Aim For The Stars

Now that you've begun attending parties and have established yourself in a regular group class, it's time to make way for continued improvement. Let's begin by considering the points mentioned in the previous section. What signs should you look for in determining when it's time to begin regular private lessons, and why are these good indicators that private lessons are right for you?

  1. INDICATOR #1

    If you feel like you're falling behind the group for some reason but can't figure out why, take a private and try to find out. You may be making a simple error that could be easily solved via the personal observation of your instructor. One quick private in the early stages of your dancing may mean the difference between success and failure in the long run.

  2. INDICATOR #2

    Groups must cater to the needs of everyone in the group, both in subject matter and the speed of the class. If you're benefiting from a group but know you can absorb more, privates may open up a whole other world to you. Don't condemn yourself to mediocrity just to save a buck.

  3. INDICATOR #3

    The primary advantage of private lessons is there ability to address problem areas that are specific to each individual. If you feel awkward doing the patterns you've learned in group class, try fine tuning those patterns with proper technique in private lessons.

  4. INDICATOR #4

    Good partnership between dance partners is extremely important. Unfortunately, it's also very difficult to achieve. If you and your partner just can't get into that groove where you feel like you're dancing together, as opposed to just next to each other, private lessons are the only solution. If you continue to practice poor partnership at parties and group classes, you'll only be reinforcing bad habits. Again, better to solve the problem with privates than live with the frustration it will cause every time you and your partner hit the floor together.

  5. INDICATOR #5

    Confidence in dancing is largely a function of control. If things "just happen" sometimes and you don't know why, then you can never address the underlying problem. And not knowing when or if something undesirable is about to happen when you're on the floor will naturally add unnecessary anxiety to you ballroom experience. Better to take a private or two and have your instructor pinpoint the problem. Once you're aware of it you can then work on solving it.

In short, private lessons are necessary for anyone who wants to dance well. They cannot be avoided. Now some students make private lessons their sole subsistence, taking them to satisfy absolutely every need. While this is good for the studio's business, it is unhealthy for the student, not to mention very expensive. As is often the case, a balanced approach is best. Privates are a necessary supplement to the rest of studio life, and when treated as such can be invaluable to a long and enduring passion for dance.