Group Class Information

Ballroom & Latin American is "the" style of dancing of the moment. This popularity is possibly due to TV programmes like "Strictly Come Dancing" (one of the principle teachers, John not only starred in the first series but also acted as the dance consultant for the BBC) where many celebrities & athletes (Darren Gough - cricketer, Martin Offiah - rugby player, Colin Jackson - hurdler, Emma Bunton - pop star, Mark Ramprakash - cricketer, Peter Schmeichael - footballer) have taken part, & films like "Shall We Dance" starring Richard Gere & Jenniffer Lopez.

Benefits
More & more people are realising what a difference dancing can make to their lives in terms of not only fitness and posture but also the energy and fun that dancing gives you. The unique benefits of such dancing are legendary and also include self confidence, rhythmic interpretation, co-ordination, and flexibility. For children there are the added benefits of social awareness, courtesy, teamwork, discipline, and respect for each other.

The Learning Curve
To some people the prospect of learning Ballroom & Latin American dancing can seem a little daunting. By coming to the dance class you will have taken the most difficult step. Whether you feel you have got two left feet or you were born to dance, we have specialist teachers & classes who will look after you so don't worry, you're in the hands of specialists! All you have to do is keep attending the classes!!! Persistence is the key to learning

Eventually you will learn technique encompassing musicality, posture, body movement, & leading & following. If you are serious about any form of dancing, the skills we will be teaching you will improve your dancing in general.

Clothes
There are no special clothes or footwear necessary. Just wear what is comfortable, however it is best not to wear trainers as the rubber soles stick to the floor & can make moving difficult. Smart casual is recommended at the ParkLangley Club.

Do I need a Partner?
You do not need a partner for the classes or the social night.

The Classes
All the classes are specifically structured to follow the syllabus of two of the largest dance societies in England - The United Kingdom Alliance (UKA) & The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). This helps keep continuity within Jj’s so that if you miss a dance class on one day or you wish to go to more than one dance class a week, the steps will be the same. This also helps on the Social Nights where you can practise the steps you have learnt. You don't have to book in advance for a class - just turn up !

Should you wish you can then go on to take your medal tests (e.g. bronze, silver, gold etc) or even take up dancing competitively. If you require more information about this please do not hesitate to speak to us about it.

Social night
Every class is like a social night & everyone has great fun. However on Thursday night at the ParkLangley Club you do a class, &/or there is a social night where you can (freestyle) practise your dancing. At hand to help you are teachers, assistant teachers & dance hosts. There is a large wooden floor, air conditioning, a bar, & a free car park. Because everyone has or is learning the same steps it is easy to dance with anyone. You can do the class & stay for the social night or just choose to do one or the other.

Ballroom & Latin American
Ballroom and Latin American dancing comprises of 10 dances, and they are divided into two disciplines:

Ballroom:
Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Tango, Viennese Waltz.
Latin:
Cha Cha Cha, Jive, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble’.

Each of these dances has what is called a basic step, this is a simple sequence of steps that is danced repeatedly through the dance.

The beginner classes are dedicated to just learning the basic step of the dances. Once you learn these basic steps, you will learn ‘variations’ & how to enhance your dancing skills.

Music
Each dance has it’s own characterisation & rhythm or speed of music. Therefore you can’t dance a waltz to a tango. Providing the music has the right beat you can dance to pop, rap, big band, latin, etc. See you at Dance Class!!!