Mercer Island Dance Classes Mercer Island, WA

Seattle dance instructors discuss dance styles

What styles of dancing do you teach?

Adrian Oakes: "American, international, standard and Latin ballroom."

Simeon Stoynov: "We teach international style and American style. Some people know the American style as social [dance]."

Maygan Wurzer: "Ballet, tap, jazz, ballroom, swing, creative movement, hip-hop, Irish step and more!"

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

Adrian Oakes: "By the hour. It's $60 an hour."

Simeon Stoynov: "We charge per lesson; they're all one hour. You can also get a membership. For the classes, we have a drop-in price of $12. Private lessons are $65 to $75 per hour."

Maygan Wurzer"We charge by the session. The fall semester is 16 weeks, and the cost is $220. We also offer a drop- in rate of $14 an hour."

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

Adrian Oakes: "If they're getting ready for a wedding, it depends on how fast they learn and if they practice between. I have some students who come in twice a week. It depends on the situation."

Simeon Stoynov: "Some do it once a week, which is pretty consistent. I do recommend practicing outside of class, even though it's not very common. The students who take lessons are welcome to use our floor any time at no cost."

Maygan Wurzer"We have a pretty open policy. It's usually one day a week because we have people who are doing it for fun and recreation. We ask them to practice at home, but we don't demand that they do."

How many instructors teach in your studio?

Adrian Oakes: "There are about 12 of us."

Simeon Stoynov: "Full-time, there are three who are here all day long. I'd say we have about 12 regular teachers."

Maygan Wurzer"I have 14 teachers who work at our studio."

How far in advance does someone need to schedule lessons with you before they can start?

Adrian Oakes: "I'd say a couple of days."

Simeon Stoynov: "If you're not a regular student and want a full-time instructor, it might be two or three weeks in advance. If you don't need the expertise, we'd recommend someone who could help them within two or three days."

Maygan Wurzer"Some classes tend to fill very quickly. For others, you could register the week they begin. Those in our studio the first half of the year have priority to re-enroll for the second half of the year."

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