Group Classes or Private Lessons?
By Jessica Pym Published: 09/10/2008
"Should I sign up for a group class or private lessons?"
This is by far one of the most asked questions by people starting in Ballroom, Latin, Salsa, and Swing Dance. The easiest way to answer it is to look at the different variables:
LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE
If you've never taken dance classes before, the best place for you to start is a group class. It's an inexpensive way to find out what it's all about, in the company of classmates who are in the same boat as you. If you've taken some dance before, see if you can find an advanced group or semi-private class. If you can't, private lessons allow you to move at your own pace.
That being said, use caution when dealing with studios who promote private lessons to beginner students who don't have a specific goal to compete. These lessons are more expensive, and the studio may be more interested in your money than in your development as a dancer. For the typical beginner, a group class is the ideal way to begin your dance lesson experience.
GOAL
People have lots of reasons for wanting to take dance classes. What you hope to accomplish will help to inform what kind of class you take.
WEDDING
The pressure of having to do a "first dance" in front of family and friends is enough to send most couples straight to the nearest studio for help. If you want a first dance loosely (or strictly) choreographed to a particular song, go for private lessons. Your instructor will help you identify the proper dance for the song you have chosen, teach you the basic steps, and help you come up with a beginning, middle, and end. You should be able to accomplish this in 6 to 10 one-hour lessons. If it's a wedding invitation that's got you heading to your local studio, a group class is just the thing for you. Don't leave it to the last minute though - most group workshops are 8-10 weeks long. If you are caught with little time, private lessons can be scheduled at your convenience.
COMPETITION
If you 'Think You Can Dance', or at least would like to learn, and are headed for the amateur competition circuit, you're looking for private lessons. You'll get the individual attention of the instructor, focus on what's important to you, and move at your own pace. You're also going to need to practice more than once a week, so an open rehearsal time, and/or additional group lessons are a good idea.
SOCIAL DANCE
If your biggest goal is:
- being able to say "yes" with confidence when asked to dance, or
- back-up your "would you like to dance?" with some knowledge and smooth moves, or
- being able to get on the dance floor with that special person in your life,
a group class is the best place to start. It's already a social atmosphere, you will meet new people, and if you don't come with a partner, you'll likely get the chance to dance with a few different people.
SCHEDULE
Group classes run when the studio offers them - end of story. Most Ballroom Studios are going to schedule their classes when most people can attend (otherwise, they'd be out of business really soon), but not everyone's schedule is the same. If you've got flexibility in your schedule, chances are you'll be able to attend one of the group classes that is being offered. If you've got only one hour a week that's free, your best bet might be to find a private instructor who's got that same hour available.
COST
As you might have already guessed, the cost rises as the student to teacher ratio decreases. If you're on a budget, group classes are an inexpensive way to get dancing, and a small low-risk investment if you're not sure you're going to be dancing for the rest of your life. Private lessons (which should be the same rate whether it's just you and your instructor, or you and a partner with your instructor) are going to cost you more, but are well worth the benefit you'll be receiving: the undivided attention of your instructor, convenience to schedule the lessons around your schedule, focussing on what is of interest and benefit to you, and moving at your own pace. Some studios, such as danceScape, might also offer semi-private lessons. These are for small groups (usually between 6 and 20 people), and offer the scheduling benefits of a private lesson, but at a lower cost per person.
No matter whether you choose private or group lessons - take that first step and start dancing!What's the best way for you to get dancing?
