Richmond dance instructors discuss the lessons they offer
What styles of dancing do you teach?
Eleanor Robertson: "Ballroom, swing, Latin, country-western and general social dances."
Michael Recant: "Our instructors teach both the American style and international (competitive) style of ballroom dance. Several specialize in dances like the salsa, bachata, Argentine tango and nightclub two-step."
Cynthia Thomas Rustin: "Liturgical, modern, interpretive movement, jazz, basic ballet and cultural dance."
Who we talked to
Eleanor Robertson, owner
Rigby's Jig
Richmond
804-864-2300
rigbysjig.com
Michael Recant, vice president
Electric Dance Company Inc./The Dance Space
Richmond
804-673-3326
thedancespace.com
Cynthia Thomas Rustin, owner
International Fit Dance Inc.
Richmond
804-497-7417
cynthiadancestudio.com
Besides learning how to dance, what are some other reasons people take lessons?
Robertson: "To meet new people, do something fun and different with their significant other, to lose weight or to start a new hobby."
Recant: "For fitness, to improve self-confidence, to be a part of a community and to get the satisfaction of perfecting a skill."
Thomas Rustin: "They danced years ago or they find it to be a stress reliever, exciting or a form of exercise."
How do you charge for dance lessons and what's the cost?
Robertson: "Lessons can be purchased by the session or by the month. Group classes start at just $7 per person."
Recant: "We offer group classes that range from $5 to $7 per person for a 45-minute or one-hour session. Private lessons range from $50 to $100 per session."
Thomas Rustin: "I offer a free consultation to assess the dancer. Then it's $25 to $60 per hour, depending on their age and length of the session."
How far in advance does someone need to schedule lessons with you before they can start?
Robertson: "A few days is typically enough."
Recant: "Group classes require no advance scheduling; simply show up and pay for that class. Private lessons can usually be arranged within a week."
Thomas Rustin: "It depends on the demands of the client. You can come the day of a scheduled session as a guest to get a feel of the class and my teaching style."
How do you handle the most dancing-challenged clients?
Robertson: "Lots of patience, and we make it fun!"
Recant: "Dancing is a skill that can be learned and doesn't require innate ability. If you want to ballroom dance, given time, you can do it."
Thomas Rustin: "I usually create a program that will help the individual be comfortable and open. This allows me to develop and teach the client to their capability."


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