Best Ballroom Dance Lessons in Midwest City, OK

In the beginning, it is probably preferable to take classes rather than private lessons. For a detailed discussion of the pros and cons of each, see Private vs. Group Lessons.

Each dance has a set of recognized steps which differentiate that dance from another. A strong knowledge of steps is a must. It is important that the dance instructor take as much time as necessary to explain each step and then, through repetition, to make the various steps of the dance become easier and easier to perform. Learning a step involves both learning the movement and the timing for the movement. Learning a pattern or a step is just the beginning. To be a good dancer you must also learn sound basic technique. Mr. De La Vega will teach you the proper footwork, dance positions, connections between partners, body shaping, hip actions, arm styling and many other elements that make you feel and look better when dancing the steps. In doing this, he will be teaching you technique.

Yes. In the International Style Waltz, the biggest difference is we bring our feet together on the count of three in basic turns and maintain a closed hold throughout the dance. In American Style, the feet pass in turns and for a large part of the dance, the couples dance in open position. International Style requires the couple to maintain contact at the mid-section of the body, "gapping" being considered one of the cardinal sins of International competitive dancing. The same or similar differences occur in Foxtrot and Tango, although at a high level, these two dances are taking on quite an International look. Then there is the Quickstep, which has no counterpart in American Style. The dance consists of chasses, skips, locks, runs and hops performed to a fast 4/4 rhythm. The couple endeavoring at the same time to maintain contact and appear to be relaxed. In the Viennese Waltz, there is the greatest difference. American Style is danced in a large part in open position, with numerous variants, whereas in International Style, we are limited to seven figures. These are the Natural and Reverse turns, Forward and Backward changes, Natural and Reverse Fleckerels (a fast turning figure danced on the spot) and the Contra check.

No, you are never required to have a partner to take our dance classes. Everyone is welcome to take any class he/she desires, with or without a partner. If you already have a partner, feel free to invite him/her to take the class with you. If you don't have a partner, don't worry about it. Lots of people come by themselves and they still get to dance in class because there are other people without partners and the teachers ask the students to change partners regularly.

Cuban motion is characterized by a rhythmic swaying of the hips caused by the bending and straightening of the knees (though the knees remain "soft"-- slightly bent -- at all times). It is a style of movement which should be present in Latin American dances, including Bachata, Mambo, Salsa, Rumba, Merengue, Samba and Cha Cha. It tends to be easier to dance & more noticeable when the music is slow.