Given a choice of group dance lessons or private dance lessons, which is best? Those looking to learn how to dance, or to improve their dancing – whether it's Ballroom, Latin, Salsa, Swing or Argentine Tango –generally have a choice.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Group Dance Lessons
A group class is often the first experience for a couple just learning to dance. Group lessons offer a number of important benefits:
- The cost is reasonable and usually more economical on a per-lesson basis than private dance lessons
- They are for a specific number of lessons on a particular night of the week, which simplifies scheduling.
- Group dance classes are a good way to learn the basics of technique and step patterns.
- The group setting permits dancers to learn and practice social dance etiquette and floorcraft.
- A group provides an introduction to lead and follow techniques.
- There is an opportunity to dance with a variety of partners, which improves lead and follow skills.
- The social atmosphere in group dance classes makes them fun.
- It's an opportunity to get to know people of similar interests, make new friends.
- A group class gives a chance to compare ability with that of others ("It's not just me, everybody is having trouble with that move!").
Disadvantages to group dance lessons include the following:
- There is a larger group for the instructor to work with, so each dancer may not receive sufficient individual attention (in case of a dancer with special needs or one who learns significantly faster or slower than the group, private lessons may be the way to go).
- A group may lead to comparing oneself with others ("Everybody else seems to get it, what's wrong with me?")
- It may be stressful and challenging for shy individuals to learn in a group situation.
- Most groups encourage dancing with multiple partners, Some religious or cultural groups may not permit this.
- Couples on a "date night" may find themselves separated for much of the dance class.
Combination Dance Lessons: Group and Private
Because there are significant benefits to each of group and private dance lessons, most dance studios and dance instructors will offer a program including some combination of both group and private dance instruction.
The dance program will be tailored to needs of the individual or couple in terms of
- How quickly or slowly they learn
- What dances the couple or person wants to receive
- The level of dancing they want to achieve
- Specific training required to reach the individual's or couple's goals
- All this must be balanced against their available time and budget.
Another way to experience the benefits of dancing with multiple partners and a fun group atmosphere while still receiving private dance instruction is to attend studio practice nights and dance parties.
Related Reading
- What are the Benefits of Private Dance Lessons? – A more detailed look at the pros and cons of private dance classes.
- Changing Partners in Group Dance Classes – Many dance instructors feel that dancing with a variety of partners is a main benefit of group classes.
- Old-time vs Modern Western Square Dancing – Differences between traditional and modern version of the official American folk dance
Thomas Alan Gray - Tom has been writing for over 30 years; curiosity leads him to dig into a wide variety of topics.
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