FAQs

What do I wear to dancing?

Special clothing is not required for classes, just neat, comfortable, casual clothes and firm-fitting shoes.  Thong, slide and slip-on styles and stiletto heels are not suitable for ballroom dancing.  Correct Ballroom dance shoes are integral.  Your teacher will discuss where to obtain these.

What type of dancing do you offer?

At Penrith Ballroom Dance we offer the 3 styles of Ballroom Dancing:

Standard – Waltz, Quickstep, Slow Foxtrot, Tango, Viennese Waltz

Latin American – Rumba, Samba, Cha Cha Cha, Paso Doble and Jive

New Vogue – set sequence dances such as Swing Waltz, Merrilyn, Gypsy Tap, Pride of Erin, La Bomba, Merrilyn, Gypsy Tap, La Bomba, Barclay Blues, Excelsior Schottische, Tango Terrific, Twilight Waltz, Charmaine and the list goes on.

Do I need a partner?

Ballroom dancing is partner dancing, however you do not require a partner to come and learn, we partner up with whoever is in the class and sometimes you will be partnered by the teacher.

In group classes, do we constantly change partners?

Generally, if you come to class as a couple, you will dance with your partner.  To help you master a more difficult step, we may suggest a temporary change of partner.  Of course during a progressive / barn dance partners change constantly.

What age do children have to be to start dancing with you?

We take children from the age of 4 years.  We have a specially designed class for 4 – 8 year old children.

What do children wear to class?

Children wear our studio uniform and proper ballroom dance shoes.  Information regarding these requirements will be provided in response to your enquiry and can also be found on our “Children’s” page on our website.

Are parents allowed to watch the children’s classes?

We allow parents in the studio during their child’s lesson, we are also happy for parents to leave their child with us for the duration of their lesson.  Sometimes having the parent/s in the room during a lesson is too much of a distraction for the child.  On these occasions we will ask the parents to leave.

How do I book a group class?

Currently the best thing to do is call us or send an email, we will respond with the appropriate information.

How do I book a private lesson?

The best way to discuss your needs and make private lessons bookings is over the phone.  Please call us on 0402 069 576.  All private lesson bookings are confirmed in writing via email.

I’m a beginner, can you help me?

Absolutely, that’s what we have beginner classes for.  No previous dance experience is necessary.

What age do I have to be?

We take students from the age of 4 years, our oldest student so far was 92 years young!!

How do I progress from Social to Competitive or Medal dancing?

Both competitive dancing and taking your medals would require private lessons.  Social dancing is just that, social.  Competitive or Medal dancing add a new dimension to your dancing, requiring much more attention to technique and expression.  It is something from which many people get a great deal of enjoyment.

Do you do Rock‘nRoll?

We don’t have a separate class for Street Latin, which usually includes Salsa and Rock’nRoll.  Our Jive is very similar to Rock ’n Roll and of course we have the other latin dances of Samba, Rumba, Cha Cha and Paso Doble.