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1. WHAT ARE "BALLROOM" DANCES?; "LATIN & RHYTHM", "SWING", "NIGHTCLUB", "SMOOTH" & "STANDARD" DANCES?               Click here:  Dance Descriptions

2. WHAT'S LEARNING TO DANCE LIKE?         The term "social" dancing says it all, and the vast majority of people find dancing to be one great way of socializing and learning to laugh with others and  at ourselves.  A true natural high.

   There are 4 stages to the learning process:
   Unconsciously Incompetent (a blissful state);
   Consciously Incompetent (very uncomfortable);
   Consciously Competent (Progress!); and
   Unconsciously Competent (Definitely worth the work!) 

   Dance is a different world, where the highest math is 123 123 and where it's okay "not to know" since that's where we all begin.. Dance classes are different from college credit classes, where "passing" is by knowing the information. Remember:  Muscle memory takes longer to incorporate than brain memory.   Better to retake classes until the steps are so smooth people think you've been dancing for years. When watching better dancers you'll note that they don't use many moves, they just look great at the ones they use.  The true challenge is in your own determination and commitment. Even small improvements in memory, knowledge, endurance, timing, muscle and musical coordination, teamwork and communications skills will soon begin to increase your confidence and your eagerness to learn.

3. DO I NEED A PARTNER?       No partner is needed at any DanceWell  party, class, or private lesson. During the class, the instructor will have you rotate partners every few minutes so you will have the opportunity to dance with everyone in the class. Dancing with a variety of people is the best way to learn social dancing and is also a great way to meet people.

4. DO I WEAR ANYTHING SPECIAL FOR MY LESSONS or CLASSES?   It is recommended that you wear clothing that will give you freedom of movement. Many women find loose slacks or a full skirt to be most comfortable. Men find sport or polo shirts and loose slacks the most comfortable. Jeans and sweat clothes are not recommended.  Shoes with a thin, flexible sole are best for men. Women can wear a heel, since that is the normal shoe of choice when dressing up. Walking shoes with thick soles or rubber soles, sneakers or athletic shoes are not recommended for dancing. Although comfortable, they are not flexible enough for dancing, and may even encourage injury. Special footwear designed for dancing in a variety of styles is available to you through dance stores or the internet.     

5. WHAT IS PRIVATE INSTRUCTION?     Private instruction is one-to-one learning, whether as a single or a couple, and is tailored to suit the learning needs of each student. This allows you the freedom to advance at your own pace, learning techniques too subtle to learn in group classes. These are the lessons that will help develop all the necessary skills to make you an excellent dancer. Private lessons can cover one or several dances during the lesson, & can be either 1/2 or 1/hour long.  See Pricing

6. WHAT IS GROUP INSTRUCTION?     Group instruction primarily focuses on dancing patterns and involves many students under the direction of one instructor. Group lessons generally run for a series of (4) weeks, teaching patterns of a certain "level". No partner is necessary as we rotate  partners frequently during class.. Save $$ and ensure a spot in the class by prepaying your classes by the month before class date.  You can email linda@dancewellballroom.com or call 503-241-0460 ext 0.   About Group Classes

7. WHAT WILL I LEARN IN A GROUP CLASS?  Group classes teach to the general level of the people in the class and are great for learning patterns and being told about technique and styling.  Private lessons are for individuals to finesse their own dancing from what was learned in the group classes.

8. SHOULD I TAKE GROUP  OR PRIVATE INSTRUCTION  Ideally a combination of private and group instruction is the best choice. Receive quantity of patterns in group classes; add quality of movement to your dancing in private lessons

9. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I TAKE A LESSON?     Because you are new to dancing, the frequency of your first lessons is key to your success. When you first begin, we recommend 2 lessons per week, private and/or group and/or practice. This will help you retain your information easily and make better progress.  KEEP COMING BACK!  THE PROGRAM WORKS!

10. WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL A LESSON?     The studio realizes there may be occasions when your scheduled appointment may not be convenient. We can change your appointment to a more appropriate time, however we do ask that you provide us with a 24 hours notice when rescheduling. This allows your instructor to accommodate another student in your original time slot. The studio reserves the right to charge those students who cancel their lessons on less than 24 hour notice. MISSED GROUP CLASSES ARE NOT REFUNDABLE.

11. HOW DO I PRACTICE MY DANCING?     DanceWell has BEGINNER DANCES every Tuesday so students can practice their dancing, and monthly SATURDAY SOCIALS for all dance levels.   The parties give you the chance to dance in a "nightclub" atmosphere that will help you recognize one dance from another, dance with multiple partners, and learn to maneuver on a crowded dance floor. You needn't wait until you think you are good enough to attend a party. Going to these sessions right away will help you build your confidence and become better, faster. 

12. WHAT IS SOME GENERAL ETIQUETTE FOR THE DANCE WORLD?   We feel that Ballroom dancing is one of the most elegant of all activities between men and women and should not be confused with a gym.   Clothing is either dressy or casual and clean, and deodorant and breath mints are provided for our guests use. 

13. WHAT IS CUSTOMARY AT DANCES?      At Social Dance Parties the "2-dance rule" of dancing up to 2 dances with one person before changing partners is the general way.   Most dances include one or two mixer dances, where partners are quickly changed throughout one dance song (this is usually a Swing, Foxtrot or Waltz mixer).  Both men and women commonly ask  each other for dances.  Intensive Individual practicing with one partner is best scheduled with the studio at other times, and Unasked-for" advice is never appropriate. 

14. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AMERICAN AND INTERNATIONAL STYLE?    
    American Style is free, easy to learn, can be danced in open and closed position, and is used for social dancing. Beginners should definitely start out learning American Style, and can then progress to International Style if they would like to compete or to push their dancing to a new level.    International Style is used in dance competitions and is based on strict, formalized patterns and foot positions. In the Portland Area both International and American styles are considered "Social" dancing.

15. POINTS TO CONSIDER BEFORE ADVANCING TO A NEW CLASS LEVEL:
    Have I evaluated where I may need improvement?
    Am I stepping where and how I need to?
    Am I consistently with the rhythm of the music?
    Is my dance frame stable?
    Am I clearly leading/following my partners?
    If not...
    Any class will help improve general partnering  skills and understanding.  Is there another DanceWell class in the same general style (of Smooth, Latin or Swing) available?   Will a couple of private lessons prepare me for the next level?

FAVE QUOTE OF THE DAY: 

"The mighty oak was once a little nut who held it's ground"