Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I learn to dance?

A. I truly believe everyone can dance and dance well. There are very few people in the world that are gifted with the art of dance. Most people have to work at it and some more than others. I wish I had a tape of my first attempts then you would see that anyone can dance. You need to get with informed instructor(s) that can communicate well with you while keeping it fun.

Q. But I have two left feet! Isn't it hard to learn to dance?

A. Not really. Dancing is a lot like walking in a specific pattern and rhythm. If you can walk forward, backward, and step to the side, you can dance! Our instructors will make it easy to learn and fun to do!

Q. Do I need dance experience to take lessons?

A. No. All dancers start as newcomers. The more you practice through attending dances and taking lessons, the better you will become.

Q. Do I have to compete to take lessons at Bailey Dance?

A. No. We do teach competition level dancing, however, our primary focus is teaching beginners and social dancers.

Q. Do I have to sign a contract?

A. No! We do not use contracts, "programs", or "memberships". We believe that students will return if they are learning and having a good time!

Q. How long does it take to learn?

A. That depends upon how often your take your lessons and how good you want to be. On the average, it takes 2-3 months and 10-15 private lessons for someone to become comfortable dancing on a social level. We have had some students that were comfortable after one lesson and others that where fantastic dancers but never admitted to feeling completely relaxed on the dance floor.

Q. How much does it cost?

A. We offer a $45 introductory private lesson so that you may check us out and see if this is what you are looking for. There are NO BIG, expensive contracts and NO memberships. (Prices are for singles or couples.) Group lessons are $10 per person per lesson while private lessons average $50 per lesson.

Q. What forms of payment are accepted?

A. We accept cash, and personal checks.

Q. What is the most effective way to learn to dance?

A. For most students we recommend a comprehensive program of Private Lessons and Group Classes. This is the fastest, most cost effective way to learn. If possible, taking group classes and/or private lessons twice a week enables individuals and couples to learn quickly and retain what you learn. But remember... you are always free to choose the program that best fits your schedule or budget.

Q. How do I get to BaileyDance?

A. Please take a look at our 'Studio Location' page by clicking here. There you will find complete written directions, a map, phone numbers, a photo of the studio, and even GPS coordinates! It will take you right to our front door!

Q. What should I wear and bring to class?

A. There is no dress code for class, but your best bet is to wear something casual and comfortable. Ladies should wear dress shoes that have a closed back and support around the ankle. Gentlemen should wear dress shoes that have a smooth bottom. All shoes should have a leather or suede bottom. Sneakers, Timberland boots or slip-on sandals are NOT recommended. Shoes with spiked heels are NOT permitted. Most importantly, the one thing that we recommend you to bring is your SMILE!

Q. What if I'm self-conscious on the dance floor while I'm learning?

A. Try not to worry, everyone starts from the beginning. The studio is a safe and supportive environment in which you can learn to dance. The dance floor is over 4000 square feet and in most cases there is only one or two instructors working at one time. You will enjoy the learning experience and will be amazed at how quickly you can learn to dance.

Q. Do I need a partner?

A. No, it is not necessary to come with a partner. We rotate partners in our classes. However, if you are not comfortable rotating just let your instructor know before class. You should try to enter rotation as soon as possible. It will help you become a better social dancer.

Q. I saw ballroom dancing on Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance...can I learn to dance like that?

A. It is relatively easy to learn to dance on the beginner level. It is not so easy to achieve the advanced levels you see on TV. Learning to dance much like so many other areas of life, you reap what you sow. Most competing Professionals will study and or practice over 15-20 hours a week. Whether you just want to learn to social dance, dance in amateur competition or become a professional, we will help you achieve those goals.

Q. How many lessons should I take each week?

A. That is totally up to you. Most people take one or two lessons a week but there are some that are trying to learn faster and set their goals high and may get in three or four lessons a week. Either way, you should schedule practice time too. Those who practice both with and without a partner will excel the fastest.

Q. Will I have a good teacher?

A. Yes, All of our instructors are independent professionals and know that students will only continue if they are good at their art form. We have instructors that compete in professional and amateur competitions and then those that just teach social dancing. Don't be afraid to ask for the instructors credentials, you should be confident that you and your instructor are clear on the goals you have set and are able to formalize a plan to reach those goals.

