A: Dress is generally informal with the option of "dressing up", if you so desire. Men's shoes should have a smooth (leather or composite) sole - no treads. Ladies' shoes should also have a smooth sole, preferably with a small/medium heel. Evening shoes work well as long as they are not backless. Sneakers and flip-flops are not recommended. (See next question)

Q: Are there specialized ballroom dance shoes?

A: Yes, there are ballroom dancing shoes for both men and women, with sueded soles. They are light, quiet and allow you to swivel and glide on the dance floor. They can be bought at some shoe retail outlets in Simcoe, London, Brantford, Hamilton and dancing shoe factory outlets in Metropolitan Toronto. For our dance classes, these are optional.

Q: Where can you practise ballroom dancing in Norfolk County?
 

A: In a number of places - community halls, legion halls, church halls, clubs (Lions, German, Polish, Belgian), Seniors Centres in and around Norfolk county, various locations in Brantford, London and Hamilton, and at Danceland, the Lakeside Resort (north east of London). Our students and graduates can also practise their dance steps at the German Club in Delhi on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. weekly.

Q: Do you already have to know how to dance?
 

A: Very few registrants have taken any formal dance lessons and are surprised how much they have progressed at the end of 6 sessions. Many go on to enroll in the Intermediate classes.

Q: Do you have to have a partner /are singles welcome?
 

A: Singles are welcome - they can dance on their own or with another single. Some dances, for example the Latin dances and Line dances, lend themselves to dancing either as a single or as a couple.

Q: How can I encourage a partner to come out to ballroom dance lessons?
 

A: Point out the health benefits of ballroom dancing (see Topics of Interest). It is also a good way to stay close and in touch with your partner, and to do something together as a couple. Ballroom dancing has led to lasting romance, but we don't guarantee that!

Q: What are the benefits of ballroom dancing?
 

A: In addition to health benefits, ballroom dancing is magic. When two people intersect on the dance floor, there is a chemistry that can take place- a meeting of spirit and body. It's a joy to watch and to be part of. It's good exercise; good for posture; good for making and meeting new friends; boosts self confidence; good for dancing at weddings and public or private occasions; good for "dressing up", if you so desire; gives an appreciation and understanding of music and cultures; and is one of the best ways to de-stress and have fun for people of all ages.

Q: I have two left feet - does that leave me out in the cold?
 

A: No - if you can walk, you can dance.

Q: Why is ballroom dancing so popular at the present time among various age groups?
 

A: The current popularity of TV programs such as Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, movies, nostalgia, documentaries, and health & fitness concerns, have all led to a re-vitalization of ballroom dancing. The fusion of ballroom with Latin, disco, hip-hop and other forms of dance has sparked an international dance fever.

Q: Are there age limits?
 

A: No. We have had three generations on the dance floor enjoying themselves.

Q: Is ballroom dancing expensive?
 

A: No, relative to other sports and recreational activities. All you need is a pair of shoes with backs and smooth soles, a leg (or two), a light hearted attitude, and a few dollars to invest in what could become a lifelong activity.

Q: Can I get private lessons for myself and/or partner?
 

A: Definitely. You can come to us or we can make an arrangement to come to you.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.