Frequently asked questions about Latin & Ballroom -
Infrequently asked questions -
Q. Do I need to book?
A. No you don't. There are beginner's classes every week, and classes at more advanced levels as well. You can turn up whenever you want, and if you miss a week or two it doesn't matter too much.
Q. Do I need to come with a partner?
A. Not at all. Everyone moves around in the classes anyway.
Q. Does it matter that I have never danced before?
A. No. You will be taught from absolute basics, and can move on at whatever pace suits you.
Q. What should I wear?
A. You will be using 5-
Q. Which class should I be in?
A. If in doubt you should ask a teacher. If you don't feel you are learning anything ask your teacher if you should move on.
Q. How long should I stay in each class?
A. Until you feel you have learnt enough or your teacher tells you to move on. The class should be testing and fun. If you are really struggling, drop down a class, for your benefit and for the others in the class. If your teacher suggests you move back a class don't be offended, they are there to help and have your best interests at heart. The object is to make you a better dancer and this won't be achieved by moving to a more advanced class before you are ready.
Q. What is the etiquette about asking people to dance?
A. Most dancers will dance with most others. Everyone remembers what it was like to be a beginner, so don't be afraid to ask anyone. If they say no, it's usually for a good reason, and not worth pursuing. If you don't want to dance with someone it is best to just say, "no, thank you". Any elaboration is unnecessary. So is debating, wrestling or going for the best of three.
Q. Will you stop treading on my toes?
A. Unlikely. Accidents happen on the dance floor. It's not usually murder, but please take care. Please be considerate to other dancers as well by not invading their space.
Q. Where can I get dance shoes?
A. There are a couple of local shops (depending on where you are, of course). The
local favourites are Let's Dance! They have a shop in Welwyn and are highly recommended. They
carry stocks of Roch Valley and Capezio, but are very helpful and will order whatever
you usually wear from other manufacturers. Way up North in Stevenage there is Stagedoor. They
trade at the Indoor Market, St.George's Way, and do all sorts of dance trainers and
shoes. You can always spend a happy hour around St.Martin's Lane and potter around
the specialist dance shoe stores there. This is fun every now and then (even if
you don't possess the shopping gene) as they have an extraordinary range of shoes
(some truly hideous), their staff can be comically arrogant, and, of course, The
Ivy is only 10 minutes walk away if your blood-
Q. Should I buy dance shoes on-
A. Avoid purchasing online unless you have bought before and know the model and the size. The sizing on dance trainers can be quite bewildering and sometimes appears to be based on random numbers generated by typing chimps. This has improved lately, but I’d always want to try them on first, just like any shoes. Of course it may be that feet just change size when you go to purchase dance shoes. I have no evidence that feet, like ears, get bigger with age, but then I haven’t looked for it.
Q. How do I look after dance shoes?
A. 1. Shoe care for men – just like any other shoes; men will throw them in a bag until you really can’t stand the sight of them any more and are convinced that they are worn out. Actually, they only need either a good polish (leather) or a gentle wash in the machine (dance trainers).
2. Shoe care for women -
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