YouCanDance.net

As we are all different, with different needs and goals, one size does not fit all. A comment I frequently hear is, “I’m not good enough to take a private lesson.” Another is, “I don’t need the private lesson; I can learn all I need to know from the group class.” Neither student understands the purpose of group or private lessons. That being said, let me take a moment to explain the difference.

The main purpose of the group class is to teach foot placement, footwork and timing. This is a cost effective way of learning the skeletal structure of the dance figure. A group class is an ineffective way of practicing your dance figures and getting any sort of feed back, except what you see in the mirror. Most, or all, of the other students are learning the steps also. Practicing the step on your own, or at the studio parties is more effective.

The purpose of the private lesson is to work on the small details that make you look and feel good on the dance floor. Your dance instructor has the ability to physically place you in the correct position so you can feel where you need to be. This is not practical in group classes. A good private instructor evaluates the students’ dancing as they proceed and corrects the student on the spot. thereby eliminating bad habits before they are formed.

A combination of both group and private, along with student practice is the most practical and efficient way of learning.