Frequently Asked Questions
Why Ballroom Dancing?
Your questions are important to us! We don't expect you to know everything about ballroom dancing, especially if you're only beginning to explore the idea of getting started. Here are some answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. Feel free to contact us if you have specific questions about our studio or dancing in general!
Ballroom dancing has always been popular, and programmes like Strictly Come Dancing has raised its profile even further. However, rather than jumping on the bandwagon, there are numerous reasons why taking up ballroom dancing is a good thing!
Benefits
Ballroom Dancing has been proven as one of the best ways to keep your body fit and trim. You burn a suprising number of calories whilst enjoying yourself in the company of other people.
Top competitive couples will use the same muscle exertion and breathing rates as 800-metre Olympic runners.
Ballroom dancing can lower the risk of memory related diseases like Alzheimer's and Dementia by 73%. Ballroom dancers typically aquire very good short-term memories.
Learning to dance is one of the most social things you can do. You will meet lots of new people from all sorts of backgrounds.
Ballroom dancing demands that partners respect each other. Girls and boys will learn to respect members of the opposite sex and appreciate their skills and abilities.
When children get involved in competitions the benefits become even more prominent, as they learn to work towards goals, accept defeat gracefully and build confidence and self-worth.
For those that want to, there is a great competitive circuit in the UK where you can pit yourself against fellow dancers from across the country. There are categories for all ages and abilities - from 5 to 95, absolute beginner to professional!
FAQs
No, you do not need a partner! In fact, as a beginner you will benefit from dancing with a variety of people. Classes rotate partners very often. That said, if you do want to dance exculsively with a partner, that's fine too!
Private lessons are recommended for dancers of all levels who are serious about improving their dancing and want the most value for money. Group classes are a great way to start and are more than adequate for the social dancer and those at the early stages of competing.
For lessons, comfortable and informal clothing is recommended. Ladies often wear light dresses that are easy to move in and gentlemen will often wear trousers and a shirt. It's entirely up to you - as long as it allows freedom of movement it will be fine!
For our balls and socials you will want to dress to impress!
At first no, but you will need shoes with some "give" so that they don't stick to the floor. You're welcome to wear trainers. Shoes should fit securely - so no flipflops or backless sandals.
Once you know you want to continue dancing then we recommend you buy some dance shoes. Our teachers can advise on makes and styles that will be appropriate.