Los Angeles instructors talk about giving dance lessons
Who we talked to
Mary Ann Rogiers, owner
Dance Instruction
3265 Motor Ave.
Los Angeles
310-829-9944
maryannrogiers.com
Candellyn Tyner, owner
Pacific Academy of Dance
1100 S. Beverly Dr.
Los Angeles
310-277-9779
pacificacademyofdance.com
Josie Neglia, owner
Josie Neglia Dance Academy
342 North Ford Blvd.
Los Angeles
323-261-0664
latindance.com
What styles of dancing do you teach?
Rogiers: "We teach many styles: classical ballet, and all forms of ballroom and Polynesian dances."
Tyner: "We teach ballet, hip-hop and jazz."
Neglia: "Everything from ballet, hip-hop to Latin, tango and swing. Salsa is the most popular."
What's your favorite dance and why?
Rogiers: "It depends on my mood, but I love them all."
Tyner: "My favorite is ballet. It requires a degree of discipline but allows creativity."
Neglia: "I'd say salsa. It's been my specialty for the last 15 years."
Besides learning how to dance, what are some other reasons people take lessons?
Rogiers: "Many wish to work out but dislike the mess of having to go to a gym."
Tyner: "Exercise, general health or maybe they did it as a child and it brings back good memories."
Neglia: "Many Latinos learn salsa for cultural reasons or to 'get back to their roots.'"
How do you charge for dance lessons and what's the cost?
Rogiers: "For private lessons they pay as they go. It's $70 for an hour."
Tyner: "We charge by the hour. For adults, it's $16.25 per class."
Neglia: "They can pay $15 for an hour or purchase one of our packages."
Have shows like "Dancing with the Stars" helped your business?
Rogiers: "Oh, yes. It exposes people to partner dances that they normally wouldn't try."
Tyner: "It sure has. It's good to see a show that promotes dancing."
Neglia: "Yes. It's always been in the back of people's minds, but the show motivates them to take action."
What is your experience in this industry?
Rogiers: "I've been teaching dance for over 50 years."
Tyner: "I've been doing this for 15 years."
Neglia: "I've been teaching for 15 years."
How many instructors teach in your studio?
Rogiers: "I'm independent. That means it's just me."
Tyner: "We have four instructors."
Neglia: "We offer seven instructors."
How far in advance does someone need to schedule lessons with you before they can start?
Rogiers: "For a private lesson they need to call several weeks in advance."
Tyner: "They can call anytime. We also accept walk-ins."
Neglia: "They can walk in and take a class that day."
How do you handle the most dancing-challenged clients?
Rogiers: "I go at the individual's pace."
Tyner: "We handle them with a lot of patience and humor - you got to have it."
Neglia: "If they can just relax and feel at ease, it will help."


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