FAQ's

Q: Do I need a partner to take lessons or attend classes with?

A: No, you don't need a partner to learn ballroom dancing. Many students begin by dancing with their instructor.

Q: What shoes should I wear?

A: Wear shoes that are comfortable. It is best to wear shoes that will slide on a wood floor - try to avoid wearing shoes with a sole made of rubber or other material that will grip the floor. If you decide to continue your lessons regularly, we recommend purchasing ballroom dance shoes with a suede sole. Creative Dancewear is the local supplier of fine Ballroom shoes and clothing.

Q: What clothing should I wear?

A: Wear something that makes you feel good and is comfortable and easy to move in. Ladies may wear a skirt if desired, but this is not necessary - many ladies choose to wear slacks and a comfortable top. There is no dress code for students at our studio, however Thursday and Friday nights tend to be dressier.

Q: Where do you teach?

A: The Majestic Building, 1027 N Forest St, Bellingham, WA. We have one large dance floor (4,000 sq ft) as well as a private lesson room for those who are a little more reserved.

Q: What dances do you teach?

A: We have teachers who know both American and International Styles in Ballroom and Latin.
American Ballroom – Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Viennese Waltz
American Rhythm – Cha Cha, Rumba, Bolero, Mambo, East Coast Swing, Samba

International Ballroom – Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, Quickstep
International Latin – Jive, Samba, Rumba, Cha Cha, Paso Doble

We also teach Swing and Club dances:
Swings: West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Shag, Balboa, Charleston
Club Dances: Nightclub 2 Step, Club Salsa, Argentine Tango, Hustle, Merengue

Q: What qualifications do your teachers hold?

A: All of our instructors are certified through DVIDA (Dance Vision International Dancer’s Association). Our instructors hold certification from Associate (Bronze) level all the way to Grand Master (Gold) level. DVIDA is a Member of the National Dance Council of America. The National Dance Council of America (NDCA) is the official governing body for dancing in the United States. Its purpose is to provide, on a nation-wide basis, a united inter-association agency to represent the interests of those in the dance profession and other dance-related entities and organizations and to act as the agency for cooperation with similar councils in other countries. To also conduct a continuing campaign for the establishment and the maintenance of high standards in dance education, and to acquaint the public with the nature and benefits of these standards and to recognize the status of qualified dance teachers affiliated to member organizations of this Council.

Q: How long will it take me to learn how to dance?

A: This varies from person to person—and there’s no easy answer. Some key things to ensure you progress are to practice, take notes, practice some more, and have regular lessons. Make sure to set goals with your teacher for your dancing, whether it’s reaching a certain level of ability, performing in a showcase, or going to ballroom competitions. Whatever your goals are, keep in mind dancing is a lifestyle activity, meaning you can do it forever, and there will always be more to learn.

Dance Etiquette

• If your shirt/blouse becomes soaked with sweat, change into a clean shirt.
• Remember personal hygiene: deodorant, toothpaste, breath mints.
• If you bump, touch or make contact with another dancer, say "excuse me."
• If you step or kick another dancer, make sure they are not injured.
• If you ask someone to dance and they say no, don't take it personally (they may simply be needing to rest).
• If someone asks you to dance and you say no, it is considered impolite to dance with another person during that same song.
• Be aware that some people want to keep the teaching and learning in the classroom and would rather just have fun on the social dance floor.
• Consider dancing with less-experienced dancers. It will improve your leading/following technique and will welcome more and more dancers into the scene.

Rules of the Dance Floor

• Always dance in a counterclockwise direction around the floor.
• Leave the perimeter of the floor available to traveling dancers.
• Slower dancers, including beginner dancers, should move towards the inner lanes of the dance floor, allowing faster dancers to pass them on the outside.
• If you are not dancing, do not stand on the dance floor.
• The center of the floor is reserved for swing dancers and other dances that do not travel only.
• Leads - always pay attention to where you are going, and be prepared for the unexpected such as a collision.
• Follows - watch the lead's blind spot and give a gentle tug or pull on the lead's shoulder if the two of you are about to be turned into another couple.