San Diego instructors take the lead on dance lessons

What styles of dancing do you teach?

Davis: "A few examples are the jitterbug, swing, salsa, the rumba and the foxtrot."

Sanders: "We teach tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, Yoga, Pilates and even break dancing."

Sarmento: "Everything. We teach both American and International ballroom styles."

What's your favorite dance and why?

Davis: "The waltz. It's just so elegant."

Sanders: "Tap has always been my favorite."

Sarmento: "I'm addicted to the Argentine tango."

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

Davis: "It's good for wedding couples learning their first dance or for divorcees or widowers trying to meet people."

Sanders: "Fitness, lose weight, coordination and to help with how they view themselves."

Sarmento: "To feel young, meet other people, improve your appearance or to have more fun."

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

Davis: "It's by the hour. For two people it's $50 an hour."

Sanders: "We charge by the month. For one hour a week for a month it's $45."

Sarmento: "By the hour. I suggest two-hour sessions at $75 per hour. Group lessons run $10 per hour."

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

Davis: "Yes. It's $48 an hour for five sessions, $45 for 10 sessions and $43 for 20 sessions."

Sanders: "We offer quarterly packages. For three months of a one-hour class once each week, it's $125."

Sarmento: "Yes. Our private lesson package includes 10 hours for $550, or 20 hours for $900."

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

Davis: "At least once a week. They should practice outside of class but they don't."

Sanders: "It depends on their age and skill level but at least once a week. Yes, I do ask that they practice."

Sarmento: "As many times as possible and they absolutely need to practice outside of class."

Besides teaching lessons, do you hold any types of dancing events at your studio?

Davis: "No. I recommend other places, like nightclubs, for practice."

Sanders: "We have recitals several times a year. Each recital has three two-hour shows."

Sarmento: "Not at this time."

How do you handle the most dancing-challenged clients?

Davis: "I emphasize counting. It's the only way to gain the muscle memory. It usually works."

Sanders: "With a lot of patience. Dancing is supposed to be fun. Even if it takes two months, we'll keep trying."

Sarmento: "I first ask that they dance correctly - that's the hardest part. After that it's just gaining the muscle memory."