Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a partner?

You don’t need a partner for any of our group classes, parties, workshops, or private lessons. Everyone is welcome! Our classes are set up so that the partners rotate every few minutes. This is the best way to learn to dance, and is also a wonderful way to meet people. Somewhere in the rotation you may meet your future practice or dance partner!

What type of shoes should I wear?

When you first start taking lessons, we recommend you wear leather or suede soled shoes that fit well and stay on your feet. It is very difficult to dance in clogs, wedges, sneakers, or any shoes that are too big, open-backed, or have rubber soles (unless you are taking a hip hop class, where sneakers are the norm!) As you progress, you may want to invest in a pair of ballroom dance or practice shoes. You will need the flexibility and contact with the floor that these shoes provide as your technique becomes more sophisticated. We can help you find the right pair of shoes for you.

Should I take private lessons or group classes?

We recommend a combination of both. Group classes will help you learn patterns and figures, show you how to lead and follow with a variety of partners, and give you a sense of “floor craft” - learning to dance with many other couples on the floor. This teaches you to be aware of your partner as well as other dancers. Private lessons will train your entire body in the technique of the dance. They are an absolute must for anyone who is serious about ballroom dancing. True ballroom dancing is about much more than the steps, and you will need hands-on individual instruction to learn how you feel to your partners. Private lessons can also help if you find the group class is moving too fast or if there are certain figures that you just can’t quite understand.

How long does it take to learn to dance?

While every student is different, most people can become proficient social dancers in six months to a year, provided they spend a little bit of time each day practicing what they have learned in their group classes or private lessons. It also helps to attend dance parties, so you can dance with more experienced dancers and get a sense of the more advanced levels of dance. Learning to dance is a cumulative experience. You will find that each new dance becomes easier to learn as your body changes, your posture improves, your understanding of musical phrasing increases, and the figures become an automatic part of your muscle memory.

How can I practice what I’ve learned?

Every Sunday afternoon our studio will be open for a practice party. There will be DJ music playing in all the dance styles, and we will have our famous “Taxi Dancers” available to dance with you. Taxi Dancers are advanced social dancers who are enthusiastic, patient, and supportive. They love helping people learn to dance and to experience the joy of moving to music across the dance floor. They will help you with areas that are causing you difficulty and will show you what it feels like to really dance. We can also recommend several excellent dance videos for you to view at home. These videos will help you reinforce the techniques and figures of the dances you are learning in your classes and lessons. These videos are an excellent supplement to your experience at the practice parties, but are no substitute for the wonderful experience you can get by dancing to music with a variety of partners.

Is there a dress code at Shall We Dance?

There is no formal dress code, but we do want all our students to feel comfortable and to experience a sense of the dance they are learning. We recommend that students wear nice slacks or practice skirts in which they can move freely. You will find that dressing like a dancer shows respect to your partners and will help you feel like a dancer, too.

My partner and I only want to dance with each other. Do we have to rotate in group classes?

Although rotating partners is the best way to learn to dance to meet new people, rotating is not mandatory in any of our classes. You and your partner are free to dance with each other for the entire class. We only ask that you stand slightly outside the regular rotation so that the other students will not be confused. Another option is to gather a few couples and schedule a “small group” class for you and your friends. This class is like a semi-private lesson and you can work on the dances you’d like to do and concentrate on dancing with your partner.

I’ve been a klutz my whole life and don’t have much sense of rhythm. Can anyone learn to dance?

Yes, absolutely. While people learn at different rates and advance to different levels, anyone with a heartbeat and a desire to learn can be a dancer.

Why should I take lessons at Shall We Dance?

Shall We Dance is unique among Peninsula dance studios in that we have something to offer every dancer, from the shyest beginner to advanced social dancers who are serious about performing and competing in nationally recognized events. We offer a variety of dance styles and forms that celebrate the diversity and contributions of the many different cultures that make up our Peninsula community. We believe in nurturing the whole person along with the dancer. Our studio is a place of light, healing, health, hope, and joy. At Shall We Dance, you will learn about the connection to your own body as well as to another person. We believe that both leading and following come from a place of strength, and true partnership on the dance floor can lead to a transformative sense of joy. We welcome you to our studio, and invite you to join the dance today.