About
Pulse Dance Works is committed to the highest standard of instruction, technique, and customer service. We take great responsibility in learning about the students as individuals and helping them grow as proficient technical and social dancers. Our lessons are comprehensive, progressive and structured using level/ medalist style ballroom dancing syllabi. We offer group and private lessons in various skill levels and technique styles using the full American Smooth and Latin DVIDA Syllabi. We offer reasonable prices, with instructors who have a combined 36 years dance experience covering over 10 different types of Ballroom Dancing.
Beginner-Advanced Students
Hours- Mon-Fri 6:00pm-10:00pm
Call- 412-254-6559
$10.00 per person per 1 hour group class
$75.00 per couple or single per 40 min private lesson
Group Class Schedules available via our Facebook page
We teach people from all walks of life to express themselves through the joy of dancing in a healthy, fun, challenging way so that whatever their goal might be and wherever they might be in their life they can achieve it and feel great about who they are and what they are achieving in an honest, professional, accepting and friendly family, club like atmosphere. It's not just about technique and perfection, it’s also about helping someone realize a dream, a goal, an improvement of self and enjoying life!
Specialties
How often
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Experience level
Number of students
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Goals and interests
Reviews
Bo R.
Marlene W.
Alexis V.
Conrad Q.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When enquiring about lessons we like to learn about our potential student. We ask about your likes and dislikes, the type of music you enjoy, where you might like to use your new dancing skills, what type (if any) dance background you have and what goals you have whether it's to socialize and have fun or learn a new interesting skill, spend time with a loved one or even compete. From there we learn if you are a beginner wanting to start with the very basics, intermediate looking to broaden your skills and technique or advanced looking for coaching. We also look at your schedule. Your time is valuable so we try to find times that will be able to work around your busy life and schedule. Once we know where we are starting from we can suggest classes and lessons that will best suit the student so that they can fulfill their goals. We also discuss what sort of payment options are best for their particular situations. Some like to pay as they go, others like a more in depth planned program over weeks or months. We try to find whatever best fits the students individual needs.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
36 years of combined dancing experience, (Including classical dance technique in Ballet, Jazz, Mordern, Lyrical, Tap and Hip Hop as well as our main focus of Ballroom dance in the American Style Syllibi that includes over 10 different types of Smooth, Rhythm and Latin Ballroom Dance)
15 years of teaching experience, 10 years competitive experience, 6 years of professional performing and choreography experience, Certification through USA Dance & Gym, American Ballroom Syllabi offered- Waltz, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Mambo, Salsa, East Coast Swing, Hustle (and many more specialty and international dances as well) Also experience teaching children 10yrs old- 18yrs old in Classical Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Lyrical and Modern dance technique.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Group classes- $10.00 per hour class per person, Private Lesson- $75.00 per 40min couple or single
How did you get started teaching?
I have been dancing since I was three years old and my dance instructors were true mentors. They made me want to be, not just a better dancer but a better person. They didn't just teach steps and patterns they truly inspired us.
I have always wanted to follow in those footsteps. I see the transformation that happens to people when they dance whether it's socially or competitively and it effects their lives in such amazing ways I can't imagine my life without teaching.
At the age of 10 my teacher entered me into the running for a youth summer dance program at a prestigious dance company. It was a requirement that you be at least 14 years old but after seeing me dance they made an exception. That one kindness lead me to student teaching at 14 and teaching my own classes by the time I was 16 and then principle and then choreographer in a dance company in college. Once graduated I thought I would finally retire but teaching was so much a part of who I am that I just couldnt stop.
Now 12 years later I am still just as passionate about inspiring people to learn dance and fulfill their true potential not just for perfect technique but helping someone realize a dream, a goal an improvement of self.
We as teachers play many roles. We are Therapists, comedians, parents, drill sergeants, physical therapists, marriage counselors, wedding planners, inspirational speakers, cheerleaders and much more.
The experience of dance teaches the students to never stop pursuing greatness, never give up, that its never too late. It gives them a sense of community and self confidence and brings joy and fun to their lives. Even for the aspiring professional dancer it teaches dicipline, drive, humility, passion, versatility, commitment, teamwork, respect.
For all these reasons I teach and its truly the best job in the world.
What types of students have you worked with?
Our current demographic consists of college students, newlyweds, young parents, retirees, singles and couples from all walks of life 18 years of age to 75 years of age. We also have experience teaching dance to kids ages 10-18 years of age.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
There are so many events that take place that its hard to pick just one. But I will mention a few.
I have seen partner dancing do so much for so many people. I've seen it help the professional dancer grow and succeed in advancing their carreers. I have seen it save marriages and help with social anxiety and self esteam. I have seen it transform the shy into the self confident and I have seen it soften even the hardest of skeptics. I have seen it teach the hearing impaired a new way to enjoy music and the physically impaired that nothing is impossible. I have seen it inspire the young and teach even the oldest of us that they can still accomplish anything.
Dance is fun and silly and social and challenging and also inspiring and fulfilling and can work magic when you least expect it. Part of the reason we love it so much.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure your instructors are extremely well trained, qualified and knowledgeable in every dance you wish to study and diligent about your progress and your specific goals. It also helps if your instructor has studied and taught a large variety of dance styles and techniques to give you the best possible information. People dance for a multitude of reasons and each person learns differently. Your teacher needs to address the specific issues and goals that you want to achieve and be able to adapt to your learning style to make each lesson fun, enjoyable and achievable yet challenging, exciting and fulfilling to your specific needs. Do they check up to make sure you are understanding the information? Do they ask you about your day? Do they include you and make sure you feel that you are an important part of the studio. Most of all they need to care! Care about their craft and care about you.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Some great questions to start with is Why do I want to enquire? What is it about dance that intrigues me? Is there a specific style of dance or professional dancer you admire and why? Is dance something you've always wanted to try? Will this be a fun type of new exercise activity? Is this something I can see myself doing long term? Can I commit my time to at least once or twice a week for 2-4 or 4-6 hours? Do I want to meet new people? What is my budget? Am I healthy enough to start and will this benefit my health? Will this build my confidence? Will this bring me closer to my partner? Am I ready to have fun? Many of these questions seem simple but its so easy to talk ourselves out of doing something wonderful or fun or even healthy for ourselves if stress and life get in the way. I say make time for you and any questions you might have about dancing and your goals we can always work through.