About
I teach all styles of Ballroom Dancing, including American Smooth and Rhythm, International Standard, Country and Western, and club dancing. Some of my students take a handful of lessons to get ready for a wedding or social event and others have taken lessons with me for years and compete at local and national competitions. My students range in age from 5 to 90 years old! I offer private instruction in a private room in Rochester (in the group fitness room at Retro Fitness) and in Troy (in the gymnasium at The First United Methodist Church of Troy) I teach full time and I am available for appointments day, evening and weekends
Ballroom dancing has been my passion for over 20 years. I love creating a hobby for my students that lasts for a lifetime. Ballroom dancing is such a great way to meet new people, stay fit, and have fun!
Highlights
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John S.
John S.
David A.
Rachel K.
Mark C.
Jim C.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My students typically start with a package of 3 (45 minute) private lessons for $99. In the first few lessons my students and I decide which dances they would like to work on, how good they want to be and then we set an apppropriate time line for reaching those goals. After that, my students pay as they go, and my rate is just $60 per 45 minute lesson.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been teaching and competing with my students in local and national competitions for over 20 years. I have trained under many national and world champions over the years and my students and I have received many top awards and placements. I also had the opportunity to compete and train with an amateur partner in International Standard while living in Weisbaden Germany.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
After completing an introductory offer of a few lessons, my students pay as they go. My rate is just $60 for a 45 minute private lesson in a private room.
How did you get started teaching?
I answered an add in the newspater for a dance instrutor at the Arthur Murray in Bloomfield Hills 20 years ago. They asked me if I had any experience. I said, "no, but I teach gymnastics and I have a masters degree in marriage and family counseling." They said, "that's perfect, come on in." After watching just a few lessons, I knew that it was what I was meant to do and I haven't stopped dancing or teaching since!
What types of students have you worked with?
Over the years, I have worked with beginning through advanced students of all ages. Some students are interested in getting ready for a social dance or wedding and some make ballroom dancing their hobby.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
My students and I recently competed in the Michigan Dance Challenge in Dearborn Michigan. I was the instuctor of the only two amature couples from Michigan! They did fantastic, I was very proud to be their coach.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would recommend finding an instructor that is not only a great dancer but an even better teacher. It doesn't just matter if they can dance, the question is, can they teach you to dance? The instructor should be able break the technique and steps down to a beginnging dancer in a fun and interesting way, insuring their success!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Most of my students have more questions than answers when they first start. They should pick an experienced instructor that they feel comfortable with and as they work together it should all fall into place very naturally.