All About Dancing
About
Hi! I’m Kat. I’ve been teaching partner dance styles for over 15 years, specializing in Ballroom, Latin, and Wedding dances. My dance training ranges from ballet and musical theater to Afro Cuban and International Ballroom. I firmly believe that cross-training provides a unique perspective when it comes to teaching. My passion is bringing dance to anyone and everyone, and giving my students the best experience possible. I live in Rockville, Maryland with my husband and dog, and my favorite pastimes include traveling, baking, and doing my nails.
Specialties
How often
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Goals and interests
Photos and videos
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Patience, patience, and more PATIENCE! 😁
I meet students wherever they are in their current skill level and teach as fast- or as slowly- as they want to go. Students typically start to see improvement after just a handful of lessons.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My dance experience includes:
- Partnered social dance styles (ballroom, Latin, and wedding dances)
- Solo technique (ballet, jazz, modern)
- Professional and Teacher/Student partnered competition dances
I also have performance experience from years of musical theater.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
45-minute Private Lessons (with 1 or 2 people):
1 Lesson = $100
5 Lessons = $475
10 Lessons = $925
How did you get started teaching?
What started as a lifelong passion turned into a career when I was offered a job at a local ballroom studio. I had just graduated college with a Bachelor's degree in Health Systems Management and had taken dance classes for fun. In the midst of posting resumes to various healthcare facilities in the DC area, I was receiving dance teacher training and taking on students. It wasn't long before I realized I wanted to make dance my full-time job, and it was the best decision I've ever made.
What types of students have you worked with?
My clients include everyone from total beginners to advanced, competitive dancers. I've taught wedding couples and their families as well as provided entertainment for corporate functions around the country.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
During the COVID-19 lockdown period, I convinced my fiancé to help me teach some wedding lessons so couples could see both the leader's and follower's parts together while on a Zoom call. One such couple had moved their wedding date three times and was excited to move forward with it no matter what, and they wanted a dance to match! I finally got to meet them in person once the lockdown ended, and it was like seeing old friends. Their dance and their wedding were perfect, and I felt fortunate to have been part of their special day.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
There are lots of dance teachers and studios in the DC area, so don't feel like you are stuck with someone you don't get along with. Read reviews and ask your friends for recommendations so you get an accurate idea of what's available to you. Most importantly, don't be afraid to ask your instructor why they do things a certain way. Anyone worth your time and money should be able to provide instruction in a way that resonates with you.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
- "How much am I willing to practice between lessons?" Not everyone has time or desire to practice, and that's okay. But the more you do practice, the less time you'll spend on reviewing material in your next lesson.
- "What is my budget?" Ultimately, there is a dance teacher for every budget, but at some point you're going to get what you pay (or don't) for. Lessons average $100 per session, but don't think you're going to learn to dance by studio-hopping on discount introductory lesson deals. Be prepared to invest in yourself and your teacher.
- "What's my timeline for reaching my goals?" If you are getting married in two weeks and you are hoping to recreate the end scene from "Dirty Dancing," lift and all- that's not a realistic expectation. Make sure the goals you set for yourself are attainable, and be transparent with your teacher so they can help you.