Ballroom Dancing

Customer Service answers:

When shopping for a ballroom dance studio, you need to remember the following if you are in the U.S. … You get what you pay for in most cases. If you go with a small school that charges very little, you will get little in return. If you go with a larger school with a reputable name, you will pay more but get a better quality of dance education. In my years of teaching, I have worked with all studio shapes, sizes, and methods of teaching.

Online is not a bad way to begin searching for schools. It can sometimes be daunting to see a cold list of schools and not really know anything about them, however. My advice is to try a few and go with the one that gives you the best service regardless of price. I really cannot emphasize that enough. Ballroom dancing is not a cheap hobby and you need to understand that going in.

As far as favorite dances go, I prefer Bolero, Tango, and Swing. I like Bolero because of it’s sensuality, Tango because of it’s intensity and challenge, and Swing because I feel like I am least restricted in that dance. I guess I should also clarify that I prefer American style to International.

Customer Service answers:

How old is too old? Oh, I’d say about 95 years old would probably be too old, you’d break bones by that point. The great thing about ballroom is it’s never too late and you’re never too old to start learning and competing. Also, you could start competing right away with the right coach, but I wouldn’t expect to win anything right off the bat if I were you. But even if you don’t win, the experience would still be helpful. Go find a good private studio, not a chain one like Fred Astaire, they’re crap, and tell the instructor what you want and what your goals are. You’ll be on the competition floor in no time.

Customer Service answers:

The cost would depend on a lot of things. For example, a decent dress alone is anywhere between $200 – $3000. Plus, entry fees for comps, petrol and accommodation(depending on where you live there could be a lot of travelling involved), how many lessons you take a week(probably at least 3 or 4 a week if you were competing), how much the lessons cost, how many comps you went to in a year, etc. It’s an expensive sport. You’d be looking at at least $2000 – $3000 a year minimum, and it would most probably be more than that. But, if it’s something you really want to do, go for it. Don’t let anything discourage you(especially not the cost), because there’s always a way to do what you want to do. Good luck!