the night. Our
beginner classes usually have an average of 50 students. The advanced classes
are approximately 30. Some students attend both the Monday and Wednesday
classes as both are very social and friendly.
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10.What are the age ranges?
The age range in the classes start at teens and extends through to middle age
and beyond. What is most satisfying is that there is no reluctance from either
end of the age scale to partner some one of a different generation. There is a
saying throughout the dancing community:- "There is no generation gap in
ballroom dancing".
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11. If I have danced before, what class would be best for me?
How long is a piece of string? Have a look at our weekly program and you
should be able to determine where you best fit in.
CLICK HERE
However, if all your dancing experience has been gained through following other
couples at social dances, then you may be quite surprised to find out what you
don't know about the dances you may have been doing for some time.
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12. What should I look for when deciding where to start to learn to dance?
Compare what we offer with what's available elsewhere.
CLICK HERE
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13. Should I book before attending a social class?
There is no need to book before attending one of our social classes. However,
particularly on your first night, it is best to arrive about fifteen minutes
before the class is scheduled to start. This ensures that you are there
for the beginning of the program, particularly with the Wednesday class,
as the first twenty minutes is
devoted to those just beginning their dancing experience.
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14. Can I arrange for private tuition?
Private tuition is naturally by appointment at a time to suit both you and your
teacher. Some people prefer to take private tuition before venturing into
a social class. Most people however use the private tuition to learn and improve
dance routines, as well as solve problems
they may be having with particular movements. 'One on One' tuition
provides an individual with the opportunity for improving their
understanding of the finer points of dance.
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15. Are your instructors qualified?
We are both accredited DanceSport Australia registered coaches. In addition to
our dancing qualifications, we both hold University of Queensland degrees
majoring in Psychology and Communications. As we are also qualified
Massage Therapists we have a thorough understanding of the muscular
co-ordination required to control finite dance movements.
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16. I
am currently being tutored by someone else. How can I find out if that person is
accredited? There is a complete list of all accredited
DanceSport Aust. coaches on their website:-
http://www.dancesport.org.au/Accreditation/accreditationlist.pdf As
this is the only recognised authority for Ballroom Dancing in Australia, if
their name is not on the list then you are being coached by an unqualified
person. Don't be misled by statements such as "our instructors are specially
trained ".
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17. What are Medal Classes? Medal Classes are sometime referred to as 'Dance Improvement
Classes'. The idea of medal tuition is to concentrate on selected dances and not
only learn the routines of those dances but also develop better movement through
understanding balance and transfer of weight from one foot to the other.
Medal classes also allows a better understanding of the 'musicality' of dance. For further information on the various levels of Medal tuition,
CLICK HERE
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