FAQs
What is the best way to learn to dance?
Where can I buy dancing shoes?
I just want to dance with my partner. Do I have to rotate?
Can children attend your parties?
What is the age range of those in attendance at your lessons and parties?
If I'm late for a lesson, can I still join in?
I want to take a series class, but I have to miss one. Is that ok?
What is the difference between International and American style?
What is the best way to learn to dance?
By far, the best way to learn to dance is with a private instructor. When you dance with a trained professional, he or she will be able to feel how your carry your weight, whether your balance and frame is correct, and whether you lead or follow correctly, to name a few. In private dance lessons you also get to learn at your own pace and receive direction specifically applicable to your unique needs. Here at Starlite you can schedule a FREE introductory private lesson to see if you like it before you commit.
If you can't afford private lessons, then by all means attend group classes. And be sure to attend workshops that are specially designed to address technical issues.
What should I wear?
Everyone generally dresses casually for our classes and workshops, but you might want to kick it up a notch for the parties that follow classes. Something you would wear out to dinner is suitable. Always wear something that is comfortable, easy to move in, and that will keep you cool.
Do I need dancing shoes?
Not unless you plan on making dancing a regular hobby. You can wear any shoe that has a leather or suede sole. Rubber soles generally are not good to dance in. Neither are heavy or thick soled shoes. And we highly discourage shoes with soles that scuff easily and mark up the ballroom floor. For ladies we recommend shoes that hold well on the foot – sandals or open heeled shoes are not ideal. Closed toes are also preferable in case you get stepped on.
When you are ready to make a commitment to dance, we highly recommend dance shoes. They are generally more flexible and light, but more importantly, have nice suede soles that glide, without slipping. You should never wear your dance shoes outdoors, so be sure to carry them inside in a shoe bag.
Where can I buy dancing shoes?
We recommend Ballroom Connection in Sunnyvale and Feather Dance Shoes.
Do I need a partner?
No. Many of those attending both classes and parties, come without partners, and there is always a good mix of men and women. During the classes, the instructor will always ask the class to rotate to make sure that everyone has a chance to practice with a partner.
I just want to dance with my partner. Do I have to rotate in class?
It helps your dancing to be able to dance with different people, but is certainly not mandatory that you rotate. If you do not want to rotate, find a spot at the end of a line or outside the line of rotation so that those who are rotating don't get confused.
Can children attend your lessons and parties?
We love children, but unfortunately no one under the age of 12 is allowed at the parties for liability reasons.
What is the age range of those in attendance at your lessons and parties?
All ages from 16-80.
How do I get a dance partner?
Attending classes and parties is a good way to meet people and let your needs be known. You can also leave you name and contact information and what you are looking for at the front desk, and we'll keep an eye out for you. You might also try a partner search at dancepartner.com.
If I'm late for a lesson, can I still join in?
Yes, just enter quietly, but please don't expect the teacher to fill you in on what you missed. He or she has to consider the needs of the rest of the class. Most likely, though, you will be able to pick up what you missed by watching the rest of the class.
I want to take a series class, but I have to miss one. Is that ok?
We recommend that you make all 4 classes, but if you are willing to miss some instruction, that is up to you. The teacher won't be able to repeat what you missed in class, but you can schedule a private lesson and catch up on what you missed that way.
What is the difference between International and American ballroom style?
International Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, and Quickstep is done is closed hold. The man and woman never separate. It takes a lot of training to excel at this type of dancing because the man and woman must learn to dance as one. American style ballroom dances, on the other hand, utilize a lot of open moves. The men and women separate, and the woman often does a lot of spins. Think Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire and you'll have a good picture of American style ballroom.
"If you're not dancing, you're wasting your feet."
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