Minneapolis dance instructors discuss lessons

What styles of dancing do you teach?

Suzie Rethemeier: "We teach ballroom, Latin and nightclub dances."

Chelsea Hill: "We teach partner dancing - mainly ballroom, Latin and swing."

Esther Granbois: "We do mostly partner dances like ballroom, Latin and retro."

What's your favorite dance and why?

Suzie Rethemeier: "I don't actually dance."

Chelsea Hill: "I really like salsa dancing. It's fun music and it's just very upbeat and fast."

Esther Granbois: "I like them all, but I especially like the retro dances like swing and the historical dances of the twentieth century."

Besides learning how to dance, what are some other reasons people take lessons?

Suzie Rethemeier: "The social aspect. You can meet a lot of people. It's also really good for your health."

Chelsea Hill: "A lot of people want to have a social experience, and a lot of people like the exercise. It also helps build confidence."

Esther Granbois: "For social reasons."

How do you charge for dance lessons and what's the cost?

Suzie Rethemeier: "We have group and private classes. A private lesson is $85 per hour. A group class is $15."

Chelsea Hill: "We have private lessons and group classes. A private lesson is $110 per hour. A group class is $15 an hour."

Esther Granbois: "We do private and group lessons. A private lesson is $60 per hour and a group class is $15 per hour."

Do you offer any types of packages? If so, can you give me a few examples and the price?

Suzie Rethemeier: "A package of 10 private lessons is $808 and a package of 10 group classes is $120."

Chelsea Hill: "If you're taking at least two private lessons a month you can attend unlimited group classes and parties. A package of six private lessons is $594."

Esther Granbois: "Four hours of private lessons are $195. A series of four group classes are $44."

Have shows like "Dancing with the Stars" helped your business?

Suzie Rethemeier: "Yes. Everyone wants to learn to dance after they see what's on television."

Chelsea Hill: "Definitely. It's created more awareness in the industry."

Esther Granbois: "Yes. It's a lot of fun that people are interested in ballroom dancing. They know what a foxtrot is and they might not have before."

How often do you recommend your clients take a class with you? Do they need to practice outside of class?

Suzie Rethemeier: "It's totally up to them. If they want to really learn dance and compete, we suggest twice a week. We recommend practice outside of class."

Chelsea Hill: "We recommend private lessons once a week and attending as many group classes as they can. We definitely recommend practice outside of class."

Esther Granbois: "It's up to the individual. It depends on their learning style and schedule. We definitely recommend practice outside of class."