Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need a partner?
You don’t need a partner to come to our classes. Most of our adult beginner dance classes are for both couples and individuals.
Some of our dance classes are specifically for couples, or for individuals. This will be specified in the class title.
Couples classes are for two people who will be dancing together. We don’t mind what relationship you have, but one of you will be dancing leaders steps, and the other will be dancing followers steps. You will be dancing in hold with your partner – we will not change partners during the class.
Individuals classes are for those without a dance partner. All routines are taught solo to start with, then you will partner up with others from the class to dance together. We will change partners so that everyone gets to dance with a partner.
Q. I'm bringing someone. Will I have to change partners?
Q. Where are the dance classes?
We teach all of our ballroom and latin dance classes in Cardiff, South Wales, UK. We have several different venues around Cardiff that we use, including Pentwyn, Cyncoed, Morganstown and Canton. Please scroll to the bottom of the page for the full list of the venues that we use.
Q. What should I wear?
There is no dress code for our classes. Wear something that you feel comfortable in, that doesn’t restrict your movement too much. Footwear is more important – see below.
Q. What shoes are suitable?
You should wear comfortable flat or low-heeled shoes, with a smooth sole. Trainers are not as good, as they are designed to grip the floor and can therefore restrict your movement when you’re dancing. You can get specialised ballroom/latin dance shoes (you’ll see us wearing them) – but we recommend you try the class before buying dance shoes.
Q. Where can I buy dance shoes?
We sell specialised Latin/Ballroom dance shoes and can bring them to the classes. Please come and ask us for more details.
Q. Do I need to book in advance?
We recommend booking in advance for our adult beginners dance classes, as they are very popular. If you would prefer to try out the class, you can come for a drop-in class if it is at the beginning of a new course. However, please note that priority will be given to those who have booked and paid in advance. If in doubt please check in advance with us – some of our classes are fully booked in advance.
Q. What dances will I learn?
Our beginners dance lessons are suitable for complete beginners with no previous dance experience. Firstly, over a course of 6 to 8 lessons, we will introduce you to three different dances (for example, cha cha cha, merengue and foxtrot). By the end of the first course, you will be able to dance a simple routine in three dances with a partner, to music. The course is progressive: each week, you will recap what was taught the previous week as well as learning something new.
Q. What dances do you teach?
We have many years of experience in teaching all of the following dances:
- Latin American Dances: Cha cha cha, rumba, samba, jive and paso doble.
- Ballroom Dances: Waltz, foxtrot, tango, quickstep and Viennese waltz.
- Alternative dances. Merengue, American Smooth, Charleston, Salsa, Disco.
Q. Why am I classed as a Beginner for a whole year?
Ballroom and Latin dancing includes ten dances in total: five Ballroom dances and five Latin dances. That’s a lot of different dances to learn! We teach a mixture of the Ballroom and Latin dances in all of our classes, gradually introducing new dances while building up the routines of the ones you already know. Because you are learning several dances at once, it takes a while to master them; this is why you will be classed as a beginner for a year.
Q. I’ve danced before. Which class should I join?
We have adults and children’s classes at lots of different levels. Please get in touch and we will recommend a suitable class for you to try out.
Q. I’ve missed a few classes. Can I come back?
Classes are taught progressively, so we usually teach something new every week. Missing a week here and there is normally not a problem, as we always go over any new steps the following week, so you should be able to catch up fairly easily. However, if you have missed several classes, you may wish to book a private lesson to catch up with the steps.
Q. Will dance improve my health and fitness?
Ballroom and latin dance classes are very good for your fitness and health. Dancing helps to improve posture and, coordination as well as balance and stability. Dancing also helps to improve your memory and brain function. In addition, dancing is so much fun that you won’t notice that you are exercising!
In order to join our beginners dance classes, we recommend that you have a basic level of fitness (i.e. you can walk up the stairs). Attending regular dance classes will soon help improve your fitness and stamina.
If you need a tailored class (for example if you are recovering from an illess or injury), you may wish to consider one-to-one dance lessons. (See below).
Q. Is dancing good for my mental health?
Dance classes are amazing for your mental health. Studies have shown that just a few minutes of dancing to music each day significantly improves your mood. In addition, going to a dance class is a social activity, helping you to connect with others and make friends.
Q. What age group are your classes?
We find that our dance classes are popular amongst all age groups, from younger wedding couples to older retired couples and everyone in between. Most of our classes contain a good mix of different ages, but we never can predict exactly who will walk in through the door at our next beginners class. All we would say is that you need a basic level of fitness to do the class (i.e. you can walk up the stairs…)
We also teach children’s dance classes, from age 3 upwards. So that pretty much includes everybody!
Q. I have two left feet. Can I join?
Of course! We specialise in two (or even three) left feet! We have been teaching adult beginner dance classes in Cardiff since 2007, so we are very experienced (and patient!) with complete beginners. Dancing is all based around walking, so as long as you can manage to walk in through the door, we will be able to teach you some dancing.
Q. Do you teach children's classes?
Yes. We teach fun and friendly dance classes for children in Cardiff. We can provide dance classes for 3 year olds and children any age up to age 18. Please visit our children’s dance classes page for more information.
Q. What age can my child start dance classes?
We teach dance classes from 3 year olds up to age 18. Beginners of any age are welcome.
Q. Do you offer free trial classes?
We offer a free trial class for our children’s classes, age 3 to age 18 so you can bring your child and see how they get on with the class before deciding if you want to sign up. To request your free trial class, click here.
If you’d like to try out our adult beginner classes before signing up, please get in touch.
Q. What certifications do you have?
Our main teachers are DBS checked and have all qualified with the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA). Darren and Lucilla are both Fellows of the IDTA. Please see our Teachers page for more information.
Q. Can I take dance exams with you?
We run regular exam sessions with the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA). Our children’s classes are geared towards taking these exams, please see our children’s class page for more information about this. Our adult classes are mainly social classes, i.e. we don’t do exams with the adults unless requested. For adults that want to take their exams, we recommend one-to-one lessons.
Q. Do you teach one-to-one dance lessons?
Yes, we teach private lessons to couples and individuals. You can book a one-off private dance lesson or a series of lessons, it’s up to you. We will tailor the lesson to your ability and what you want to learn. We teach all of the ballroom and latin dances, plus several others!
Private lessons are arranged to fit around your schedule. We have daytime and evening slots available.
Q. Do you teach wedding dance lessons?
Yes, we teach first dance lessons for your wedding, or other special occasion. We can choreograph a dance to your specific music, to fit your venue and tailored to your ability. In the past we have taught many different styles as wedding dances from passionate Rumba to romantic Waltz, and even a few fun-loving Charlestons!
Enquire now and we will get back to your with our current availability.
Q. Where can I practice my steps?
We organise regular ballroom and latin dance practice sessions. We also run regular Latin & Ballroom Social Dances throughout the year, including our glitzy Summer Ball and Black Tie Winter Ball in a fabulous Grade II listed venue! Check out our events page for more information.