Miami dance instructors discuss the lessons they offer
Who we talked to
Portia Lange, owner
Belly Motions Inc.
Coral Gables, Fla.
305-663-1553
bellymotions.com
Vicky Gonzalez, co-owner/artistic director
Donna Lee Studio of Dance
Homestead, Fla.
305-247-3826
donnaleestudioofdance.com
Alina Lanza, owner
Just Dance It
Miami
305-552-5774
justdanceit.net
What styles of dancing do you teach?
Portia Lange: "Belly dancing."
Vicky Gonzalez: "We teach all styles: ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, acrobatics and modern."
Alina Lanza: "Jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop, flamenco, salsa and belly dance."
Besides learning how to dance, what are some other reasons people take lessons?
Lange: "There are three main reasons: exercise, they want to study the art and the cultural component, and just because it's sexy and mysterious."
Gonzalez: "I personally feel like I have a great work ethic and appreciation for my body thanks to dance."
Lanza: "Discipline and to be fit, and sometimes medical reasons."
How do you charge for dance lessons and what's the cost?
Lange: "By the program, which is usually eight weeks. It's $135 for the beginner class, which includes a one-time $15 registration fee."
Gonzalez: "Tuition is monthly, and the cost is based on how many hours per week you take. For example, if you come for one hour per week, tuition's $50."
Lanza: "It's a monthly rate, depending on how many hours you take. If you take one hour a week, it's $63 a month. There's a $55 registration fee once a year."
How many instructors teach in your studio?
Lange: "We have 10."
Gonzalez: "We have eight."
Lanza: "We have 16."
How far in advance does someone need to schedule lessons with you before they can start?
Lange: "It's like a college semester. I recommend a week before class starts."
Gonzalez: "Our season runs August through June, then summer dance camp begins. Between May and October is when we register new students."
Lanza: "They can start the same day, if they know the schedule. Payment runs from the first day of each month."
How do you handle the most dancing-challenged clients?
Lange: "We have a lot of students who say they're not flexible or coordinated. Our programs are designed for any student. We take a step-by-step approach. Grow with your body, move with your body."
Gonzalez: "We try to instill a love of dance. We hope they bring their strengths into other parts of their lives."
Lanza: "Just try to be patient. You're going to have some who pick it up a lot quicker. We try to keep it fun."


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