Frequently Asked Questions

getting started

How much do dance lessons usually cost?
Depending on how many and from whom they are purchased, private lessons these days can run anywhere from $50-70 per hour, the industry standard being right about $60. Group classes generally range from about $5-15, depending on the studio and the class being taught. (top)
Being new, should I begin with private or group lessons?
Both group and private lessons have their advantages. However, unless you're excruciatingly self-conscious, we recommend that those who are new to dancing begin by grounding themselves in a group setting. For most students, group classes are entirely adequate for their first few months of dancing. (top)
Can I take lessons without a partner?
Certainly. In groups, those without partners rotate with one another so that everyone gets to dance. In private lessons, an instructor will work with you personally. (top)
How often should I take lessons?
We highly recommend that you make dancing a regular weekly activity. Students who only attend parties/lessons sporadically will tend to forget what they've learned, leading to an unnecessarily frustrating dance experience. (top)
How often should I practice throughout the week?
You should make it a habit to practice a bare minimum of at least 10 minutes every day (preferrably 30 minutes). This relatively small amount of time can make all the difference between fun and frustration on the dance floor. Dancing a little every day not only helps to train your body, but more importantly it helps to train your mind, so that when you come back to class each week, you are ready to move on. (top)
How long does it take to become comfortable with a dance?
Everyone is different. Some pick up patterns quickly but have no rhythm. Others are just the opposite. There is one guarantee though – if you don't practice, you will never feel comfortable on the floor. Regular practice always means success, regardless of whether it comes in one month or in three. (top)
What is the most difficult aspect of learning to dance?
For men, the hardest part is learning to lead. Men will naturally feel inadequate when they first begin to dance because they know that they are expected to lead but have no idea how to do so. For women, on the other hand, the hardest part is learning to trust her partner. This is especially difficult when a couple is just starting out and the man hasn't learned to lead well yet. Time and practice, both separately and together, are the most important factors in overcoming these natural struggles. (top)
What are the most socially practical dances these days?
The answer to this question depends entirely on your setting. In the social club scene, East Coast Swing and Salsa are undoubtedly the most common. In a more formal atmosphere, Waltz and Foxtrot are more commonplace. If you are interested in preparing yourself a specific scene, let your instructor know and he or she will try to equip you with the most appropriate dances for that environment. (top)
What dances are most suitable for a wedding dance?
Waltz, Foxtrot, and Rumba are probably the most common wedding dances due to their relatively simple basics. More advanced students may be interested in Tango or Viennese Waltz. Depending on one's culture, other dances may also be suitable. (top)
How do I know which music goes with which dance?
This is a skill you will have to learn by experience and regular practice. After learning to count the beats in your mind and getting a sense of the look and feel of each dance, you will be better able to match a dance to its music. Check out Dance Shopper and listen to some of the albums online to get a sense for each style. (top)
What should I be looking for in an instructor?
Regardless of how many fancy moves someone knows, if he or she cannot communicate effectively with students, you should look for another instructor. The most important question to ask when locating an instructor is, "Does this instructor know how to teach?" Only after you can affirmatively answer this question about your instructor does his or her talent become relevant. (top)

