Getting Started with your lessons at Dance Manhattan NYC
Dance Lessons, Classes, One-day Intensives in NYC at Dance Manhattan Ballroom Swing Latin Dance Studio
39 W 19th St 5th flr NYC 10011 . 212-807-0802 . info@dancemanhattan.com
How do I register for a class and Get Started?
Registration is a simple process that takes just a few minutes once you have chosen your class(es). CALL US at 212-807-0802, or stop by our front desk, and we'll have you registered and ready to go in no time. Feel free to EMAIL US at info@dancemanhattan.com if you have any questions and we'll help!
For information on policies, registration costs, etc, look on the Pricing and Policies page, which can also be accessed from the navigation bar on your left.
What class and level should I take?
Simply browse through our online Class Schedule to find the topics and levels that interest you. Classes are almost exclusively level based, so, a beginner class in any style, regardless of topic, is for beginners. That means simply, no experience with the dance is necessary.
If you are not a beginner in your dance, but have some experience or have previously studied elsewhere, consider:
. Scheduling a Dance Analysis Package, where an instructor will help you define your level
. Auditing the last 15 minutes of a class to see if it's suitable
. Viewing our online study guides for direction (found in the
Styles section of our website)
. Taking a "refresher course" that is slightly below your level to ease you into our class culture
If you do sign up for a class and it is not the appropriate level, simply ask the instructor's advise.
What if I'm not sure what dance I want to learn?
You can get a great introduction to social dancing at our Monthly Guest Nights. These evenings are held every 4th Friday of the month and offer a party and a performance showcase which are FREE to everyone! (There is also an introductory dance lesson before the dance which is free for Dance Manhattan students and only $5 for guests.) Guest Night could help you determine which dance you'd like to try ... and you'll make some new friends in the process! Exact dates for our upcoming Guest Nights are highlighted in the Special Interest box of our homepage and on our Events Calendar.
Here's a little featurette produced by TimeOut New York about our Monthly Guest Parties, narrated by Dance Manhattan co-owner Ms. Teddy Kern. TimeOut NewYork Guest Night Video
Another way to get a sense of the various social dances is to visit the STYLES section of this website for descriptions and lots of videos of the various styles ... take a quick look at some of the videos below:
Argentine Tango-Valeria Solomonoff & Jorge Torres
American Waltz (Ballroom)-Heather Gehring & Lou Brockman
Swing/Lindy-Evita Arce & Nathan Bugh
West Coast Swing-Arjay Centeno
Salsa-Rodney Lopez and Mariana Parma
Hustle-Audrey Martinez & Lou Brockman
Once you are ready to dance, there are many ways to learn -- private lessons (study exclusively with an instructor at your own pace), group classes (4-weeks of classes in a group setting, these typically rotate partners, unless noted at COUPLES ONLY), or one-day crash courses and workshops (intensive one-day trainings). Your approach should be what suits your learning style and schedule best. Many students often end up taking a combination of all three. Weekly practice sessions will help you practice what you are learning and solidify the movements. Studio space is made available for students to practice their new skills with other students and outside dancers. There are practice sessions for each dance style: Salsa on Monday, Swing on Tuesday, and Tango and Ballroom on Thursday. In addition to our huge selection of group classes, Dance Manhattan offers many different opportunities to learn and practice. To see the schedule for upcoming events like LUNA tango salon, crash courses, practice sessions, dance parties, and guest workshops click here, Event Calendar. Bringing a partner is not required. All classes, except those specifically denoted in the class description as "Couples Only", will rotate partners. If you would like to dance exclusively with your partner, private lessons,
Friday Night "Couples Only" Group Classes,
and
"Couples Only" One Day Crash Courses
are the way to go...so, make a date and join us for a dance! Each person has their own learning curve. We recommend you feel very comfortable at one level before proceeding to a higher level. Check the prerequisites for next level classes and ask your teacher if they think it's time for you to move up a level. Obviously, your success will depend greatly on your dedication to the style. The more you practice what you learn, the faster you will become comfortable with your style. And, somewhere along the way, branch out to other dances! Social dancing, and its music, is infectuous and there is significant crossover! So put some swing in your tango, or foxtrot in your swing, or tango in your salsa............ Contact us NOW: (212-807-0802) or stop by at 39 W 19th St / 5th floor!
Call 212-807-0802 or email (info@dancemanhattan.com) What's the best way for me to learn?
Should I register with a partner?
How long will it take to learn one of these styles?
Ready to Get Started?
Questions?