Q. What benefits will I receive from dancing?

A. Students have told us that, besides learning to dance, they gain self-confidence, heightened self-esteem, improved posture, improved health, friendships, a place to socialize, and other benefits. Each person derives different, but similar, benefits from dancing. We make the learning experience fun, friendly, and easy. We will help you become a social, hobbyist, or competitive dancer! Beyond these, dancing is a superb physical conditioner - providing fun without working at it. It opens up a wonderful new world of togetherness and a thriving year-round social calendar!

Q. What will the lessons be like?

A. It seems that most people have many unanswered questions or impressions over what it's all about, so let me explain...

There are three types of lessons offered at the Studio:

* Group Lessons are given by an instructor to a group of four or more students. The focus of the instructor is to teach the group two to four steps per session in a particular dance style. The lesson is oriented to working on your own, under the watchful eye of the instructor, to learn the steps. Pairing with another student is done throughout the lesson to provide insight as to how the step is danced with a partner. The instructor will also periodically dance with a student individually to show the class the step or to clarify the movement. Group lessons are the most inexpensive way to acquire basic dance information and to learn step patterns.

* Semi-Private Lessons are given by an instructor to a couple who are learning to dance together. The instructor works with the couple exclusively for the duration of the lesson. The instructor will periodically dance with either member of the couple to identify a problem or to clarify a movement. Semi-private lessons are a great way to obtain advanced input specific to your needs. They work well in connection with group lessons.

* Private Lessons are, as the name implies, one-on-one training with an instructor. You will dance with the instructor during the lesson. You will also be asked to demonstrate your steps on your own. Private lessons provide high quality training and enable the student to enjoy the fastest learning curve.

Q. What type of dances can I learn?

A. Bailey Dance instructors teach all of the Ballroom dances: Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Rumba, Cha Cha, Swing, Samba, Mambo etc. We also teach nightclub dances such as Salsa, Hustle, Two-Step, line dance and even Argentine Tango. Each instructor will discuss your individual goals with you before beginning lessons. If you're uncertain as to your goals, you can begin taking lessons in the most popular dances. They include Foxtrot, Swing, Waltz, Cha Cha, Salsa, Rumba and if you like, the Hustle. These dances will enable you to dance to most of today's music. Additional lessons may be added as you become comfortable and more interested in various styles of dance.

Q. Will there be people my age learning to dance?

A. We instruct everyone from young teenagers to grandmothers in their 70s. Acquiring good dancing skills will only serve to improve poise, instill confidence, and expand your social circle. No partner required.

Q. Do you teach children or teenagers?

A. We teach private lessons to children of all ages. Private lessons will usually be scheduled late afternoons or Saturdays. Group Classes are also available - check our Class Schedule for details.

Q. How much can I learn in one private lesson?

A. After one lesson, a new dancer can learn several figures and link them together in combination to successfully dance an entire song. With experience you will learn faster in the future. Though advanced dancers may learn many figures over the course of one private lesson, they usually choose to focus on only a few concepts or figures in each Private Lesson with the intent of perfecting technique and "looking good."

Q. How much can I learn in a group class?

A. A group class may be a little overwhelming for a new dancer. Beginners will learn basic patterns and variations. Experienced dancers will learn a series of figures in each class, and will learn some technique and styling associated with those figures. If you are a student who will learn to dance exclusively through group lessons, we encourage you to switch partners as often as possible during your group classes - this will help to build your lead and follow skills. Everyone is encouraged to ask questions during all Group Classes.

Q. Which do you recommend, Private or Group Lessons?

A. This depends on the student's goal. We recommend taking Private Lessons if the student wants a more intense session to learn a large amount of material in a shorter time. Group Lessons however, are a more relaxed, fun environment where the student can enjoy a social atmosphere while still learning a great deal. It is always suggested to take Private Lessons occasionally to accentuate Group instruction.

Q. Are there more women or men at these lessons?

A. Although it's impossible to predict the ratio for any given lesson, generally there are roughly the same number of leaders and followers. If there are extra leaders (or followers), the extra leader (or follower) should stand between two couples in the rotation so when the instructor has the students rotate, the extra leader (or follower) will get a partner in the next rotation.

Q. What is the age range at the lessons and the dance parties?

A. We have dancers of all ages from teenagers to people who are 70+. There are generally a large number of people in their thirties and forties.

