Philadelphia dance instructors discuss dancing classes
What styles of dancing do you teach?
Who we talked to
Christy Kim, owner
Center City Dance
315 Walnut St.
Philadelphia
503-459-8132
centercitydance.com
Sharon Thomas, owner
Arthur Murray Dance Studio
913 Montgomery Ave.
Narbeth
610-668-8872
amdancestudio.com
Jaquetta Colson, owner
Living Arts Dance & Fitness Studios
2247 N. Broad St.
Philadelphia
215-765-5979
lingartsdance.com
Christy Kim: "We offer all styles of dance, including salsa and ballroom, and we teach a lot of wedding dances."
Sharon Thomas: "We teach all of the ballroom dances."
Jaquetta Colson: "For adults, we offer a variety of dancing, such as ballet, tap, jazz and hip-hop."
Besides learning how to dance, what are some other reasons people take lessons?
Christy Kim: "We get a lot of couples who want to try something new together. Some people use dancing as a weight-loss program."
Sharon Thomas: "They want to learn how to dance for a wedding or for exercise and stress relief. They learn so they'll never have to say 'no' to a dance invitation."
Jaquetta Colson: "The main reason people take lessons is to get in shape - especially for women. It's great for burning calories and toning those hard-to-tone areas of our bodies."
How do you charge for dance lessons and what's the cost?
Christy Kim: "Our private lessons are $60 for 50 minutes."
Sharon Thomas: "We offer a variety of options for all income levels."
Jaquetta Colson: "It's $8 to $12 an hour per class."
Do you offer any types of packages? If so, can you give me a few examples and the price?
Christy Kim: "Our package deals are five lessons for $250 or 10 lessons for $450."
Sharon Thomas: "We offer packages that break down to around $40 per lesson."
Jaquetta Colson: "We have a special where you can bring someone with you for $8."
How often do you recommend your clients take a class with you? Do they need to practice outside of class?
Christy Kim: "Most of our clients come in twice a week. But honestly, not that many people can dedicate that amount of time. Yes, I definitely recommend practicing outside of class."
Sharon Thomas: "I recommend taking a class once a week or a couple of times if you can. The more you dance the better you'll become. But most people don't have the space to practice in their home."
Jaquetta Colson: "For a beginner, I recommend taking a class at least once a week. Most people will end up practicing outside of class on their own."
What's your busiest time of year?
Christy Kim: "In the spring. Everyone has cabin fever and wants to get out of the house!"
Sharon Thomas: "We're busy year-round. We get a rush after the holidays thanks to gift certificates."
Jaquetta Colson: "Our busiest time is right after the first of the year."
How do you handle the most dancing-challenged clients?
Christy Kim: "About 75 percent of our clients say they have two left feet. But we manage to get them all dancing."
Sharon Thomas: "I don't think there's anybody who can't learn how to do a basic waltz. There hasn't been anyone we haven't been able to help."
Jaquetta Colson: "Give me an hour, and if you still say you're 'challenged,' I'll believe you."


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