Nashville dance instructors discuss the lessons they offer
Who we talked to
Lauri Bright, owner
Bellevue Dance Center
Nashville, Tenn.
615-662-8553
bellevuedancecenter.com
Michael Hosale, owner
Fred Astaire Dance Studio
Brentwood, Tenn.
615-661-0844
fredastaire.com
Linda Reed, owner
Linda Belly Dance
Nashville, Tenn.
615-482-6429
lindabellydance.com
What styles of dancing do you teach?
Lauri Bright: "Ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, modern, lyrical and musical theatre."
Michael Hosale: "Ballroom and Latin dances and any type of partnership dancing."
Linda Reed: "I teach Middle Eastern dance which includes belly dancing."
What's your favorite dance?
Bright: "Tap is my favorite to teach and choreograph because it's so energetic."
Hosale: "The cha-cha because it's exciting and dramatic."
Reed: "Belly dancing because it's so complex and there's a lot of history behind it."
Besides learning how to dance, what are some other reasons people take lessons?
Bright: "Exercise, to get out of the house, for performing opportunities and for the health benefits."
Hosale: "It has great physical health benefits, it relieves tension and it's fun to do."
Reed: "For socializing. Belly dance is a really great way for women to get to know each other. It's not just an exercise. It's a way for people to feel more confident."
How do you charge for dance lessons and what's the cost?
Bright: "The adult classes are $10 per class."
Hosale: "The first four lessons are $25 for new students. Our normal rate is $79 per hour for a private lesson and $16 an hour for a group session."
Reed: "My classes are an hour long and people can either drop in or buy packages of five or 10 weeks. The drop-in classes are $15, the five-week package is $60 and the 10-week package is $100."
How often do you recommend your clients take a class with you? Do they need to practice outside of class?
Bright: "At least once a week. I recommend they practice outside class."
Hosale: "When you first start out, the best is twice a week. If people practice they get more out of their class."
Reed: "I think once a week is a minimum. It just depends on the client's goal. I do recommend practice outside class."
How do you handle the most dancing-challenged clients?
Bright: "I just encourage them that it's just for fun and to enjoy the learning process and see what they can take away."
Hosale: "I always tell people that I did not grow up dancing - if I can learn how to dance anyone can."
Reed: "In general, everyone starts from the same place. It's very new, even to a prima ballerina. They're in good company."


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