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FAQs Welcome New Students! Thank you for choosing Latin Dance Factory! Below are the answers to some of the most popular questions that you may have before getting started. From "What are your House Rules" to "Do I need a Dance Partner?" and "What should I wear to class?" If there is any other question that you need help with, please contact us directly at 832-413-2623 Can you teach us at our place?
Yes we certainly can! If you can set up a group of friends that like to learn, we can go to your home and conduct the class there - either as a one time event or a set of weekly lessons. The event can be scheduled at your convenience. Rates vary according to the size of the group and also the frequency of the lessons. A small travel fee may apply to locations beyond 5 miles from our studio. This includes areas in Houston, Katy, Sugarland, Clear Lake, Alvin, Pasadena, Friendswood, and others. We know that you like to learn and sometimes you have to face obstacles like finding a baby sitter, or being new in town, or simply you just want to provide some entertainment to your group of friends at the comfort of your own place. So don't be shy, just ask us. We are here to help! How much time should I spend practicing?
Dance time (and a commitment) to practice: The work in learning to dance gets more complex with each dance class and it is important to be able to practice until you can make each move natural, easy and your own. You're going for "muscle memory". This is a total sensory experience: You have to feel the rhythm, the count, the patterns, the connections, the music and of course, your partner. You will want to "own" each move and constant practice and repetition is the only way. A "CAN DO" attitude is a must-have! SALSA is FUN! It shouldn't be stressful or competitive. Practice at your own pace... Take as much time as you need for each hour, but enjoy yourself! Feel the magic of the movement and the music! If you give it time, learning to dance can really change your life! What is your Disclaimer, Studio Etiquette, and Class Policy?
"Even the most fun playgrounds need to have certain rules to maintain fairness to everyone"
Disclaimer Mumbo Jumbo:
As with any form of exercise never strain or force yourself while dancing. Please consult with your health care specialist before starting an exercise routine if you know or suspect of any medical condition. Moreover, you understand that the activities involved in the use of any of Latin Dance Factory's services entail risks which could result in physical or emotional injury. You expressly agree and promise to accept and assume all of the risks existing in these activities, both known and unknown. Your participation in these activities is purely voluntary, and You elect to participate in spite of the risks.
The instructors, studio, their agents, officers,volunteers, participants, employees, persons or entitles acting in any capacity on their behalf, and students disclaim any liability or physical / emotional loss in connection with the classes taught therein.
General Class Policy:
Group Class Policy
Private Dance Lesson Policy
Bootcamp Dance Policy
Do I need a dance partner to learn?
You definitely do not need a partner to learn how to dance salsa. Nearly all beginner classes accommodate students with no partners. However, having a partner is nice so that you can practice outside of class. On our group dance classes we rotate partners to practice leading and following skills. For private dance lessons, if you do not have a dance partner, you will be dancing with the instructor or assistant instructor if applicable. In case you do have a partner, please remember that there are some advantages and disadvantages to dancing with the same person consistently. Advantages of having a partner is that you have someone to practice with on a regular basis, which is great because a lot of practice is very important. However, practicing with only one partner should be avoided, since your lead/follow will adjust to the partner's mistakes or you will learn to automatically anticipate their moves from sheer habit. So as soon as you start dancing with someone else you mayl encounter problems. While developing the leading and following skills, it is best to dance with a lot of different partners so you don’t rely on your partner to know your moves and compensate for your mistakes. Can I dance only with the partner I signed up with?
Based on experience, in a group dance class it is best to rotate partners. You and your partner will get helpful input from dancing with other people which you can then bring back to your practice sessions with each other. Again this is not mandatory for husbands and wives wanting to just dance with each other. In private lessons, we will often switch partners with the instructors/assistants so we can offer you feedback on leading and following. Do I need special dance shoes?
For a beginner class, special dance shoes are not necessary.Wear shoes with leather or other hard soles that are somewhat slippery and will not catch on smooth floors. You want to be able to spin and slide... not stick. For men, a thinner, more flexible sole is better than a thicker, rubbery sole. For women, flats or heels are fine, ideally shoes with support around the ankle. Avoid shoes with an open back (i.e. flip-flops or mules). At a more advanced levels (Improver, Intermediate, Advanced, or Master Classes) especially for followers who spin more, shoes with soles that are conducive to spinning will be required (thin leather or suede soles are ideal). Running shoes are not recommended. However it will be a while before your normal shoes present a problem. It’s probably best if you wear the same shoes you wear when you go dancing. For example if you wear 2-inch heels when you dance in the clubs, you should also dance on 2-inch heels to get accustomed to the different balance involved. If you take dancing more seriously or for a long period of time, you may want to invest in a pair of dance shoes (thin suede soles) which cannot be worn in the streets and a pair of dance sneakers (jazz shoes) to practice your shines or for a full day of workshops. What should I wear to Salsa dance class?
Our dress code is casual dressy to dress to impress in certain occasions (i.e. Date Night Dancing). Wear clothes that "breathe," particularly in hotter weather. For men, we suggest a light t-shirt under your regular shirt to absorb perspiration (not pleasant for the ladies to hold you if your shirt is soaked!). For women, wear clothes you will feel comfortable moving around in (can be casual to more dressy). Keep jewelry to a minimum as that can get caught and/or can scratch or hurt your partner. Of course good comfortable clothing should go hand in hand with good hygiene. What should I bring to my first Salsa dance class?
If this is your first time at the Latin Dance Factory, please print driving directions to find the location of our dance studio. Please note that we teach in three different locations each of which is just 5 minutes from each other. We are located in Pearland, TX. It is recommended you bring a water bottle since you will be getting thirsty from all that dancing. Some students bring hand towels to manage perspiration. You can also bring a notepad if you like to take notes right after your dance class. For private dance lessons only - you can bring a video camera to record the summary dance lesson of the private. In any scenario, do not forget to bring your smiles!
What should I expect on my first Salsa dance class?
Everybody's experience is different. In general, as with any form of learning, you will feel excited about meeting new people, feel eager to start dancing and at the same you will feel challenged and overwhelmed trying to understand the mechanics of the moves, proposing leads and following them. That is normal and part of the "overloading phase of Salsa or any other Latin dance". No matter what, you will have tons fun, you will feel good every time you master a dance step or move, and you will connect better with your dance partner by laughing and moving around the dance floor.
How big are the group dance classes?
Simple answer: Anywhere between 16 to 40 students =) At these location we can take up to 50 students per group class or bootcamp. All other private dance lessons and date night dancing will still take place at 13009 Crystal Reef Pl. It is always recommended that you pre-register to save a spot in the class.
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