You are excited because group classes are starting this week --- me too!!! But you are wondering which class you should attend. The first thing you need to understand is that I do not introduce patterns randomly. You first are introduced to the basics and basic components of each dance; each new pattern introduced builds on what you've already learned and adds to the skillset. As a newbie in the Beginners class you learn the basics of frame; inside turns vs outside turns; closed position vs outside partner vs promenade position; and the basic rhythms of each different dance. In BEG-2 we add more basic components: the difference between an Open Break and a 5th Position Break, for example. By the time you get to BEG-3 you should be familiar with these terms and be ready to go beyond the basics.
Who should be in the Beginners-1 Class? If you have never taken dance lessons before you should definitely be in the Friday Beginners Class. That class is designed to get you and your partner off to a good start. The class moves along according to the average couple --- sometimes new material is introduced very slowly if the majority of the people attending need time to practice and absorb. I cannot hold the entire class back if only 1 or 2 couples are having problems, but almost everyone needs to take it slowly at first. You are not only new to dance, you are also new to the learning process. The tempo of the music is slow to give you more time to think and give you time to build up "muscle memory". Trying to move around the floor with other couples can be daunting, so just remember to laugh at your mistakes and that it will all smooth out over time.
How about BEG-2? If you have taken some lessons from another instructor (or from me) you may be more comfortable in the BEG-2 class on Sunday. That class is designed for people who have had some experience. If you were in a beginners class and it seemed to move too slowly for you, then this class would probably be a better fit. Even if you had gaps between classes and were not able to continue for the entire year, you probably learn faster than someone brand new to dance. At this stage I expect you to be able to move to a more medium tempo of music so I will use a mix of slow and medium. However ---- if you were in a beginners class and struggled to keep up with the class OR if you are the kind of person who wants to feel more confident before moving on to new material ---- then you might feel more comfortable sticking with the newbies on Friday. In fact, taking the BEG-1 class for a second year is never a bad idea. Ask my dance hosts and they will tell you that the first time through you miss the little finer points. Very often I explain something but your mind is on something else; or perhaps it doesn't resonate with you until you've had a little more time on the boards.
Who should be in Beginners-3? The people in this class have been dancing for 2 years and have covered the basics of 10 dances. If you were with another instructor and had a number of lessons in a particular dance, you may want to attend this Wednesday class when we are covering that dance. You have the option of staying in the class --- but may at any time drop to a lower level class for the dances you haven't covered. For example, if you have had lots of swing or lots of cha cha, then you might easily continue with those dances in BEG-3. But you've never done samba before ---- the best class would be BEG-2 which includes the introduction to samba. But you've never done waltz ---- if you prefer a slow introduction to a dance then drop to the BEG-1 - OR - attend the BEG-2 which will include a review of the basics and then continue.
I do not assign people to certain classes but I will certainly make a recommendation. Please feel free to email or call if you would like advice. Remember that each couple learns at their own pace and a great deal of your personal learning style depends on your mindset and personality. Learning to dance is only accomplished over time; how much time it takes depends on various factors: personal learning style, amount of practice, amount of time on the dance floor, time spent in class, whether you supplement with private lessons, the quality of instruction, and even stress factors going on in your life. Take things at your own pace and comfort level. See you in class!!
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