about our studio

Where is the studio located?
We are located at 10841 Bluegrass Parkway near intersection of Watterson Trail and Bluegrass Parkway. (top)
May I see the studio before committing to a lesson?
If you would like to check out the studio, please call Gary at 836-2548, and he will be happy to give you a tour as his schedule permits. (top)
What kind of environment should I expect when I arrive?
We desire to provide a healthy environment in our studio where God is honored and people are free to have good healthy fun. In order to facilitate such an environment, drinking and smoking are not permitted in the studio. In addition, we ask that guests refrain from any inappropriate or suggestive language or behavior that might disrupt the family-oriented atmosphere of the studio. (top)
What is the typical age range of your students?
Students range in ages all across the board, proving it's never too early or too late to get started. (top)
How many people can the studio accomodate?
The studio can hold up to 100 people comfortably for dance events. It can accomodate larger groups for non-dance events (e.g. company luncheon, wedding reception, etc.). (top)
How much are lessons at your studio?
For individual lessons, we charge a standard per hour for privates and per person per hour for group lessons. When purchased in packages, private lessons can drop to as little as $45 per hour and group lessons drop to as little as $5 per person per hour, depending on how many people are in that group. Please consult our price and package summary for details on lesson costs. (top)
Why does your studio not offer an intro package?
Intro packages are generally designed to peak interest rather than to teach, in view of selling a student expensive packages once they've been hooked. In lieu of an intro package, we simply recommend that newcomers attend one of our weekly parties, where they will receive special attention, both from the group and from instructors. Weekly parties are especially geared for beginners and are a low per person for a nearly three hours of entertainment. (top)
What kinds of dances do you teach?
We currently offer instruction in over 20 different dances. Visit our learning center for a listing of the dances we teach. (top)
Aside from lessons, do you offer any resources that may be helpful in learning ballroom?
By clicking on the links to our learning center, you'll find detailed information about each dance, including beginner's ratings, foot outlines, histories, and practice advice. You may also find some helpful instruction in our links section. (top)
What is the I've Got Rhythm Dance Card?
The IGR Dance Card is an easy way for us to keep track of what students have paid for group lessons in addition to being a way to reward committment for regular attendance of weekly parties. (top)
Can we get dance shoes through your studio?
We offer our regular students discounted rates on quality dance shoes. Prices generally range from $80-105 for in-stock shoes. Those who are not regular students may also order shoes for an additional $20. Check out our dance store to browse our selection online. (top)
Does your studio ever offer any specials?
We regularly offer specials to keep our students going strong. Check out our seasonal specials for more info. (top)
Do you have any programs available for kids?
Our school kids dance program is geared specifically for kids ranging from grades 5-12 and is designed to provide your children with a healthy alternative to the immoral types of dancing they will encounter in many secular venues these days. Visit the official page for more details on how to sign up your child or get your own group started. (top)
Are there any other programs unique to your studio?
Besides our kids program, we also have a program for married couples and a program for teachers. The former is intended to bolster relationships by teaching Biblical principles of marriage through the metaphor of dance. The latter provides discounted group classes for teachers with the hope that they will eventually share their knowledge of ballroom with their students. Click the appropriate links for more info. (top)
How can I receive reminders about studio events?
Provide us with you name and email address to sign up for our mailing list. (top)
Do you offer gift certificates?
Gift certificates may be purchased for virtually any of our normal dance activities. If you're interested in making a purchase, please give us a call. (top)
How does your studio reward students for bringing guests?
Our studio is heavily dependent on word-of-mouth advertising. Fortunately, we make it easy for our students to say good things about us, and when they do, we reward them with free lessons. Check out our dance rewards for more on how you can earn free dance lessons. (top)

dance lessons

When and where are group lessons held?
Like any private lesson, group lessons are held in our main ballroom and may be scheduled at a group's convenience, providing an instructor is free. (top)
How much do weekly group lessons cost?
For your first group class, lessons run per 6 lessons purchased via an IGR Dance Card. For this class, you also receive $5 in IGR Party Bucks per attendance for use towards weekly partys. Subsequent group classes may be purchased at the discounted rate of per 6 lessons. (top)
What's different about group lessons as your studio?
Unlike some studios who use group classes as a springboard for very expensive private lessons, we try to offer the same quality of instruction in group lessons as we do in privates. Furthermore, our weekly group classes are progressive, allowing students to continue to build on what they learn and potentially become very advanced dancers without ever taking a private lesson. This approach allows our students to experience many of the benefits of private lessons without the associated costs. In short – gain real dance skills for less! (top)
Why begin with group lessons over private lessons?
We're all a bit clumsy when we start, and we tend to pick up patterns faster than technique. Group classes are especially good for learning the basic patterns of a given dance, whereas privates are preferrable for honing technique. Why shell out for privates if what you want to learn is being taught in a group lesson? Eventually though, privates are a must. (top)
When and where are private lessons held?
Private lessons are held in our main ballroom and may be scheduled at students' convenience, providing an instructor is free. (top)
How much do private lessons normally run?
Single private lessons run per hour for up to two people, for each person beyond two. Lesson packages are also available at substantial discounts. Please consult our price and package summary for more information private lesson pricing. (top)
How are group and private lessons related?
Group lessons taken regularly over an extended period of time are foundational for the success of most dancers and their enjoyment of what they are learning. Private lessons should be considered as a supplement to group lessons and should be taken only after you've become established as a regular part of a group. (top)
How do privates play into the studio's group dynamic?
Our goal is to teach as many people as much as possible at a minimum cost to them. A significant factor in achieving that goal is the attitude of our students. Ideally, if students who take private lessons disseminate the knowledge they gain in privates to their fellow students, then a relatively few private lessons can go a long way. We encourage our students to both learn and practice together and be willing to invest in one another. (top)
What are the advantages of taking private lessons?
Private lessons provide a dedicated time for you to work with an experienced and capable instructor, allowing you to fine-tune your dancing and resolve any difficulties. Despite the price tag, intermediate dancers will find the advantages of private lessons well worth the extra cost. (top)
When should I think about beginning private lessons?
It depends. If you're self-conscious or having a lot of trouble with the steps, then get private lessons ASAP. Better to invest a little than get frustrated and quit. If you're okay making mistakes in front of the crowd, then spend a few months learning in a group setting (whether in weekly group classes or practice parties), and see how that goes. You might also decide on privates if no available groups are cover the dances you want to learn or if they are moving too slowly for your tastes. Ultimately, privates only become a must when you want to begin targeting technique and styling to improve the look of your dancing. (top)
Does this studio offer half-hour private lessons?
We do not offer half-hour private lessons because they are neither advantageous to our students' learning nor their budgets. Getting warmed up in a lesson takes about 5-10 minutes, and in a half-hour lesson that doesn't leave much time for instruction. For this reason, we recommend that those whose finances would only allow them to take half-hour lessons every week instead take full-hour lessons every two weeks and attend a weekly party or group class sometime during the intervening week to ensure retention of the material. (top)
What sorts of wedding packages do you offer?
For instruction in your first dance you may choose from any of our private lesson packages. It's also recommended that you attend one or more of our weekly parties for the experience of learning to dance in front of a crowd. (top)
Are wedding dance lessons different from private lessons?
Wedding dance lessons involve much of the same content as regular private lessons, but also involve the practical aspects of leading the lady onto the floor, finishing the dance, and choreographing a routine to a particular song, if needed. We make sure you look good and feel comfortable, so that your first dance together as husband and wife will truly be a cherished memory. (top)
When should we begin preparing for our first dance?
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Couples who come in with only a week before their wedding will find it difficult to really absorb the material we cover, especially considering the pressing concerns of their upcoming wedding. We recommend that students begin lessons no later than a month before their wedding date for best results. (top)
What are the advantages of starting to prepare early?
Beginning early has several advantages:
- More time to practice = more comfortable and prepared on the big day
- Freedom to take any additional lessons as needed
- Better long-term retention well-beyond your first dance
Don't wait to get started! (top)
How many lessons will it take to prepare for our wedding?
It depends on the couple. A couple who has danced for a while, may only need one lesson, whereas we recommend a minimum of four for those who are starting from scratch. (top)
Can you teach us to dance to a particular song?
If you have a particular song picked out for your dance, please bring it with you to your first lesson. The music will dictate which dance you learn and how it will be performed. Note also that some songs may not be suitable for a ballroom dance, despite their sentimental value. Should that prove the case, your instructor will help you select a song that may be more appropriate. (top)

