FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BY OUR NEW STUDENTS

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 


Subscribe to posts

Do I need a partner to dance?

posted Dec 20, 2011, 4:53 PM by Christian Franco Gutierrez   [ updated Aug 28, 2014, 12:05 PM ]


NO. You do not need a partner to start learning how to dance salsa. Nearly all beginner group classes accommodate students with no partners. There are ladies that come by themselves, there are guys that come by themselves. During class we create a circle and we rotate from one person to the next. It's fun, sociable, and you will practice your dance moves with different people.

For private dance lessons, if you do not have a dance partner, you will be dancing with the instructor or assistant instructor if applicable. Remember that the price for private lessons is the same if you come alone or with a friend.   

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 may 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.


Do I need special dance shoes?

posted Dec 20, 2011, 4:48 PM by Christian Franco Gutierrez   [ updated Oct 14, 2014, 5:39 PM ]

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?

posted Dec 20, 2011, 4:47 PM by Christian Franco Gutierrez   [ updated Oct 14, 2014, 5:40 PM ]

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.

I have two left feet. Are these classes for beginners?

posted Dec 20, 2011, 4:38 PM by Christian Franco Gutierrez   [ updated Oct 14, 2014, 5:11 PM ]


Yes, these dance classes are for absolute beginners, for two left feet, and for anyone wanting to learn how to dance Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cumbia, and Kizomba in Houston, TX and Pearland, TX. 

Please know that many great dancers started with two left feet and have ended up winning dance competitions! True, some dancers take longer to improve, but everyone can eventually learn to dance. Dancing takes time and dedication to learn proficiently. Unfortunately you may only learn to love the dance AFTER you start dancing properly, but if you never try, you may never know what you’re missing.


How long will it take me to become a good dancer?

posted Dec 20, 2011, 4:18 PM by Christian Franco Gutierrez   [ updated Oct 14, 2014, 5:38 PM ]

A specific time estimate is impossible to give; the time it takes is completely up to you. It depends on how quickly you learn, how much you practice, how many lessons you take, the skill of your instructor, your dedication level and finally what you consider "good" to be. What is your goal? 

- To be an okay social dancer?
- To be a great dancer?
- To perform and compete?
- To be the "best"?

Obviously it will take less time to become an okay social dancer than it will to become a performer. But the length of time varies from person to person as everyone learns at a different pace. Don’t be discouraged if people are learning faster than you. Keep in mind that some people also have experience with other types of dance, which may help them learn faster. Becoming good at salsa could take weeks or years, depending on what level you aspire to get to, and the effort you invest.

The more you practice, the faster you will improve and get to the level you want to. You may ask some other dancers how long they have been dancing. You'll be surprised that some of the best dancers have been dancing for a relatively short amount of time, and there are others who have been learning and improving for years. Some of the best dancers you see in clubs may have been dancing for only a few months. However during this time span they may have taken a heavy combination of classes and privates, danced 6 nights a week, and practice turns and shines every spare minute. However very few dancers invest that kind of time and money and it is not necessary. You can become a very good dancer by taking only one lesson a week as long as you practice enough. The key to improving is "practice". Remember, the more effort you put into it the more you get out of it. Lastly, it is important that you enjoy the learning process. Set reasonable goals and enjoy yourself. Remember the reason you started dancing was most likely because it is fun, so get out there and dance.


How much do your dance lessons cost?

posted Dec 20, 2011, 4:17 PM by Christian Franco Gutierrez   [ updated Oct 14, 2014, 6:07 PM ]


At glance, our prices per person are: 

Group dance lessons $15 per 1hr class. 
Bootcamp dance lessons $35 per 4hr class. 
Workshop dance lessons $30 per 2.5hr class. 
Private dance lessons $75 per 1 hr class. Price is the same for one person or one couple. 
Date Night lessons $85 per class per couple. Price includes wine and assortments. 

Note that the price difference can be attributed to a few factors: the length of the lesson (this can range from 50 minutes to 4 hours).

Students can get a discount if they opt to buy packages or passes.
Couples (male / female combo or female / female combo) can also ask for discounts.

Visit our Prices page to view a complete listing of options. You can also call us to give you a sound recommendation based on your situation, goals, and schedule.


Where can I go Salsa dancing in Houston?

posted Dec 20, 2011, 4:15 PM by Christian Franco Gutierrez   [ updated Oct 14, 2014, 5:55 PM ]

Check out our page:  Houston Salsa Clubs. We have compiled a list of Latin clubs that play Salsa as well as Bachata, Merengue, Cumbia, etc for every night of the week here in Houston, Tx. 

If you have never been to one of these destinations before, it is always wise to call them to make sure they are still offering Latin music entertainment. If you have an iPhone, we have also created a free app to know where to go dancing Salsa, Bachata and other Latin rhythms anywhere in the United States. Salsa Clubs is available on the iTunes App Store.


What is the difference between Bootcamps, Group, Private, and Workshops?

posted Apr 22, 2011, 10:05 AM by Christian Franco Gutierrez   [ updated Oct 14, 2014, 6:11 PM ]

We offer different opportunities and teaching methods to learn to dance Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cumbia, and Kizomba. From one hour personalized private dance lessons, to 4 hour intense dance bootcamps on the weekends. Mixing these styles of learning will enhance your skills and techniques in dance. 

 
Dance 
Bootcamps
 Group Dance Lesson  Private Dance Lessons
Special 
Workshops
Level Absolute Beginner Beginner and Improver

 All Levels Improver and Intermediate
Date and Time Weekends, time varies Weekdays 7:30pm to 10pm

 By Appointment Only 10am to 9pm Tuesday Nights 7:30pm to 10pm
Class Duration 4 hours 50 min


 1 hour 2.5 hours
Class
Size		 10 to 20 students 10 to 20 students


 1 to 2 students 10 to 20 students
Learning Pace Slow, with detailed breakdown Slow to moderated with detailed breakdown At your own pace Moderate to fast. Expected to understand basics
Pre-requisites None None, but 4hr Dance Bootcamp or Private Lesson recommended None 4hr Dance Bootcamp or Private Lesson required
How to Join Pre-payment required You can pay at the door. Walk-ins

 Pre-payment required Pre-payment required
Class
Prices		 $35/p or $60/cpl. $15/p. Packages available

 $75/lesson. Package available $30/p or $50/cpl.
  Learn more Learn more Learn more Learn more

1-8 of 8