- HOME > Mountain View > Dance FAQ
Dance Etiquettes & FAQ
Do I need a partner to dance?
No, you don't. Group classes and dance parties encourage social interaction and everybody enjoys dancing with a variety of different people. Private lessons are designed for a couple or for a single person.
What’s the difference between group and private lessons?
A private lesson is personalized to your specific needs and is focused on you, or you and a partner. A group class may have a large number of people in attendance and therefore you don't get individualized attention. While the groups are fun, social, and a great complement to private lessons, private lessons offer more concentrated information, technical tips and training that is customized to help you achieve your personal dance goals.
What Shoes should I wear?
To start with, you do not need any special type of dance shoe. We recommend that men wear shoes that feel comfortable, are not too heavy, yet offer good support. Leather soles are OK, but avoid wearing any shoes that might leave black marks on the dance floor. For the ladies we recommend shoes with a supported back. No flip-flops or sling backs. Sneakers are not a good choice either because you are not able to move smoothly in them.
How should I dress?
For a weekend dance, we usually advise dressy casual wear. However, that covers a broad range of options in California, since every studio seems to have its own definition of "dressy" or "casual." Male dancers in our studio often wear sport shirts and cotton pants or lightweight dress slacks. Some men wear jackets and ties, but they are the exception. Similarly, a few ladies enjoy dressing up for the evening. Others choose more comfortable lighter-weight garments, especially if they expect a night of vigorous dancing. Even air-conditioned ballrooms can feel warm during a series of fast dances. For a special night out at our dance studio with co-workers, we recommend wearing whatever you wear to work, whether that means casual wear or business clothes. You can always remove jackets and ties after you arrive.