We know starting something new can come with a lot of questions—and you're not alone! That’s why we’ve created this page to answer some of the most common questions new students have, along with a few helpful insights you might not have thought of yet. Take a few moments to explore—it’ll help you feel more confident and prepared as you get started. We’re excited to have you on this journey.
If you have a question that isn't addressed here please contact us.
You can sign up for DanceSport Boston's group classes by clicking on the Current Semester PDF file link. You can print out the form that you see and send it back to us with your tuition payment or complete it online and submit your information in advance and then bring in your tuition the first time you visit the studio.
Coming with a partner is the ideal scenario; however, since many students tend to start in a group class partners are not required since there will be others without partners as well. If a student starts with private lessons their teacher fills in the role of the partner.
Yes. Make-up classes are allowed during the same term that you are enrolled. You may make-up the missed classes in any other class of the same level of skill that you are studying.
All group classes expire at the end of each term and cannot be carried into the next term.
Ballroom dance shoes are the best shoes for ballroom dancing so we suggest that you consider buying a pair if you plan to take lessons and/or dance on a regular basis
.We have a terrific ballroom dance shoe catalog with many styles and colors to choose from. Ask us and we will be happy to place an order for you.
If ballroom shoes are not an immediate option for you then a pair of thin leather soled shoes for men and low heels for the women are suitable. Ladies please note that sling back sandals are not a good choice. A shoe that has a closed back is a better choice.
We suggest that you take at least one lesson per week whether it is a group class or private lesson. If you are able to come in more often all the better. Most studios including DanceSport Boston agree that students who learn the quickest do so by attending group classes and at least one private lesson each week. The more you use your dancing the faster you will move towards becoming comfortable on the dance floor whether you dance socially or competitively.
It should be obvious that if you are thinking about "higher skill levels" that you need to take lessons more often than once a week.
It is a difficult question to answer. How long it takes for someone to become a good dancer is dependent upon a few different things but mainly on how often someone receives instruction and how often someone practices. Not everyone learns at the same pace. In DanceSport Boston's experience we have seen it take an average of 1 - 2 years for the average person with little or no experience in dance. This is historically based on coming in once or twice a week. You must put in the mileage on the dance floor on a regular basis. It is fun and someone has to do it ...let it be you?
Let's take a minute and do the math ...2 years is only 104 hours or just over 4 days...and look at the return... a lifetime of enjoyment on the dance floor... We will help and encourage you to stick with it until you are satisfied with the results.
Becoming an accomplished dancer takes time and effort.
DanceSport Boston offers several opportunities for you to practice your dancing.
1.) Our Dance Party Fridays are a perfect way to practice what you learned and get dance floor experience.
2.) Studio Floor Rental is available by the hour for a reasonable fee. Please contact us to reserve space or for more information.
You can easily find great ballroom practice music on popular streaming services and online platforms—perfect for dancing anytime, anywhere.
Spotify: Search for playlists specifically curated for ballroom dances like Cha Cha, Waltz, Tango,etc.
YouTube: Numerous channels offer ballroom music mixes and playlists. You can search for specific dance styles.
Pandora/SoundCloud: Similar to Spotify, these platforms allow you to create stations based on your preferred dance styles and find new music.
DanceSport Boston believes the best dances for beginners to learn are: Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Swing, Rumba, Cha-Cha and Salsa.
To join our Friday Night Dance Party, simply sign up on the list during your scheduled group class or private lesson—or just show up and join the fun!
Formerly known as 'Practice Sessions,' we’ve renamed them 'Dance Parties' to capture the festive, social energy we bring to each event. Plus, don’t miss our seasonal themes like our lively summer parties!
DanceSport Boston has a 24 hour notice cancellation policy for private lessons. If proper notice is not received the scheduled lesson is charged as if it had been taken. There are no exceptions allowed on this policy.
We ask that you give us courtesy notice if you cannot make your scheduled group class during the week.