Las Vegas dance instructors discuss lessons
Who we talked to
Ashley Gable, owner
PRO Ballroom Dance
8665 W. Flamingo Road. Ste. 110
Las Vegas
702-808-7126
proballroomdance.com
Nancy Nies, owner
Dance Charisma
3650 S. Jones Blvd., # 16
Las Vegas
702-364-8700
dancecharisma.com
Donna Friaf, owner
The Pointe Dance Center
9340 W. Flamingo Road Ste. 118
Las Vegas
702-363-3070
thepointedancecenter.com
What styles of dancing do you teach?
Ashley Gable: "We teach all ballroom styles including American rhythm, International and Latin and dances like the hustle."
Nancy Nies: "We do both ballroom and Latin styles. A few examples are swing, Fox-trot, cha-cha, bolero, rumba and country."
Donna Friaf: "We have many styles. We teach ballet, pointe, jazz, hip-hop, tap, tumbling and ballroom dancing."
What's your favorite dance and why?
Ashley Gable: "My favorite is the samba. It's the most complex and you get to shake a lot."
Nancy Nies: "I love International rumba. It's very slow, expressive, romantic and sensual."
Donna Friaf: "My passion growing up was ballet but I've since branched out to love them all."
How do you charge for dance lessons and what's the cost?
Ashley Gable: "Our private sessions last 45 minutes and cost $70 each. Group sessions are $15 for individuals or $20 for couples."
Nancy Nies: "Private sessions are $60 to $70, depending on the dance. Group session and parties are $12 at the door. Each session is 45 minutes."
Donna Friaf: "It's $46 a month for one group class per week. Our private lessons are $40 per class or $149 for four lessons. Most lessons last 45 minutes."
Have shows like "Dancing with the Stars" helped your business?
Ashley Gable: "Oh yes. It's sparked new interest in ballroom dancing."
Nancy Nies: "People always mention it but I can't say for certain if it's impacted our business."
Donna Friaf: "Yes. I think it's inspired and enthused many people that normally wouldn't be."
Do they need to practice outside of class?
Ashley Gable: "I ask they practice five minutes here and there. You know, a little cha-cha while you're brushing your teeth."
Nancy Nies: "Just like any other skill, like learning a language, it takes a lot of practice. Yes, practice at home."
Donna Friaf: "We recommend they stretch their muscles at home, not practice. We don't want them practicing the wrong steps."
What is your experience in this industry?
Ashley Gable: "I've been teaching ballroom for ten years."
Nancy Nies: "I've been at this since 1988 in one form or another."
Donna Friaf: "I performed professionally for over 20 years."
How do you handle the most dancing-challenged clients?
Ashley Gable: "My partner and I work on their timing and attitude. A positive attitude is important."
Nancy Nies: "With tender, loving care. The 'I have two left feet' excuse doesn't work here."
Donna Friaf: "Very patiently. It's important you place them in the appropriate class and make sure it's not too advanced for them."


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