Answers

What are some of the benefits of learning partner dancing?
Partner dancing is great for many reasons:

Its fun and exciting
Meet new people
Relaxation
Year-round exercise
Improved coordination, sense of rhythm and body movement
Creative Outlet
Partner dancing is a timeless and exhilarating form of non-verbal communication. All of us here at DanceWorks can attest to the positive mental and physical benefits of dancing.

Do I need a partner in order to take lessons?
Absolutely not. If you have a spouse, partner, or friend that you want to take lessons with, that's fine but is not required. In private lessons, your instructor can teach you equally well by yourself or with a partner. In group lessons, where there is often a mix of singles and couples, we rotate dance partners frequently. This helps everyone refine their skills, meet new people, and make new friends. Either way--by yourself or with a friend--is just fine.

What kind of shoes should I wear?
The best are shoes made specifically for dancing that have either suede or leather soled shoes or if you like dance tennis shoes. There are also a wide variety of styles to choose from. If you intend to dance regularly, we strongly encourage you to buy a good pair of dance shoes--your feet will thank you.

Next to suede-soled shoes, any shoe with a regular smooth-leather sole is usable. Since you are unlikely to have suede-soled shoes already, leather-soled shoes are an excellent temporary substitution until you can get a pair of dance shoes.

Worst of all are rubber-soled shoes. Sneakers, canvas deck-shoes, tennis shoes, or anything else with a rubber sole should be avoided. Rubber soled shoes grip far too much for comfortable dancing.

When you're ready to purchase dance shoes, take a look at a list of a few stores in the area that carry them.

What is the quickest, most effective way to learn to dance?
Taking lessons at DanceWorks Studio, of course! We recommend a comprehensive program of private lessons, group classes, and practice parties. If possible, taking group classes and/or private lessons two or three times a week is one of the best ways to learn quickly and retain what you learn.

I'm interested in learning to dance, but I'm not sure it's for me. What should I do?
Call us or stop by the studio to sign up for our Introductory Special. It is the most effective way to get an idea of what partner dancing is all about while learning a few moves in the process. We're confident that you'll have a great time and decide to continue having fun at our studio!

What happens on an Introductory Special?
During this program, our instructors will expose you to a wide variety of partner dances through private, group, and practice party sessions. This will give you the information you need to choose which dances you want to focus on further. Near the completion of this special, your instructor will tailor a customized dance program meeting your goals and expectations including only those dances you wish to learn. Of course, you can always choose to add new dances later; it has been our experience that once people learn one dance, they decide they want to learn many more! Not only is learning more dances fun, but it prepares you for any social dance occasion regardless of the style of music that is playing.

How much do dance lessons cost?
We have lesson programs available to suit any budget. Read our Program page for more information.

I don't know anyone who dances. Why should I learn?
Besides the benefits of dancing listed above, because it's fun! Also, you will find that taking dance lessons and attending the Friday practice parties is a great way to make new friends, and those friends will know how to dance!

What is a group class like?
Group classes take place in our separate group classroom, where one instructor teaches a group of students in a single dance. See our Programs page for descriptions of the various types of group classes.

What is a private lesson like?
Private lessons are a valuable tool for those who wish to get the most out of their dancing. During a private lesson, one of our professional instructors will be your partner and/or your teacher, depending on whether you are taking lessons by yourself or with a partner. On these lessons, your instructor will instruct you on elements of partnership, technique, and style, in addition to learning various dance steps. Those who take the time and effort to study partner dancing through private lessons learn more effectively and efficiently than through any other method of instruction.

What are Friday practice parties?
We hold dance parties every Friday from 9:00 to 11:30 PM to give our students an opportunity to practice what they have learned in their lessons in a "real world" setting, and to provide the general public with a fun dance venue. Our instructors will be present during practice parties, available to answer your questions, and help you have fun on the dance floor.

Aside from practicing your skills, practice parties offer an important element of learning that cannot be simulated in ordinary lessons. During our parties, you will have the opportunity to dance with people of all skill levels, which is very important for developing your partnership skills. Good partnership skills allow you to tailor your movements to your partner so that you both get as much enjoyment from your dance as possible.

If you're thinking about taking dance lessons, or just want a great dance experience, our practice parties are an excellent opportunity for you to check us out and see what we're so excited about. DanceWorks is a non-smoking, alcohol-free facility; we welcome all ages.

Do you offer special wedding packages?
Absolutely! To help you and your beloved make your special day even more memorable, DanceWorks provides special packages specifically designed for your needs. Our wedding packages include one professionally choreographed routine, help with music selection, and recommendations for the type of dance that would best fit your musical selection. We will work with you to craft the perfect "first dance" for your wedding day. We will create a lesson plan tailored to your specific situation, depending on your skill level, the type of dance, how long you have to learn before your wedding, and how proficient you wish to be. Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment, and note that our facilities are also available to rent for your reception!

Do you offer any dance workshops?
From time to time, DanceWorks recruits master teachers from all over the country to bring the latest and greatest moves and techniques to the Pacific Northwest. During the year, we also offer travel packages to various dance camps for intensive learning, to interact with dancers from around the nation, and to take lessons from some of the world's best teachers. Any special events like these will be published on our Calendar and Events page, on flyers available at the studio, announced at practice parties, and probably mentioned to you by your instructor as well.

Do you have a mailing list?
Yes. We currently maintain an e-mail mailing list and a postal mailing list. These are strictly opt-in lists; we will not sell, trade, or transfer your contact information to third parties unless required for the conduct of normal business. Contact us if you wish to be added to either mailing list.