Welcome To Central Avenue Dance Lessons

Place: 2nd Floor, Yanda's Music

When: Every Tuesday and Thursday, October through March. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the session so we can start on time.

Cost: $120/person for six months payable before the first class. If, however, you decide this isn't for you, full refunds will be granted before the third class.

Lesson Schedule: Go to "Schedule" link on the web site.

Our Goal: To introduce you to basic steps so you can dance in a club setting.

BUT THE PRIMARY GOAL IS TO HAVE FUN!!!

Hints To Make Your Learning Experience More Enjoyable:

1. Be attentive to the instruction. Try to limit conversation. If you need help, please ask for it.

2. If you receive help or constructive criticism from the instructor, accept it. It is done in the spirit of making you a better dancer. It is not personal. Leave your ego at the door.

3. Try not to become frustrated. Some learn faster than others. For most of you this is new. It takes time to learn how to dance. Be patient with yourself.

4. Be especially patient with your partner. Work things out as a couple. Be very complimentary when things are going well, and try to be helpful when they are not.

5. Commit yourself to dance. Make it a personal commitment to attend until at least May of next year. You will be surprised at how much you have learned in six short months. You will also realize the health benefits of dance, both physically and psychologically.

6. Try not to skip a lesson. It is frustrating to have to try to catch up with the others.

7. Review at home. Practice for a short time during each week.

8. Go out dancing often. This is how you will get better and also the reason you are doing this in the first place. Make it a regular part of your social life.

Cancellations Because Of Bad Weather:

If the weather is questionable, and dance class is canceled, emails will be sent out to everyone on the email list.

My Dance Philosophy:

I go deliberately and very slowly. I watch the class closely and proceed according to the bottom third of the class. When you leave each class, I want you to feel good about the time spent here, not overwhelmed and frustrated.

I try to keep things simple. As a result I have taken some liberties and simplified some of the traditional steps and methods. I will point out the shortcuts and differences so you will know this should you decide to take lessons elsewhere in the future.

I don't turn out 8-week wonders. No one expects to shoot par golf in eight weeks. Learning to dance takes time. Make it a Zen thing and enjoy the journey. There is always something to learn in dance. You never totally arrive.

To The Gentlemen:

If your wife or your girlfriend dragged you here, or had you drugged to get you here, I will personally try to make this as painless as possible. Oftentimes, after a few lessons, the roles switch where the man provides the impetus to dance (right, Bill?). So, to the gentlemen, you are doing a good thing, you are an absolute hero in the eyes of your partner, and I personally applaud you.

Dance Attire:

Comfortable shoes with leather soles work best. Tennis shoes don't work well because they grip and you won't be able to pivot well. Comfortable clothes for the men. Throw away all of your bulky sweaters (they are too hot). Ladies, your wardrobe will change dramatically. Your quest for the ideal dance dress has now begun. Find one that is comfortable, allows for leg movement, and will animate the dance.

Notes Of Appreciation:

Bill & Bonnie Williams for their work in creating and maintaining our web site.

Jane Bloomfield for being a very capable and patient teaching partner.

All of my friends who I prevail upon from time to time to make this endeavor flow more smoothly.

Instructor: Robert Miller

If you have any questions, I can be reached either at work (308-995-2927) or at my home (308-440-8549). Thank you for your interest in dance.