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.

We also offer Rock ‘n Roll.

Do I need a partner?

Ballroom and Rock ‘n Roll 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?

Group classes are booked following our on-line process.   You can access this either from the class page, going to the Shop, or by clicking on “Start Dancing” on any page.  Following receipt of your order, registration and payment, your position in the class will be confirmed in writing via email.

If you have any queries, send an email we will respond with the appropriate information or call us on the mobile.

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.  You will then be asked to follow the on-line process for ordering, registering and paying for your lessons.  All private lesson bookings are confirmed in writing via email.

I’m a beginner, and  nervous, can you help me?

Absolutely, that’s what we have beginner classes for, all participants in these classes are beginners.  No previous dance experience is necessary.  Our teacher will help you along the way and you will find just how enjoyable this form of dancing is and you will forget to be nervous!    Just book-in following the on-line process for group classes and we’ll be in touch with you, or call us if you would prefer private lessons or have any questions.

I’m in my 50s, is that too old to start?

We take students from the age of 4 years, our oldest student so far was 93 years young!!

Age doesn’t really come into it, and it’s never too late to start something new, so come along and join the fun!

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 adds 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 ‘n Roll?

Yes, our Rock ‘n Roll classes are held on Wednesday evenings, or of course, you can take private lessons if you prefer.    Our Jive is a sister dance to Rock ’n Roll, and along with the Jive, we have the other latin dances of Samba, Rumba, and Cha Cha covered in our Ballroom classes.