Our Expectations Of You

Those of us who live or work with children know well that if you fail to provide realistic but challenging expectations for those children, they never really mature as they age into adolescence and end up rebellious and uncontrollable. Likewise, business owners know that if they neglect to give their employees realistic but challenging objectives, human nature takes over, and their employees end up doing just enough hard work to justify their salaries.

When students first walk through our doors, they honestly don't know what's good for them. All they know is that they think they want to learn to dance because it looks fun and seems to have a lot of associated advantages. As educators, it's an important part our job to inform them of those key elements that they'll need to pay attention to if they want to be successful with their dancing. Can you neglect these things and still take lessons with us? Of course. But don't expect the road to be long or smooth if you do.

So without further adieu, here is a brief list of the expectations we have for our students, along with an explanation of why each element is so very important to your satisfaction with your ballroom dancing experience.


  1. EXPECTATION #1

    Your number one enemy in learning ballroom is your own poor attitude. If you come to lessons convinced that you're a hopeless case, you've already lost the battle. Instead, come believing that anything is possible with enough time and effort and that you will get it. It's just a matter of when. Exert your energy in a construtive manner, and you'll find there is little you can't achieve.

  2. EXPECTATION #2

    Second only to attitude, practice is a must. No matter how naturally gifted a person is, everyone needs some degree of repetition to really absorb what they are taught. We guarantee that the more you practice, the faster you'll pick up the steps and technique that will have you looking and feeling good about yourself on the dance floor. Students who do not practice regularly are rarely students for long.

  3. EXPECTATION #3

    Your instructor can give you an idea of what's out there in the realm of ballroom, but only you know what you want to get out of your lessons. Take the time to think about where you are in relation to where you want to be in a year and in five years. Is dancing only a tentative interest or something you really enjoy? Depending on your answer, prioritize your time, energy, and finances accordingly. There's no sense reorganizing your life if you're only half-interested in ballroom, but if you're really passionate about it, it's just as senseless to destroy your chances for success by not allowing enough practice time or neglecting to include dancing in your budget. Establish goals, and arrange the means to meet them.

  4. EXPECTATION #4

    When people first arrive at our weekly parties, one of the very first things we hear from them is how accomodating our students are in helping them learn their steps. This sort of environment cannot happen with people who hoard what they've learned just so they can look better than everyone else. We expect our students to contribute to one another's learning experience. When other students generously offer you their help when you're struggling, by all means accept it! But when the tables are turned and you're the more experienced dancer, remember how you were aided by those before you and commit to serve those who come after in like manner.

  5. EXPECTATION #5

    Some things go without saying, but we'll say them anyway, so there will be no misunderstandings. While at IGR, we expect students to conduct themselves as ladies and gentlemen. Foul language, inappropriate signs, or other offensive material are unacceptable. Ladies should dress comfortably but modestly in consideration our men, and men likewise in consideration of our ladies. Public displays of affection that would make anyone in the studio uncomfortable should be saved for home. In short, just be considerate of one another, and do nothing that would cause others to stumble.

  6. EXPECTATION #6

    Please be considerate of your instructor's schedule, keeping in mind that, although dancing is entertainment for you, it's a living for him. If you need to cancel a private lesson or won't be able to attend a group class, let your instructor know ASAP! If enough people cannot attend a group, your instructor may cancel the class for that week. If you can't make your scheduled private lesson, your instructor has the option of scheduling someone else. But he can't do either until you let him know. For more details, please check out our cancellation policy.

We appreciate you interest in the studio and hope that your adherence to these reasonable expectations will make your experience in ballroom dancing all the more enjoyable, both for you and everyone else at I've Got Rhythm.