weekly parties

When and where are your weekly parties held?
Weekly parties are held every Friday & Saturday, 8:00-10:30 PM at 10841 Bluegrass Parkway near intersection of Watterson Trail and Bluegrass Parkway. (top)
How much is the entrance fee for weekly parties?
Weekly parties run per person per evening or per person for six evenings (get one evening FREE) with the IGR Dance Card. (top)
How many people usually attend weekly parties?
Attendance can range anywhere from 10 to 40 people depending on the night. Regardless of how many come, we are committed to instructing our students with excellence, giving as much personal attention as we can to each individual. (top)
What normally goes on during weekly parties?
We give people about 15 minutes to trickle in before commencing with our beginner's group class, which goes for another 30 minutes or so. The remainder of the evening consists of the practice portion of the party. Check out our studio calendar to see what dances will be covered each night. Our learning center will give you an idea of the sorts of dances you can expect to see at the parties. (top)
Are weekly parties suitable for those new to dancing?
Our Friday and Saturday evening parties are always geared towards beginners and are ideal opportunities to introduce guests to the studio. (top)
What are the benefits of attending weekly parties regularly?
Regular practice is a must for those who want to retain what they've learned, and weekly parties are designed to aid students towards that end. We also offer regular attenders a way to save on their weekly parties via the IGR Dance Card and IGR Party Bucks. (top)
Our group can't make weekends. What should we do?
Depending on the size of your group, you have a few options. Small groups may opt to save by taking private lessons together as a group or by starting their own group class. Larger groups may consider renting the studio out for their own private parties from time to time. If neither of those options work, students can always schedule private lessons whenever their schedules allow throughout the week. (top)
How much does it cost to rent the studio for a private party?
If your interested in renting the studio for your own special event, please give us a call and let us know the nature of your event so we can give you an accurate estimate. (top)
Do you cater events outside the studio? What is the cost?
We do cater special events outside of the studio, schedule permitting, at a nominal charge of $150 for an hour-and-a-half of instruction or entertainment. Additional instruction is available at the standard rate of $50 per half-hour. Additional charges may apply for out of town events. (top)

dress attire

What standards of dress should I observe at the studio?
For the sake of our guests, we ask that everyone, especially ladies, dress in a manner that is modest and dignified. Those whose dress is clearly sub par will be asked to leave the studio. (top)
What would be appropriate dress for a party?
Dress for weekly parties tends to be casual, except on evenings of special occasions. Groups holding private parties or special events may dictate their own dress code, providing it is in line with the studio's policy of modesty. (top)
What sort of shoes are best for dancing?
Dance shoes are head and shoulders above normal street shoes and are preferrable, though any slick soled shoes will do, especially for beginning dancers. Check out our dance store to browse our selection online. (top)