How many lessons do I need?
It depends upon the level of skills you want to attain and how fast you learn.  You need a minimum of 3 hours to master the basics for a single dance or 3 inter-related dances.

How much time do I have on my lesson?
Most studios allow 35-50 minutes, and lessons are typically 45 minutes long.  However, at Ballroom Dance Simplified, you receive a full 60-minute hour, or you may choose to schedule a 2-hour session, 120 minutes.

How much does it cost?
Lesson pricing is based upon how many  lessons you purchase at one time in advance.  With 3 levels of pricing, you can choose how much you pay per hour, as low as $105 for a full 60-munite hour, with the studio and music totally private!

How do I schedule?
All scheduling is by appointment only and is done by calling (714) 209-0603.

What dances do I need to learn?
The more dances the better, but start with Foxtrot, Waltz, Swing, Rumba for social ballroom dancing; Swing and Nightclub for parties and other night spots. These are common and inter-related, so it is easy to learn them all at once.
 
Is it best to learn one dance well, rather than several dances?
Learning only one dance does not provide the best dance training. A variety of dances will develop good dance skills and accelerate your progress.
 
Should I take group classes?
Group classes are good exposure to dance steps and patterns, but dancing with other beginners is limiting, and the instructor is unable to correct individual bad habits. However, if group classes are taken along with private coaching, they are beneficial for “good” practice time, learning additional steps, and meeting new people.
 
What if I have two left feet and no rhythm?
Anyone can learn to use the right foot when given the proper instruction, and rhythm is a learned skill just like dance steps.
 
Do I need to have natural rhythm?
Rhythm can be learned by listening and practicing. Most people are not “natural” and need training in this area.
 
Does “simplified” mean anyone can learn?
Absolutely!  If you can walk, you can dance.
 
Should I start out with group lessons first and then take private lessons later on?
The very beginning of your training is the most important and becomes the foundation which you draw upon. Students tend to develop bad habits without individual correction. If private training is started later, there is much more work and time involved to correct bad habits and become a good dancer. It is best to do both and go out to practice your steps at different clubs and ballrooms.
 
What is the difference between a group and private lesson?
Group class is designed to stimulate interest, give an overview of steps, and provide partners who are also learning. Private lessons are one-on-one coaching with an instructor to learn leading and following skills, technique, style, and the feeling of the dance.
 
What payment methods are accepted?
Cash and checks
 
Do I have to sign a contract or enroll in a program?
Definitely not!  And there is no program enrollment. All time spent during the lesson is on dance training and not selling contracts.

Where is the studio located?
9080 Bloomfield Ave, Cypress, CA 90630... just minutes from much of Los Angeles County and Orange County.  We have clients from Long Beach, Lakewood, Cerritos, Bellflower, Norwalk, Paramount, Downey, La Mirada, Artesia, La Habra, Signal Hill, Whittier, Cypress, La Palma, Buena Park, Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Fullerton, Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, Huntington Harbor, Westminster, Garden Grove, Stanton, Newport Beach, Irvine, Placentia, Orange, Santa Ana, Tustin, Villa Park, Yorba Linda and Brea.

What do I wear?
For lessons, wear casual, comfortable, cool clothing that is easy to move in. You will want to dress nice or somewhat casual when going out dancing, but not formal, unless it is a special event.
 
What type of shoes do I need?
Dance shoes are best, including ballroom, Latin, jazz, or ballet. Buy shoes that tie or buckle rather than slip on. You may also wear bowling shoes or tennis shoes with chrome leather applied to the soles. Avoid rubber soles, hard leather, sandals, and open back shoes. You may wear heavy socks during your first few lessons if necessary.
 
Where can I go out and practice my dance steps?
There are several local ballroom studios that provide dances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. You may also join USABDA (United States Amateur Ballroom Dancers Assoc) and receive information directly for all the dances in your area, including two monthly USABDA dances. Or you may want to join a club such as Hughes Aircraft and take a class and practice party twice a month. There are many options once you learn how to dance and meet other dancers who are already out dancing. You can virtually go out dancing every night of the week. Where to go depends upon whether you prefer ballroom, Latin, swing or country. Some enjoy vintage balls.
 
Where can I attend group classes and parties?
Group classes are given prior to all the social ballroom dance parties at various local studios. Experienced instructors teach a variety of dances. Normally, the same dance is taught all month. Each USABDA dance class is a different dance. The level of dancers is from beginning to advanced.
 
Do I need a partner?
No. The majority of dancers are single. Even most couples dance with everyone to be social and practice leading and following skills. All classes have mandatory rotation so everyone is able to dance. Private training is most beneficial when dancing with the instructor.
 
Is it better to have a partner?
Although, it may seem necessary, or more comfortable, having a partner is limiting and tends to hold back a person’s development. Investing in your own training, rather than a single partnership, will ensure that you will always be sought out at any dance or special occasion. The more different people you dance with, the stronger and more confident you can become, and there will be many opportunities for you.
 
How do I find people to dance with?
Attend as many dances and events as possible and dance with everyone. Remember, there are many other people who are also looking for good dancers. Being consistent is the key.
 
What is the difference between a “Dance Teacher” and a “Professional Instructor?”
A dance teacher can be virtually anyone, even a beginner dancer. Many times, they are in a teacher training program at franchised studios where they are employed part time. An independent Professional Instructor is one who has built a reputation through many years of training with national and world champions, has been a competitor, performed professionally, and makes a living strictly by teaching others to dance.
 
