Frequently Asked Questions

What questions do customers most commonly ask you?

Where do you teach? Northeast Dallas and Addison. How much do you charge? My group instruction rate is $10/hour per person. My private rate is $60/hour (60 minute hour) for a single or couple. What dances do you teach? Most all partner dances. Do singles need a partner? No, partners can be provided when necessary.

What are the most common elements you provide for your clients?

Hospitality: You must develop a desirable relationship with your student(s). Training: You must be able to decipher how your student learns and follow that method of teaching. Encouragement: You must be firm and consistent in your instruction, but you must also provide enthusiastic and uplifting feedback when your student performs well. Inspiration: For students who become engrossed in dancing you should share how hard it was for you to get started and how rewarding it was to master progressively challenging levels of dancing.

Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

I provide service totally tailored to your needs. Whether it's for Private, Group, Semi-Private or Corporate Events I will arrange our services to suite your schedule and budget.

If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

I learned the hard way when I began learning to dance that many offering dance lessons in the DFW Metroplex are simply better than average social dancers who are not properly qualified to provide effective dance instruction. Proper dance instruction is easy to follow and based on teaching standards professionals have to learn through extensive teacher training and accreditation.

What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

If a studio or instructor has nothing to conceal or embellish they will provide a FREE consultation including demonstrations of dance and instruction. I was a certified buyer in my previous career. Having learned from formal training in my previous career if I was just starting out I would now seek no less than three consultations if I was planning to embark on a quest to learn how to dance.

What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

There are many "charlatans" in this business who are not well trained and will say anything to get you to purchase lessons. Some consider themselves professionals, but most earn a living doing something other than dance and just "teach" dance to supplement their income. I am an accredited dance instructor. Teaching dance is all I do to earn a living. If I'm not good at what I do I don't eat!

Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

It is with very few exceptions that even the most seasoned professional dance instructor doesn't need coaching and refresher tests. Competition drives most innovations in the partner dancing business. If you are not active in professional competition as I am you should be taking coaching lessons from top professionals as I do to stay abreast of such innovation.

What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

Set a goal for yourself. I always encourage students to establish and change when necessary a goal of what they want to accomplish. It can be as simple and specific as, "I want to learn how to Swing dance" or as comprehensive and general as, "I want to become a proficient social or competitive dancer',

How did you decide to get in your line of work?

Originally I just wanted to become a proficient social dancer. However I experienced through a series of events that I not only enjoy the talent and athleticism of DanceSport I really enjoy teaching as well.

What do you like most about your job?

In addition to the fulfillment of practicing my craft I do enjoy meeting and working with a diverse mix of people from all walks of life and professions.

What is your greatest strength?

My greatest strength is tailoring my instruction to match my student’s way of learning and level of ability.

Do you have a favorite story from your work?

Some of my best students have been "empty nesters" (pre or post retired) who never would have pictured themselves dancing, but wanted to "just try it" anyway. They not only discovered they could do well it added a whole new dimension to their lives and personality.

Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

I trained one of my long term clients in International Latin ChaCha and Rumba and prepared her for competition in New Orleans. She placed 2nd and 3rd out of six or more pro-am couples in four heats. This was her first time to perform in the International Latin category.

What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

As can be witnessed by watching the format change in the prime time show, Dancing With The Stars performance ballroom dancing is gravitating toward bringing in other forms of dance such as jazz, contemporary and hip hop in which I also have experience.

What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

Two of the hardest questions for novice instructors to answer yes to without simply lying: Have you ever had to live on an income provided solely on teaching dance? Have you ever been tested by a dance certification organization? Most other questions such as years teaching or dancing are open to interpretation and embellishment. Also ask if the instructor has been trained to TEACH dance. Relying solely on an impressive competition record is not indicative of teaching skills. Individuals can do well in competition, but that does not prepare them to be good instructors. Just because someone does well in spelling bees or math exams does not mean they're prepared to teach those subjects in formal institutions.

If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

Don't just jump-in and begin learning a bunch of patterns and dances. The two most important skills you will need to learn and develop are choosing and memorizing syllabi and dance technique. Seek training from someone who has been taught to be an instructor not just a professional or amateur dancer.