Question 1

What can I expect at my first class?

Accepted Answer

We know coming to a new place can be intimidating, but don’t worry. Head upstairs at Lionheart Studio and you will be greeted by Izzy, Steve or some of the other regulars. There are toilets and a kitchenette, but its good to bring a water bottle. Once you’ve said hi and checked off your name we usually start with a solo warm up and exercises/drills before partnering up. We change partners during the class so you can meet and dance with everyone, even the teachers and assistants. There will usually be other new people like yourself mixed with people who have been coming for a while, and we are all there to have fun and have a good dance – you’ll feel welcome in no time.

Question 2

How much do classes cost?

Accepted Answer

Your first class with DanceIM is completely free, no strings attached! We think you'll love it, but you don't need to take our word for it!

Usually a 6-week course is $149, ($24.90per class), but you pay just $124 if you decide to join us for the rest of the course, which incorporates that free class.

We also have discounts if you do multiple courses (if suitable), so your second course is only $100 (2 courses for $249) and third course only $80 (3 courses for $329).

We also run bootcamps and other events -  check the specific events for details. Book early for early bird discounts on most of our offerings.

Question 3

Do I need to bring a partner?

Accepted Answer

Nope! During our classes we rotate partners frequently so it’s not necessary to bring one along. This means you get to meet more people and because everyone has their own flavour, you will become a better dancer through experiencing different styles. We also rotate through our teachers and assistants so you get extra personal feedback and can feel the movements with the pros.

Question 4

How  long will it take me to learn?

Accepted Answer

There are two answers to this question – after one to three classes you should be able to social dance a whole song, but depending on where you want to get with your dancing, it will also take you a lifetime. Dance is a skill that can keep getting better, and all of us (including your teachers) still study and train to get even better in order to have even more amazing experiences on the dance floor. Usually after one course (6 weeks) our students are confident to social dance and after around 2-3 blocks (12-18 weeks) are ready to move up to level 2. But remember, it’s not a race. Enjoy the process!

Question 5

I have two left feet, can I do this? Am I fit enough? I Have never danced before, is this for me?

Accepted Answer

The great thing is, if you can walk, you can learn to dance. If you feel like you have two left feet, that’s the perfect reason to get to class! Beginner classes are fun and friendly, and we start right at the beginning with lots of exercises to get you dancing straight away in your first class. Our highly experienced teachers have techniques developed over many years of teaching beginners. These will allow you to learn quickly and forget that you ever felt like you had two left feet! We often receive feedback that students learnt much more quickly than they ever thought possible for them.

Question 6

How do I know which level is for me?

Accepted Answer

Beginners (Level 1) is the best place to start, unless you’ve learnt Zouk before (then check our class descriptions to decide). It’s a good idea to chat to the teachers about your experience, and we sometimes suggest you try a level below (or above) what you may think, as each school differs slightly. After the class chat to your teacher if you feel you want to move to a different level.
Even if you’ve done other dance styles before, it is still important to learn from the beginning so you don’t miss out on important components. You will find that with your past experience you can learn more quickly, but remember, Zouk is not salsa dancing with a different beat! It’s important to try to learn the unique style and feel of a new dance, rather than just steps.

Question 7

I really want to improve quickly, can I skip a level?

Accepted Answer

If you really want to improve quickly, this is the worst thing to do! Skipping a level will mean you will miss essential components and skills that will allow you to progress. Just because you can keep up with a higher level doesn’t mean that you can skip the lower levels. What tends to happen is you can complete the moves but the feel, the energy and the lead and follow are off. This leads to development of bad habits which take longer to fix than if you learnt correctly in the first place! If you don’t develop those underlying skills it can be harder to move up further, and you may not be aware that you are not doing it correctly which can lead to injuries long term.

Its great you want to improve quickly - home practice, attending socials, keeping notes and private lessons are all great ways to learn faster!

Question 8

What shoes and clothes do I wear?

Accepted Answer

Anything you can move in is fine! Generally in the beginners levels students wear jeans, skirts, other pants and a t-shirt.

As for shoes, light weight street shoes (think converse volleys) are better than heavy duty runners. These days Zouk dancers generally don't wear heels. This helps with the grounded and gliding feeling of zouk. Any shoes that are not too grippy are good! Dance runners or jazz shoes are good  if you have them. But anything will suffice in the beginning!

Question 9

Will I be the only beginner?

Accepted Answer

We usually have a bunch of absolute beginners starting each block, and there also be other beginners who have done only a few weeks or months of zouk in the class with you. The best thing to remember is that every single dancers in that room were beginners once, even the teachers! So no need to apologise, that’s what we are there for!

Question 10

Should I do private or group lessons?

Accepted Answer

Group classes are a great way to start learning steps and techniques, and private lessons are a great adjunct.

Private lessons are a great way to learn at your own pace and get specific corrections and 1:1 feedback for a whole hour. 1 private lesson will give you plenty of content and could equal at least 5 hours practice outside the class. They are a great way to avoid developing bad habits and to really progress quickly. However they are of course more expensive.

Group classes will teach you lots of steps, turn patterns, techniques and exercises and give you time to practice these with lots of different people. They are less intense, but also give you lots of learning time and fun.

Both are great for your development and we recommend you do group classes with a private class once a month or so to really level up! Chat to your teachers about your particular scenario and goals.

Question 11

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

Our classes are held at Lionheart Integrative and Platform Studio, a short walk apart in the hub near where Johnston Street and Hoddle Street meet.

LIONHEART:
Level 1 of 188-199 Johnston Street Collingwood. Go through the black door, up one flight of stairs and you have arrived. 
PLATFORM STUDIO: 
Ground floor -  Right near the corner of Hoddle Street, next to the brown brick building.

Parking: Free parking is available on Johnston Street and the side streets of Johnston Street. There is 4-hour parking on Sackville Street parallel to Johnston Street, and Lulie Street. Please pay attention to parking signs, as there are clearways and time restrictions apply at certain hours. 
Public Transport: Victoria Park Train Station, Buses 907, 304, 905, and 906 will take you within 5 minutes walking distance.

FAQS:
Frequently Asked Questions

New to dance? Curious about what to expect in your first Brazilian Zouk class? We’ve got you covered.

Ready to try something new? Zouk could be exactly what you are looking for!

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