FAQ

Questions

1. Why Dance?
2. What is Swing dancing and which Style is right for me?
3. I’m still not sure which Style is right for me. Can I take just one class to try it out?
4. How long are group classes?
5. What is “Dance Hall Days”?
6. What is the ‘Learn to Dance Program’ - Basics West Coast Swing?
7. How is the Program divided up?
8. What should I wear?
9. What kind of shoes do I need?
10. If I miss a class will I be able to catch up?
11. If I’m going to miss one or more classes, will I be refunded for the classes I miss?
12. What is a private lesson?
13. What is a semi-private lesson?
14. Do I have to sign a contract?
15. Do I need a partner to register for dance classes
16. What if I come with a partner and only want to dance with them?
    

Scientists are starting to find out what dancers have always known, that dancing keeps one mentally and physically fit - and the younger you start in developing the positive habits through dancing the better!

Many people turn to dance when more traditional exercise programs fall by the wayside, either because of injuries or sheer boredom. Dancing is a low impact activity. This makes it accessible to people of at any age or fitness level. With less emphasis on "going for the burn" and more on having fun; the weight loss, improved circulation and aerobic conditioning emerges as a wonderful side effect.

Many singles and couples find that it has created more romance in their lives. Others rave about losing weight and all the health benefits. And still, others enjoy how fashionable they look and feel when out on the social dance floor.

Plus, dancing can help keep two people together. After years of marriage, new excitement can be found together on the dance floor. It's a "shot in the arm". It encourages the spark of romance for stressed out, tension-plagued people. It's great for keeping a marriage interesting and long lasting. When surveyed, more women said they would prefer a night of dancing to flowers or chocolates for St. Valentine's Day.

With the pressures of job and social obligations tugging us every which way, it's more and more difficult to find time for exercise. Maybe that's why Canadians are struggling with their weight and health more than ever. It's no secret that moderate exercise and sensible eating habits are the key to remaining trim and fit. However, the thought of spending thirty minutes on a treadmill, or jogging around the block five times is out of the question for many of us.

Consider these dance facts:
• Dance contributes to increased personal confidence.
• Olympic athletes often include dance in their training to sharpen their control, agility, speed and balance.
• Dance is considered to be one of the top five physical activities, out of 60 studied.
• Dance contributes to good posture and body alignment.
• Dancing encourages gentle stretching.
• Dance increases your flexibility and stamina.
• As an aerobic exercise, dance benefits your cardiovascular system as you swing and sway from hips to shoulders.
• Some doctors recommend thirty minutes of dance, three times per week.

To sum it up, dancing works like a stress and tension reducer. For people on a hectic schedule it can become a passion that helps you improve your attitude and increase your confidence in both social and business situations. That's what makes dance the ideal exercise! After all, dancing is a mild aerobic workout, minus the boring part! When you take dance lessons, you make exercise a fun and enjoyable social event, every night of the week. Your dance "work out" takes place with pleasant music and everyone's in a good mood. And did we mention it's fun?

What is Swing dancing and which Style is right for me?
Swing is a generic term that describes many forms of dance: East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Lindy, Jitterbug, Jive and Shag to name a few. To determine which type of swing bests fits your needs, you need to decide which type of music you plan to dance to because the style of swing will be reflected in the particular music you choose. Many styles of swing can be danced to similar styles of music. For example: East Coast Swing, Jitterbug and Lindy can all be danced to ‘50s and Big Band music. Jazz and Rhythm & Blues is predominately West Coast Swing, yet Shag and Jive can also be done to some styles of Jazz or Rhythm & Blues. West Coast Swing is also danced to ‘99s and current music (hip hop and techno) as well as Disco music. The amount of dance floor space that you have may also influence which type of swing you choose to dance. Most swing dances cover a circular space, but West Coast Swing and Shag are referred to as Slotted dances and remain in a narrow space (visualize a railroad track or diving board).

I’m still not sure which Style is right for me. Can I take just one class to try it out?
Of course! Individual (single) classes are priced somewhat higher per class than group classes, but you may take any class on a ‘class by class’ basis. If you sign up for the full session, we will even credit you towards the group class rate.