Q. Are students required to rotate partners during class?

A. Most teachers rotate partners throughout the classes, although it is not required and couples may request not to rotate. Please speak to the instructor prior to the class if you do not wish to change partners. As an explanation for why we rotate - even if you have a partner, it is the unanimous opinion of the best teachers that rotation in group classes accelerates the learning process of everyone in the class. Since many of our upper level students take beginning level classes to improve their own basics or to help even out the gender mix, by rotating you'll get a chance to dance with them and improve faster. Also, by dancing with various dancers of different levels you will get a better perspective of what a good lead will feel like. In large classes you may rotate through ten partners or more and then back to your partner over and over. Each time you get back to your partner, you will notice a difference in the feel of the lead or follow, and you'll have something to compare it with to help each other out. Also, when couples choose not to rotate, often they will start to bicker with each other about who's doing this right and who's not doing that correctly and they get frustrated and give up after a few lessons. Since we are all much more polite to strangers than we are to our loved ones (ironically) this does not happen when you rotate partners, and as a result the classes are a lot more fun. Plus, you get to make new friends who share an interest in dancing with you.

Q. How often and where should I practice?

A. You can use Bailey Dance floor at $10 hr for practice, but the most important thing you can do is to practice as soon as you get home from a lesson for 5 to 10 minutes in the kitchen. This will help reinforce the steps that you have just learned. Students who take the time to practice just a few minutes each day learn the fastest! In addition, we have weekly studio practice parties where the instructors are present to help. It's a fun way to practice in a safe environment.

Q. How do I get started?

A. Actually, the hardest step in learning to dance is the initial decision to start lessons. Call or email Chris (205-281-8523 or chris@baileydance.com) with any questions. Call now to make an appointment for your first lesson and let the fun begin!

Q. How much are the classes and for how long?

A. Most classes are $10 for one hour. Kids and Students classes are $5. Please visit our website Class schedule for more information.

Q. Do you offer private lessons?

A. Yes we do. Private lessons are a great way to advance to the next level, catch up from a missed class, or to work on moves you are having difficulty with. Private lessons are available with male or female instructors, and are scheduled at a time that is convenient for both you and the instructor. The cost for a private lesson is $50 for one hour. This price can include up to 5 individuals who may share the cost. Private lessons need to be scheduled in advance.

Q. Where can we go dancing?

A. Birmingham is blessed to have a lot of dancing opportunities going on each week. Generally, BaileyDance will have one or more dance parties on premises each weekend. Please see the Class and Events Schedule page to see those dance parties' info. Also, please see the Dance Links page for links to other dance-related web sites.

Other places to go dance include: The VFW Post adjacent to the BJCC, the lounge at the Wynfrey Hotel, the Concordia Club (across from Sloss Furnace), and various bars and clubs around town (look in the Birmingham Weekly under Music).

Q. Will I learn the latest steps?

A. You can learn the very latest steps in any social dance - Salsa, Swing, Two Step, Polka, Nightclub Two Step, Merengue, Fox Trot, Rumba, Cha-Cha, Mambo, Waltz, Tango, and many others.

Q. What dances should I learn if I want to dance in clubs?

A. East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing and Salsa are the most popular dances in club scene right now. You might also want to supplement these with Cha-Cha, Foxtrot, Waltz, Two Step or Hustle. Then you'll have your bases covered. All of these dances are fun and easy to learn on the basic level. Plus, your instructor can help you learn to recognize the music that goes with these dances so you can be burnin' up the dance floor in no time!

Q. What do you recommend for first wedding dance?

A. Waltz, Foxtrot and Nightclub Two Step are the most popular dances in this setting, although if you have something else in mind we can definitely accommodate your request. When you set up your first lesson your instructor will listen to your music and custom tailor some nice choreography specifically for you. Our Wedding Special is 4 lessons for $75.

Q. I would like to buy a gift certificate or receive as a gift my dance classes. Is that possible?

A. Absolutely. Significant others, friends and spouses commonly purchase certificates as gifts for all class levels. Please contact Chris Bailey at (205) 281-8523 or via email at chris@baileydance.com to arrange the purchase of gift certificates.

Q. Do you offer events where I can come and dance for fun, besides taking lessons?

A. Using your dancing on a regular basis is the best way to progress and build your confidence on the dance floor, as well as to get the most fun out of your dancing! We try to offer as many events as possible, as the more you dance, the happier you will be with the results. We hold regular Weekend Parties where you can come and practice what you've learned each week. These parties offer you a safe, fun, welcoming environment to come and dance, with or without a partner. We also offer many other dance events on a less regular basis. Please go to our Class and Event Schedules page for party and group class information or stop by the studio to get a printed schedule.

Q. What is your bad weather policy?