Gee, did you make up that ID just to respond to me? I'm flattered.

While not all of you may have had negative experiences, many have and I would alert moxie to the potential for difficulties. She's clearly not in a position to add more problems to an already burdened agenda.

No, I don't believe that I'm insulting her intelligence. I have some experience dealing with younger adults and am fully aware that their desire to dance (and moxie clearly displays that desire) can compromise their critical capacities as consumers.

moxie also complains about depression, something else with which I have some experience. I know that depression, like anticipation, can interfere with one's judgment.

I have also dealt with enough professionals to know that those with integrity don't care one bit what you or I or anyone else may say on this board. That integrity ensures that their students will remain loyal to them and word of mouth will keep them busy.

My instructor has a small studio in a small town in north Georgia. She stays completely booked even though she tries to keep open spots in her schedule for newcomers.

I must take note of the defensive nature of your response. Is it your position that these boards should not allow the sharing of unpleasant as well as pleasant experiences? Do you seriously maintain that newcomers should NOT be advised that there can be serious risks in pursuing a dance education?

Also, why are you advising moxie to get in touch with Terence? If he knew anything about the studios in her part of Michigan he would have already advised her.

I've done some research on her location and it appears that there is not an active USADance chapter near her; that organization would be able to provide her with the best information about local dance training. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be active in the Detroit area, perhaps due to the depressed economy there. Accordingly, I realize that these boards may be her next best alternative for that information.

jj

I coached in that area for many yrs... ( and yours ) and.. we have been exchanging mails...

so , again , you seem to know more about my profession than do i !!

I'm sorry, Terence, but I have not been exchanging emails with you.

You must be thinking of someone else in the greater Atlanta area.

jj

I did not mean you.. I was refering to the poster asking for help

OK. In that case, you need to use the "Reply to this message" link on her message.

jj

I did !!..... i believe YOU said " If terence knew etc ", that is what i was responding to

I see. My confusion extends from your use of "we." Perhaps you could have written "she and I" instead.

jj

First off Moxie, I'm sorry your going through so many life changes at the same time. You mention that you've returned to school, have a new baby, single parent and a limited budget. I'm thinking - in terms of your budget, Is it possible that your school (community college?) has group dance lessons that are open to the public or a ballroom team of sorts? Do you have venues, like a nightclub or hotel, that may offer free group lessons? On several occassions we have experienced a certified instructor teaching in a variety of entertainment or hotel venues as well as in a studio setting. We would then get his/her card and sign up for several individual lessons which worked out great. Check out your local Recreation and Parks programs or Assisted Living centers where the public is welcome for dance lessons. Ask people you know, much like your doing here on this site. Check out the National Dance Council of America web site and click Directories - this will give you some instructor listings for MI that possibly you can speak with or e-mail. Also USADance.org has several chapters in MI that you might also want to contact. In all instances be realistic about your budget for dance lesson instruction, with yourself and your instructor. Many will work with you to assist you in achieving your own dance goals. Ditch the high-pressure sales tactics if you encounter any. Good luck and best wishes in your journey to re-establish your life.

moxie.butterfly - are you willing to travel as far as the Quad Cities? If so, you might try Two Left Feet in East Moline, and ask for Pam Rutherford. 317-698-6508. If you can't travel that far, maybe she knows of someone in your area who gives lessons.

moxie.butterfly - oops - sorry, missed the bit about MI. My earlier reference wasn't a MI location.