About our dance lessons in San Diego

We offer dance lessons in Social Ballroom, Partner Dance, and Ballroom Dance in San Diego. Most of our dance lessons and practice dance parties involve dancing with another person. We also offer Hip Hop dance instruction for dancing without a partner. Dance lessons designed for dancing with a partner include the same features as solo dancing like footwork, body movement, arm styling, spins, timing, hip and knee action but also focus on connection and lead/follow techniques. This requires additional learning through a variety of dance lessons and lots of repetition through practice. Our lessons are meticulously prepared to offer the vehicle to accomplish these things through a combination of different types of dance lessons.

How to Register for Dance Classes (Group Lessons)

There is no need to reserve a space ahead of time to register for our dance classes as our huge main ballroom can accommodate large numbers of dancers. Registration for our dance classes starts a ½ hour before class on the 1st night of class (or second meeting if you miss the first). Dance classes close after second meeting or afterward with instructor permission. Wear comfortable casual clothes and shoes that allow you to spin. Layering is good since it warms up as you start to dance. Some people bring their own bottled water but we do have a soda and water vending machine. Street parking is available in front of the building and there is a parking lot behind the building. Currently, we only accept cash or checks. Payment must be made before your dance class. We do not accept debit or credit cards. We offer a money back satisfaction guarantee so if you aren't satisfied after your first class we will refund your money. At the Dancetime Center, it is our goal to create a very newcomer friendly environment

Repeatable Classes

We are the only studio in San Diego that lets students repeat many classes FREE of charge for a period of one year! These classes are specified on our schedule. Look for yellow stars on our online schedule or for an 'LR' in the far right column of the printed schedule.

Class Receipts are issued to students on the second day of class. Bring your Class Receipt every night you are repeating a class to expedites the registration process. Lost Class Receipts may be replaced for $1.

Why We Rotate Partners

Most social dance schools rotate students. Years of experience have shown that dancing with everyone in the class is the best way to learn!

Benefits

• creates a positive social atmosphere
• couples and singles alike will learn more effectively by rotating partners
• minimizes students teaching/criticizing each other (couples are notorious for this)
• students become more adaptive, versatile dancers by learning to dance with different people

Alternatives to Class Instruction

1. Private lesson with an instructor.
2. Semi-private/small group of your own with an instructor.
3. If you are dissatisfied after your first class for any reason, please call or email to request a partial refund of your money.

Read more about these alternatives below...

What Kinds of Lessons We Offer

"Dance lessons" is a broad term that referred to a variety of dance instruction methods like private dance lessons, group dance lessons, dance party lessons, dance workshops, individual dance lessons, class dance lessons and semi-private lessons. Here I will give a brief description for each type of dance lesson.

"Dance classes" and "group lessons" refer to dance lessons that are open to the public and are usually three or more people. Our dance classes are either a shorter session like 4-5 weeks long for Intro and 101 dance courses or a longer session that is 5-6 weeks long for classes that go beyond introductory dance topics. Our classes are one hour long and progressive so that each week the class material expands as the dance student's knowledge increases. Some of our Intro and 101 courses are Limited Repeat so the dance student may take it again free when it offered for one year from the date they registered. Dance students are encouraged to supplement their class lessons with private dance lessons for the individual attention required to become a good lead or follow in partner dancing.

"Private lessons" or "Individual lessons," generally refer to one or two people with one dance instructor for a lesson that is usually between 50-60 minutes long. The dance student and instructor schedule the lesson to best meet the timeframe that works best for both of them. Most of our professional dance instructors will give a discount for people who want to sign up for 5 or 10 private dance lessons in advance. Dance students accelerate their learning and learn more by supplementing their classes with private dance lessons. A combination of dance classes and private dance lessons is the best combination for expediting the necessary skills to become a good dancer.

"Semi-private lessons" are dance lessons arranged by a group of people with one instructor. A group consists of anything over two people and the cost is figured somewhere between a private and group lesson rate. One of our professional dance instructors reserves one of the dance rooms and the day/time for the semi-private dance lesson.

We offer "dance party lessons" and "dance workshops" at all of our dance parties. These dance lessons are usually a half hour and start with some basic concepts in a dance genre then develop the concept during the lesson. This makes it possible for dancers at different stages in their dancing can all take the dance lesson. Occasionally, we hold a dance workshop at one of our dance parties that is designed specifically for beginners. Event on-site dance lessons: One or two of our professional dance instructors goes to another location and teaches a lesson to a private group for a fee. Occasionally, the instructor may also do a performance. We offer special packages for this type of lesson.

Live Long and Dance Wellness Program: We are currently constructing a dance wellness program that will work in conjunction with health practitioners, hospitals, senior centers and a public health expert. Check back for the launch of our "Live Long and Dance," afternoon dance lessons and parties!