If you want to learn latin dance
- very quickly, and very easily,
then private tuition is the way to go!

- call 07855 375 302
or email me

Group Dance Classes versus Private Dance Tuition

Group classes can be buzzing and great fun, but - as an efficient way to learn to dance, they leave a lot to be desired. Here's why private tuition wins hands-down:

• Classes are often very noisy with several teachers shouting instructions to their students at once. But in a private setting, there's just you and me.
• Classes can be crowded and stressful, with flying elbows interrupting concentration. Individual dance classes are an oasis of space.
• Dancing is hands-on, but in a class, the teacher is over there! The person you are actually dancing with is learning just like you, and is often no better than you are. It's often impossible to say who is doing what wrong. You only know it isn't working. With private tuition, it's immediately obvious what the issues are and I can tell you exactly how to fix them. This is a huge advantage over group classes.
• Dance classes have to be a compromise - the teacher will try to find a routine to match the abilities of most of the group, and often this will mean that some are over-stretched while others are bored. But in a private lesson, I'll keep you comfortably at the point you need to be to learn fast.
• Dance classes generally teach a routine, and all too often you're just learning to copy the teacher's moves. This is not dancing! Dancing is about learning to lead and to follow, and central to that idea is that you should not know what's coming next! It's very common to see people who learn in an advanced dance class, but actually dance well below intermediate level. In a private lesson, there may not be a routine. You are taught techniques for leading and following. In other words, you are taught to actually dance - not to copy moves.
• In a busy class, the teacher cannot give you individual attention, and that leaves you free to grow bad habits. It might be a little extra step that shouldn't be there, for example. We grow these habits, then get really good at covering them up, but that's not the route to mastering dance. Private dance tuition focuses on you very sharply, and any faults can be found and removed with surgical precision, quickly and pleasantly.
• As your private tutor I can gauge your mood and adjust the lesson to keep you in your comfort zone, enjoying the experience and learning at a rate that's right for you.
• Of course, private dance tuition is, well - private. And so, if messing up in public is a big deal for you, then why not mess up in private instead! We can get your skills to as high a level as you like before putting you out on the floor in public.
• Although private dance tuition is more expensive per lesson than a group class, it is far more cost-effective as a way to becoming a good dancer.

My Qualifications

In terms of dancing, I have been dancing latin for nearly fifteen years - mainly LA-style (or New York style) salsa but also Cuban salsa, merengue and Bachata. I taught dance in a group setting for a while. I've done several demo classes at various social and corporate gatherings. In terms of teaching - I have an adult teaching qualification, and I spent more than three years teaching adults at Bedford college in IT-related subjects. I'm also a professional life coach and corporate trainer.

If you're interested to learn a bit more about me, then my click here to see my coaching website.

I am certified safe with the criminal records bureau (DBS/CRB-checked).

How Does Private Dance Tuition Work?

What dances do you teach? My strength and my passion is LA or New York cross-body style salsa. This is the most prevalent dance found in Latin clubs throughout Britain, so if you want access to a vibrant social dance scene near you, then this is the one to go for! I also teach Cuban style salsa, merengue and Bachata.

What levels can you teach at? From absolute beginners to advanced.

Do I need a Partner? If you have a partner who also wants to learn, then you are welcome to bring them along, and I will teach you both in the lesson at no extra charge. Ladies without a partner will be partnered by me, so that's not a problem. For men without a partner, I can bring along a lady for you to dance with. She will be an experienced dancer. This costs a little more since you'll be paying for two people's time.

What happens in a lesson? The first thing to say is that it's light-hearted and fun. I teach technical correctness, but it's all done in a light-hearted, fun teaching environment. We'll have a laugh!

I'll start out by seeing how you dance, so ladies - I'll dance with you and see where you are on the ladder, and what issues we need to address. Men - I'll watch you dance with the lady. Then we'll address whatever needs addressing to move you forward as quickly and pleasantly as possible. If you have technical faults - in footwork, for example, then we'll work on those. If you have trouble with timing, we'll work on that. If you need to learn some new moves, then I have a whole lot of them to teach you! I can also help with styling, leading and following, and the social aspects of the dance scene. We'll with and without music during the session. Because it's one-to-one teaching, we will just have a conversation as we go. Interaction is key to learning. So you'll tell me what's on your mind, what you don't quite get, and so on - and I'll be responding to your needs. My professional teaching and life coaching training and experience, and my quirky sense of humour allow me to keep you in your comfort zone - positive and happy - whilst learning your new skills.

What about group teaching? If you want to halve the cost of your dance lessons, you can double up and pay half each. Single ladies - when there are two of you, you'll be sharing me, and so you'll get less one-on-one time, but you'll be watching each other too, so you'll learn that way, too. Men - this option is not available to you. I don't teach more than two students at once.

Where and When? I will travel to you. You will need a room with a non-carpeted floor that's big enough to dance in without knocking things over. I will bring the music. I live in Bedford, and can travel from there within a 20 mile radius. I am self-employed and I'm available for teaching during afternoons and evenings, other appointments permitting.

How Much Does it Cost? Private dance lessons cost £30 per hour plus a call out fee of 50p per mile from central Bedford. So for example, the travel element for a lesson in MK which is 15 miles away, is £5, making your lesson charge £35. A lesson in central Bedford incurs no travel charge and so it just £25. If you can find a place and time when I'm planning to be near you anyway, then I will only charge you for any additional travel I need to do to get to you. We can discuss that.

How Do I Book? If you have any questions about this service please feel free to call me at the number below. You can also call that number to place a booking. You can pay cash after the lesson or via Paypal in advance.

Club Option!
There is another option for you to consider! If you'd like to combine your dance lesson with an evening out at a local dance club, then we can do that. We'll conduct your lesson at the club, in the club environment. They will provide the music and I will teach you for your allotted time on the club's dance floor. You will need to pay whatever entry fees the club requires (though some are free) in addition to your tuition fee.

There are three major benefits to you with this option. Firstly, you can avoid the travel cost normally payable to me when I plan to be at the club anyway; you just pay for the lesson. Secondly, and again because I'll be there anyway, you can book a half-hour lesson instead of an hour if you prefer. That will cost you just £15. And thirdly, since you'll already be in a dance club, you can practice and consolidate what you've learned immediately with club dancers.

To discuss clubs, venues, nights and times, please call me.

What Now?

The next step is yours - just call for an informal chat or to book your first session. I look forward to working with you. Let's get you dancing fantastically - fast!

07855 375 302

If you're NOT planning to contact me, I'd love to know why!
Please say briefly below. All feedback is useful and appreciated.
If you'd like a reply, please include your email address.