New here? Start with this
Almost everyone who walks in for the first time comes on their own, has never danced, and is quietly convinced they will be the worst person in the room. You will not be. Here is exactly what a first class looks like.
The short version
-
You do not need a partner
We rotate partners through class, so you will dance with plenty of people whether you arrive alone or with someone. Bring a partner if you have one — you are welcome to stay together, although rotating is highly encouraged as it helps you more rapidly improve your dancing skills.
-
You do not need experience
Beginner and all-levels classes assume you have never danced a step. We start from how to stand and how to walk to a beat.
-
You do not need to commit
Plenty of our classes offer a drop-in option (*students must start on week 1 if they wish to either continue dropping in on week 2 or beyond or to register for the remainder of the course). Multi-week courses run as a set block of weeks with progressive lessons, so the group learns together, improving from week to week. The class description pages show whether a class is a multi-week course or a stand-alone class.
What to wear
Come as you are, but keep good hygiene in mind (shower, deodorant, teeth brushed, no strong perfumes/colognes) as you will be dancing in close proximity to others. Clothes you can move and sweat a little in are a good idea, as well as shoes with a smooth sole that let you turn — tennis shoes with a lot of grip can catch on the floor and put strain on your knees. If you don’t have a smooth soled shoe that makes turning easy, you can either dance in your socks or tell the studio rep at sign-in that you would like a pair of our dance shoe covers for the sole of your shoes ($5) and they will help you. Bring a water bottle.
Your first class, step by step
-
Pick a class
Browse what classes, workshops, and events are offered in the next few weeks and choose anything marked beginner or all-levels. If you are unsure, message us and we will point you at the right one.
-
Arrive about ten minutes early
That is enough time to find the door, say hello, change your shoes and not feel rushed. Check the studio page for directions and parking info.
-
Say hello
Tell an instructor it is your first time. It is the most normal sentence in the building, and it will mean someone is looking out for you.
-
Dance
Classes generally begin with a warm-up, then you’ll get a couple of new moves broken down slowly, followed by practice with a rotation of partners. Instructors encourage questions and will come around and work with you individually as needed. The only hard and fast rule is to have fun.
-
Come back
The second class is where things begin to click. Be patient with yourself and focus on the enjoyment of movement, new friendships, fun music, and your growing confidence. If dance were a no-brainer, dance schools wouldn’t exist. It takes time and consistency to learn any new skill and dance is no different. When possible, find opportunities to practice what you’re learning outside of class. Attend our social dances, workshops, and special events, as well as other dancing opportunities in the community. Try showing a friend or family member what you are learning to see how well you understand and remember what you have been taught. Above all, have fun using the knowledge and skills you are developing!
If a class is not your thing yet
Some people would rather start one on one — before a wedding, or just to build confidence before joining a group. A private lesson does exactly that, and you can move into classes whenever you are ready.