Pittburgh dance instructors discuss their business
What's your favorite dance and why?
Who we talked to
Dena Holland, manager
Dancespace
304 5604 Solway St. Room 304
Pittsburgh
412-421-6694
dancespace304.com
Amanda Newton, education director
Dance Alloy
5530 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh
412-363-4321
dancealloy.org
Aimee Marshall, manager
Arthur Murray Studios
136 Sixth St.
Pittsburgh
412-261-2947
arthurmurray.com
Dena Holland: "My favorite is ballet. I've done it ever since I was young and just enjoy it."
Amanda Newton: "It's hard to say, I love them all. I've always loved ballet. You always know what to expect and it's challenging."
Aimee Marshall: "I prefer Latin dancing. It's close to my roots. I used to be a modern dancer."
Besides learning how to dance, what are some other reasons people take lessons?
Dena Holland: "Students want to keep in shape and feel better about themselves."
Amanda Newton: "Most of our students are here to get fit or to make friends and socialize."
Aimee Marshall: "We have a lot of people come in when they have to prepare for an event."
How do you charge for dance lessons and what's the cost?
Dena Holland: "One weekly class is $50 a month. One group class is $18."
Amanda Newton: "We offer our session package."
Aimee Marshall: "Your first lesson is free. Then our instructors work with you to design a program based on your needs and the cost will vary."
Do you offer any types of packages? If so, can you give me a few examples and the price?
Dena Holland: "For $60 a month, you can take two classes each week."
Amanda Newton: "Our 12-week session includes one weekly class and prices range from $150 to $200."
Aimee Marshall: "We have programs that consist of group classes and lessons."
Have shows like "Dancing with the Stars" helped your business?
Dena Holland: "I don't really think so."
Amanda Newton: "It hasn't hurt. People mention the show and have an interest in dance because of it."
Aimee Marshall: "It's definitely helped. It's put ballroom dancing out there. Everyone's heard of it now."
How many instructors teach in your studio?
Dena Holland: "I have four instructors."
Amanda Newton: "We have 30 teaching instructors."
Aimee Marshall: "We have two men and four women instructors."
How far in advance does someone need to schedule lessons with you before they can start?
Dena Holland: "You should try to call before the beginning of the month."
Amanda Newton: "It's best to join the first day of a 12-week session. But some classes accept students at any time."
Aimee Marshall: "As early as possible, especially if you want to take a class in the evening."
How do you handle the most dancing-challenged clients?
Dena Holland: "If someone really wants to do it, they can learn. They just have to try."
Amanda Newton: "Our teachers are very encouraging. We believe anyone can learn to dance. Just keep trying."
Aimee Marshall: "We just convince them it's possible. No one is born with this skill."




Add comment