CHOOSING A DANCE COACH

 

Choosing a Dance Coach can be very challenging.  As a Dance Coach, I tell everyone to shop around to see who suits your style and needs for the dance you want to learn.  What are your goals for learning to dance?  Decide what style of dance you want to learn, what you want improve upon -- footwork, connection, or styling associated with your dance.


Choose a dance coach who has a passion for teaching. 

Choose wisely and you will begin a wonderful journey.


12 questions to ask a Dance Coach:

1.   What kind is your dance background, accomplishments and awards?  Manny’s Bio

  1. 2.  What is your schedule?  2012 Schedule & Boot Camp

  2. 3.  How much do you charge?  Rates

4.   Do you offer private lessons for individuals? Couples? Groups?  Dance Lessons

  1. 5.  Do you have video? Video

  2. 6.  When and where do you offer lessons? Dance Lessons

  3. 7.  Where you compete with your students?  West Coast Swing

  4. 8.   Do you perform for special occasions?  Dance Lessons

  5. 9.   What dances do you teach?  Dance Styles

  6. 10.  Can you provide references?  Testimonials

  7. 11.  Do you take credit cards?  Dance Lessons

  8. 12.  Do you have referrals from other students?  Testimonials



Here are some tips for choosing a Dance Coach:

*  Take your time to find the right fit. Get a sense of who each instructor is and ask them about their teaching styles.  Talking with them will give you a sense of who you are.  It is important that you feel comfortable with who you choose. 


*  Pay special attention to the credibility and reputation of the dance coach.  Here in Colorado, we are fortunate to have some of the best dance instructors in the nation.  That said, each instructor has different approaches to teaching.  In finding the right dance coach for you, choose one who teaches in a language you can understand. 


*  Learning connection with your partner is very important.  A dance coach can know a lot of patterns or turns, but do they teach connection between a leader and follower?  Learning how to have a good connection is crucial in one’s progression as a dancer.


* Take notice of how an instructor dresses when you meet them or when you see them in a workshop setting.  The teacher’s dress code is important.  It is nice to come to a lesson knowing your teacher is fresh and dressed appropriately and ready to give you their all.


  1. *My students tell me feeling good after their lesson is an important part of their growth as a dancer. They work hard learning technique, styling and footwork.  As a coach being able to offer constructive criticism with a balance of encouragement and praise is important. It motivates and accelerates student’s learning curve when they know they have accomplished something in their lesson.


* A good dance coach takes the time to improve your social dance skills. Practicing through social dancing, any student can learn to love the art of dance and share it with others. 


“Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, 

It is learning how to dance in the rain.”

“Your soul awaits what you could become.”

Contact Manny Viarrial at:  Dancemanny@aol.com  or 303.521.0063