I am a beginner. Do I need a Professional Instructor? What type of teacher is best? Does it cost more?
You need the best teacher possible, which is an independent, experienced Professional, just as you need the best parent when you are born. The first years are the most impressionable and not easily undone, so it is important to learn correctly in the very beginning. The cost is normally about the same, but is paid to the teacher rather than the studio.
 
Should my teacher be a male or female instructor?
Gender is not important if you are training for social dancing. But if you intend to compete, then it is best to have the opposite sex. Although, there are some competition dances such as “Hustle” where same sex compete. The important consideration is to find someone who has expertise in leading as well as following.
 
What is the difference between “Ballroom” and “Latin” dances and what are they?
Ballroom is a long stride, smooth dance with heel leads. Latin is danced through the ball of the foot, smaller steps, with Cuban motion, or International Latin hip styling. Ballroom includes Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Quickstep and Viennese Waltz. Latin includes Rumba, Cha Cha, Samba, Swing, Paso Doble, Salsa and more.
 
What is the difference between “American” and “International” styles of ballroom and Latin?
American is social ballroom, open style, and easier to learn. International style is English and takes much more training and dedication. It is designed for the serious competitor.
 
Where do I find dance apparel, shoes, and music?
See the list included on this site.
 
What are the age groups for ballroom and swing dancing?
Many ballroom dancers are ages 40’s-60’s, however, the trend is rapidly increasing with teens and 20’s age groups.
 
Isn’t ballroom dancing for “old” people?
Definitely not! The best dancers in the world are in their 20’s and there are large groups of kids who are sweeping the country with the Lindy Hop craze from the 1940’s.
 
My mate is a good dancer but I have two left feet, no natural rhythm and no experience. How can I catch up quickly so we can go out dancing?
The best way to catch up is through private training. It takes years to learn in groups with others who also lack skills and are struggling together. When you dance with a pro, you can pick up the feeling of the rhythm through transference and you will soon find your right foot works just as well as your left!
 
I want to learn to be a good dancer just for fun. Do I need to compete and dance showcase in order to be an accomplished dancer?
Actually, the most accomplished dancers are not necessarily competitors. Also, the majority of people agree that dancing is just for fun and enjoyment. A good social dancer who can follow or lead anyone is an accomplished dancer and will reap great rewards.
 
What if I’m shy, self-conscious and concerned about others seeing me while learning to dance?
Take as much time as you need to learn how to dance in private before you decide to take your dance skills out in public. When you do, your confidence will begin to develop as you find that many people feel the same as you. As you enjoy and focus on dancing, your fears will fade.

Can I learn to dance from video tapes?
It depends upon your level of experience. Beginners may have trouble understanding, whereas an advanced dancer is more able to apply the information correctly. This method takes more focus and discipline just like any other self training program. Video tapes can be helpful as additional training tools to reinforce steps which coincide with personal instruction.

What type of lessons do I need?
To be a good social dancer, you need private training in conjunction with group classes and dance parties.

How long should my lesson be and how many lessons per week should I take?
The typical group or private lesson is usually 45-60 minutes. A minimum of one lesson per week is recommended. Many students take more classes and private training in the beginning to enable them to be out dancing sooner and find good partners. Others may choose a slower pace. In any case, keep your goal in mind, be determined, and be consistent.

How often should I practice?
Practice does not make “perfect” but it does make "permanent.” Therefore, in the early stages of your training, you don’t want to practice on your own too much in between classes. Your best practice time is during class and coaching. The longer you have been training, the more you will practice correctly and perfect your skills. It is best to go out dancing at least once per week. You should also take notes to review before your next session.

How can I practice without a partner?
The leader should review steps, footwork, and patterns before dancing with a partner. Mental preparedness is essential! Also, body memory is developed when practicing footwork and rhythm. Followers should not provide back leading help. This is not their part and will cause the leader to become distracted and dependent. They should practice familiar steps while focusing on correct rhythm, posture, balance, style and neat footwork, which will result in a good responsive feeling.

Should I skip my lesson since I did not practice?
Do not be concerned if this happens in the beginning when you are first learning because it is more difficult and you are not going out dancing yet. Skipping lessons will further delay your progress. If you have not practiced in one week, you probably will not practice in two weeks. Practicing will become natural after you begin to dance out regularly.

Should I reschedule a lesson if my partner is unable to join me?
It is best to stay on schedule, with or without your partner. In fact most couples prefer to take some lessons on their own to speed up their individual progress and dance with a professional.

How much notice is required to schedule or cancel a lesson?
Schedule in advance as much as possible in order to secure the time which is best for you. Be sure to cancel your lesson at least 24 hours prior in order to avoid being charged for the time reserved.

What if I don’t remember anything?
Dancing may not yet be in your mind like activities you have done for a long time, however, you actually remember more than you think, and your body remembers even if your mind doesn’t.

Ballroom Dance Simplified
9080 Bloomfield Ave, Cypress, CA 90630
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Serving Orange County
Cypress, La Palma, Buena Park, Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Fullerton, Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, Huntington Harbor, Westminster, Garden Grove, Stanton, Newport Beach, Irvine, Placentia, Orange, Santa Ana, Tustin, Villa Park, Yorba Linda, Brea

Serving Los Angeles County
Long Beach, Lakewood, Cerritos, Bellflower, Norwalk, Paramount, Downey, La Mirada, Artesia
La Habra, Signal Hill, Whittier