How We Teach Our Students

At Strictly Ballroom teaching is on a scholastic basis, and degrees of dancing achieved are varied. Instruction progresses through Student Introductory & Variety Programs and Associate or Full Programs in Bronze, Silver, Gold. This system is called the Medalist System and is used worldwide. Courses are designed for people desiring instruction in either Social or Competition Styles. Additionally, we utilize a comparative style of teaching called the Interrelated Method, which enables students to learn the skills needed for dancing (not just steps) in the most efficient way possible. Our goal is to help you get out on the floor dancing as soon as possible.

Our Instructors
Our instructors are carefully selected and trained to bring you the finest in dancing instruction. Working together they help you reach any dancing goal through individualized teaching utilizing the latest techniques and styles.

Private Lessons
During your one-on-one private lessons, you will receive personalized instruction that will help you achieve your goals in dancing. Your instructor will spend the time necessary on technique, styling, and general dance improvement. An up-to-date record of everything you have learned will also be kept as part of your instruction.

Group Classes
Group Classes are an important addendum to your private instruction. They give you the opportunity to dance with a variety of partners, develop good dance habits, and meet other students in the studio. In Group Classes we emphasize technique, style, and variation of patterns. You may be taught materials that your regular instructor hasn't introduced to you yet. Additionally, material that hasn't been introduced will be reviewed and practiced for improvement.

Practice Parties
We hold scheduled dance parties (practice sessions) for all our students. These practice parties are held on a weekly basis. You will have fun dancing with the instructors and students in a relaxed and comfortable environment. This gives you the opportunity to practice and try out all the new dance skills that you've learned in your Private and Group Lessons.

Showcase
A Showcase is a one-day event where students present dance routines with personalized choreography. These routines make an exciting addition to your Medalist Program because they allow you to develop showmanship and musical expression along with your social dance skills.

Dance Sport/Competition
A Dance Sport/Competition is an exciting two- or three-day event that brings students together from many studios around the world or U.S. to compete, at their level, in dances of their choice. This requires specialized dance training to polish and perfect choreography, technique, and style. The weekend is full of activities such as dance competitions, cocktail parties, dinner dances, and exciting professional shows.

Videotape Studies
This method of instruction often reduces the time it takes to learn. "One picture is worth a thousand words." Video study is quite popular with many students and is included free of charge with any of our programs.

You May Want to Know
Eight out of ten dancing schools in America were started by people without any previous or adequate dance training. They simply decided to hang out a shingle and teach. No license or examination is necessary. Anyone without any dance knowledge or training can profess to teach dancing. Your safest dance course is with a trained expert. We at Strictly Ballroom are trained to teach you how to dance. There is no guesswork. You have a learning curve and a physical ability that is different; just like everyone else.