Our Philosophy
You don't have to be a wise old sage to figure out that we are almost always stronger when we work together. The same principle applies in learning to dance. Unfortunately, this sort of philosophy is exceedingly difficult to institute when it comes to the practical aspects of running this sort of business.
Let's do a little math. Using our lesson prices, if we have ten students, who sign up for a single hour-long group lesson, the total works out to $100 at $10 per person (not counting the party bucks they receive). On the other hand, if all ten sign up for one private lesson at $45 per hour (our lowest per-lesson price), that's a grand total of $225-$450 (depending on couples or singles) – quite a leap!
This substantial jump in profit is why many studios exert considerable effort to market private lessons to their students. As a result, group classes end up becoming no more than a means to an end. Some offer group lessons for as little as $5 per person, but often the intent of these lessons is to teach just enough to make the real sale. The low price tag gets people through the doors, and when students realize how little they are actually learning in group lessons, they naturally want to learn more, making private lessons an easy sell and allowing studios to make money.
Now there's nothing necessarily immoral about this process. You get what you pay for, and that's business. What is so unfortunate about this particular practice is that it places the emphasis on the individual rather than the group, such that the group dynamic is largely neglected and is only superficially present in group classes and practice parties, ultimately to the detriment of the students.
At I've Got Rhythm we take exactly the opposite stance. Imagine a studio where everyone is both willing and able to invest themselves in the lives of their fellow dancers. If a couple is having trouble with a particular step, another couple stops to help them. If a beginner is getting frustrated trying to figure out his basic, he can feel comfortable asking anyone in the room for help and expect to receive it. When students do decide to take private lessons, they do so with the intent of sharing that knowledge with the group rather than hoarding it to themselves. And when they come to their instructors for aid, their instructors give that aid freely inasmuch as they are able, simply for the joy of sharing. This is our vision and our hope for our students.
Some might call such a vision unrealistic or impractical, but the truth is that it is already being realized among many of our faithful and selfless students. But this is not our doing. We believe that God has established this place to bring about something very unique and good in the city of Louisville. It's not about good business. It's about affecting people's lives for the glory of God, and we firmly believe that He will see us flourish for as long as we are faithful to do what is right and make an honest attempt to act in our students' best interests.
Our students are our family, whether on the dance floor having fun or at a point of desperation and hurt, whether handing us a check for a lesson or allowing us to serve them during a time of need. For a standard fee, we offer our students excellent instruction. Our love and friendship we offer for free. We hope that when you visit, you too will choose to be a part of our ever growing family.