About
We specialize in teaching social dances (salsa, bachata, cha-cha, swing and Lindy hop) along with some other specialty dances, to adults. We also offer ballroom dances in private lesson settings as requested.
My background is very diverse- I am a trained ballerina (28 years total in classical) as well as a jazz dancer. I lived, trained and competed in acrobatic swing, boogie woogie and Lindy hop, and later on in Latin social dances (salsa, bachata). I had the opportunity to train with some of the world's best International Ballroom trainers, and had brought some amazing teachers from around the world to train our students here as well. I find that the diversity of my training and experience, paired with the technical background of ballet has helped me teach just about any type of dance to anyone - as I strive to find how your mind works to help you to the "feel" of the dance you are learning.
I love people - and there is nothing better than giving them skills that improve their quality of life, bring a new social circle into their lives, etc. Seeing shy students open up and become the life of the party is my privilege.
Specialties
Dance style
Number of dancers
Experience level
Learning for
Choreography
Photos and videos
Reviews
Natalie R.
David B.
Kenji
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I always start at the beginning!! Basics are the foundation for all the more advanced stuff.
Timing, basic steps, frame and connection are the most important elements of partner dancing.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have decades of training by some of the world's greatest instructors and master trainers. Classical ballet, jazz, International Latin Ballroom, Swing, Salsa and Mambo are just a few areas I have trained in extensively.
I have also been a successful competitor throughout my career, and I can offer my choreography services for my students, whether they wish to compete, or prepare a dance performance for any occasion (weddings, parties, Quinceaneras, etc.)
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
We have regular group classes for all levels in Salsa offered in a 4-week session progressive format. Cost for the 4-week session is $65 per person.
Private lessons for 1 or 2 people (Same price):
$80.00 for ONE 60-minute private lesson
$300 for FOUR 60-minute private lessons
$720.00 for TEN 60-minute private lessons
$1,400.00 for TWENTY 60-minute private lessons
How did you get started teaching?
I was asked by a master trainer to teach a workshop for his Latin Ballroom competitive couples on Spins and Turns technique. He also asked me to teach progressive classes in dance fundamentals (technique) to his incoming dancers.
What types of students have you worked with?
While I mostly work with adults now, I have worked extensively with kids of all ages. The youngest 2.5 years, through teens.
I have prepared numerous choreographies for Quinceaneras and formal Presentation Balls for groups, as well as "Surprise dances".
I often get requests from young people who are preparing for their wedding dance, and sometimes their families want to take lessons alongside with them, to have a lovely set of dances at the wedding. I even got to do a fun "Surprise dance" with their friends sometimes. :)
Many people decide to give themselves the gift of dance after their kids are grown, and they often choose to join group classes and go out social dancing. Our studio offers group and private lessons for people of all ages and backgrounds, and we also offer social dance events in our area so that you can practice, mingle and enjoy your new skills.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
We are currently doing a Salsa night at Bar Louie in Schaumburg every Saturday evening. There is a Beginner-friendly salsa lesson from 9 pm to 10 pm, followed by open dancing to DJ music from 10 until 1:30 am.
The music is ALL Latin: Salsa, Merengue, Bachata and Cha-cha, plus an occasional Cumbia.
We encourage EVERYONE to come out to enjoy the music, the company and the dancing!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure that the teacher actually has solid skills in the area that you are looking to learn - you can ask about their achievements, and if possible, check them out in action (at a social event, preferably)
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are you looking for? Are you interested in socializing and social dancing? Are you interested in performance? Competition? Are you perhaps interested in training to teach others?
It is a good idea to identify ALL your interests and speak to several instructors about them - each of these take a different approach to acquire and you should find someone who can help you with the dance(s) you are interested in as well as the goals you want to achieve.