What is “Dance Hall Days”?
“Dance Hall Days” are our monthly Saturday get togethers at the Churchill Club in Westboro. The evening starts with two FREE lessons. From 7:30 pm to 8:00 pm we teach an Intermediate/Advanced “Challenge Yourself” West Coast Swing lesson and from 8:00 pm to 8:30 pm we end with a “Beginners Time to Shine” West Coast Swing lesson. Both of these lessons are completely FREE.
From 8:30 pm until midnight we provide absolutely the BEST MIX of non-stop dance music by DJ Dave. Enjoy dancing West Coast Swing plus Hustle, East Coast Swing, Latin, Ballroom, Night Club and Two-Step.
Some months we provide food, entertainment, dance demos, theme parties and more - all in the name of colossal fun! These special events are advertised in advanced to give you plenty of time to gear up for the occasion.
Generally our admission cost is $7.00 per person, but sometimes, when there is a special occasion (eg. Our Annual Christmas Party), the cost may be slightly more.

How is the Program divided up?
WCS Basics 1 consists of 6 weeks of lessons. Each class is 1.5 hours long, of which we teach for 1 hour and let the students practice for the remaining half hour. Of course when you just start learning a dance, there’s really not that much to practice, so the last half hour usually ends up being 10 to 15 minutes.

WCS Basics 2 consists of 6 weeks of lessons. Each class is 1.5 hours long. Again, ideally we, of which we teach for 1 hour and let the students practice for the remaining half hour. By now you should know enough to practice and not be bored. But as with your Basics 1 classes, it will be up to the instructors as to how much time is allowed for practice.

WCS Basics 3 also consists of 6 weeks where students will be introduced to patterns that require more lead & follow skills. Again, the instructors will decide how much time to allow for practice.

What should I wear?
Like any activity, you need the proper gear. For men, that means forgo the tight belts or ties. Comfortable, lightweight, loose-fitting clothes are the way to go.

What kind of shoes do I need?
Fairly flat, comfortable shoes with smooth leather or suede soles work well. Loose slip-on shoes are not that great, especially if they don’t stay on. Rubber soles (like running shoes) will stick to the floor and will make turning difficult. Ditto on heels or open-toed sandals for women - unless you’re a pro. (One misstep, and your pedicure may never look the same.) If you’re not sure, bring a couple of pairs and we’ll help you decide. We also sell dance shoes and offer a student discount for first time buyers.

If I miss a class will I be able to catch up?
Yes. Each week we review the previous class lesson and work on developing your “muscle memory”. With a little bit of individual attention and some extra practice, we can get you back on track in no time.

If I’m going to miss one or more classes, will I be refunded for the classes I miss?
No. If there is a medically legitimate reason for dropping out of a class, credit (towards future classes) will be offered. If you know ahead of time that you’re going to miss several classes, you may want to enroll on a class by class basis to better suit your schedule.

What is a private lesson?
Private lessons are for singles or couples who want the utmost in personal commitment from their instructors to help them reach their goals.
Initial learning through private lessons can be accelerated making group lessons easier to adjust to. Private lessons are always good to help accelerate your learning and fine tune your skills.

What is a semi-private lesson?
Semi-Private lessons are for couples who want to share their instructional time with 1 or 2 other couples who would all like to learn the same dance. Price is determined by how many couples are in the group

Do I have to sign a contract?
At Count on Dancing we don’t use contracts. You can purchase as many private lessons and/or semi-private lessons you choose. Group lessons are payable in advance and there are no refunds issued.

Do I need a partner to register for dance classes
It is highly recommended that you register with a partner whenever it is possible. However, for private lessons you do not need a partner as you dance and learn with your instructor.

For semi-private lessons you will have to register with a partner so that the teacher is free to help other couples in your group.

You can register as a single for group classes held at the Churchill Club in Westboro. We make every attempt to find an even ratio of leaders and followers and “rotation” during the class will be encouraged so you will get to meet tons of new people. Dancing with other people will help you become a really good dancer and you’ll learn faster.

What if I come with a partner and only want to dance with them?
During classes we encourage people to rotate partners so that everyone has a chance to practice with different partners, but we also recognize that different students have different needs and desires, and so we offer this as an option (rotating partners), but it is not mandatory.

See you out on the dance floor!