The Dances

You can find brief descriptions of the dances we teach, and some of our thoughts on teaching them, here.

Music

The music used in our classes tends to be difficult to find in high street music shops. I use a specialist supplier; you can find the details here along with some notes about albums and specific tracks that I often play.

Shoes

The ideal shoe for dancing is a secure one that is lightweight, with a sole that permits pivoting while still providing sufficient friction so you do not slide all over the place. Trainers can be okay to begin with but it depends on the floor. On many floors trainers will provide too much grip. A typical outdoor shoe can also be suitable but may suffer from the opposite problem: too little grip, particularly if the sole is leather. Again, it depends on the floor. When you first start dancing you generally have to make do with what you have available.

Ladies should pay attention to a number of points. Open back shoes are not suitable. If you are wearing a high heel then your heel must be held secure, preferably with an ankle strap. If you would not be comfortable running in the shoe then it is not suitable for dancing. If you don't wear high heels regularly then don't wear one to your dancing classes.

Should you wish to purchase shoes made specifically for dancing then there are three manufacturers of dance shoes with which I am familiar: DSI, Freed, and Supadance. You can find the details here together with some notes about the shoes I have worn myself.

Clothes

Wear comfortable clothing in which you feel free to move about. Clothing that restricts your movement (for instance a tight skirt) is not suitable.