Farmington Hills Dance Classes Farmington Hills, MI

Detroit area dance instructors discuss lessons

What styles of dancing do you teach?

Fran Price: "We teach Polynesian, Hawaiian, Tahitian, Samoan and New Zealand dances."

Kelly Dickendesher: "We teach ballroom dances like mambo, rumba, samba, salsa, foxtrot and the waltz. There are also dances like East and West Coast swing, the hustle, two-step and the cha-cha."

Ted Hunt: "We teach ballet, modern, tap, hip-hop, jazz, belly dance, African social ballroom dance and Latin."

What's your favorite dance and why?

Fran Price: "Hawaiian, because it tells a story."

Kelly Dickendesher: "The tango - I've taken two months of lessons."

Ted Hunt: "Ballet, because it's the basis of most dances."

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

Fran Price: "Exercise. Other than swimming, dancing is one of the best total body exercises."

Kelly Dickendesher: "To socialize with new people."

Ted Hunt: "People come in for the exercise, even if they can't dance that well."

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

Fran Price: "I make it very reasonable because I do it more for love than money. It averages $4 a class."

Kelly Dickendesher: "We have an introductory package for three private lessons and one group lesson for $195. If they don't want a package, four or fewer private lessons are $80 a lesson."

Ted Hunt: "We offer scholarships based on talent and financial needs. We charge by the session and the price depends on how often they take classes."

How often do you recommend your clients take a class with you?

Fran Price: "My classes are 45 minutes long and most students come once a week."

Kelly Dickendesher: "You need to come at least once a week, so you don't forget your moves. And yes, you need to practice."

Ted Hunt: "It depends on your level of dance. We have lots of students at performing arts schools for dance who come in often. You most definitely have to practice."

How do you handle the most dancing-challenged clients?

Fran Price: "I've had a lot of people with left feet. They just stay in the beginning class and we keep going over it and over it."

Kelly Dickendesher: "All of our instructors are really good. People will come in and tell them they have two left feet and they just work with them."

Ted Hunt: "We have professional artists who teach and they turn out a pretty good product."