Hi! I live in Macomb, MI and am interested in taking ballroom dance lessons. This is something I've always dreamed of doing and never really had the opportunity to do.

I once lived in NC and had the opportunity to take a couple of free lessons from a two different small studios there. Both places told me I was a natural and picked it up very easily. One was even interested in training me to become an instructor.

Right now I need to do this for myself and take lessons to find out what's really in me. I'm in a very broken marriage, just had a baby and am pretty much starting my life from scratch. My husband and I are seperated and eventually will divorce. I'm going back to school so that I may be able to get an education and support myself and my son. In my bad marriage I got depressed, put on weight and lost my self-esteem. That is why it is so important for me to do something like this for me, build back my self-esteem, lose the depression weight and do something I will really enjoy.

I've tried searching online for lessons but can't find much that close. I don't have a lot of money but hope that I can set some aside for this and...well have asked for all family and friends who wish to give me birthday and Christmas gifts to buy me lessons.

Any help, tips, advice or comments are welcome. Thank you in advance! :)

If anyone lives in my area and could recommend an independent certified instructor I'd really appreciate it! :) Thanks!!!

I now live in Macomb, MI.

Enjoy what opportunities are available, but head for the door the minute anyone gives you the hard sell. Those who can really teach are a pleasure to do business with; those who can't can be some of the most manipulative salesmen imaginable.

Mail at ...salsahoy2000@yahoo.com.

i have contacts

moxie, I take no pleasure in bursting anyone's bubble but dance studios - franchise or independent - tell ALL of their prospective students that they are naturals. They figured out eons ago that they won't get very far with frank appraisals of dancing ability.

That being said, I want to encourage you to pursue ballroom dancing to whatever extent you can comfortably afford. It's a wonderful activity with many physical and spiritual benefits.

Just keep your head about you and don't let studios inflate your ego. Remember, their primary purpose is to get as deeply into your wallet as possible.

Finally, if it turns out that you won't be able to afford to take dance lessons (your situation sounds a bit tight), there are other activities that are less expensive but still very good for you, such as tai chi.

Best wishes.

jj

As a pro. of many yrs, owning and managing both chains and indies, I resent the allegation .

Yes, there are operations in all businesses, that will "fleece " the public .
You want to use the proverbial brush to tar all .

And, NO, we dont ALL tell students how talented etc. they are ( ask some of mine !! )

Terence, my statement is based on years of experience and observation.

If you wish to take offense then do so. I stand by what I said.

jj

Back to Moxie's situation...dancing is a wonderful cure-all. It did wonders for me. Try to find some group classes, you will meet new people of all shapes and sizes and the classes are usually quite affordable. I have never danced at a chain studio so I won't comment on their business practices. At the independent studios I do attend, they have always been extremely accommodating if you tell them up front what you can afford. Don't be afraid to tell them what you just told us.

Mine is based on 60 yrs (Prof. )... all over the world .

You have been unfortunate in your choices... it still does NOT mean that all are in the same mold .

OK, Terence, please answer this question.

When was the last time you gave a student, prospective or otherwise, a frank but essentially negative appraisal of his or her dancing ability?

jj

YESTERDAY !!

I have NEVER knowingly told a student anything that would be beyond their own beliefs, let alone mine.

If one critiques in a correct manner, then that should never be a problem .. even in my class work i assess as is necessary .

have I lost students because of this approach ? probably ... do I care ?.. NO .

English pros are not " raised " in the same manner of instruction ... praise when duly earned.. yes.. gratuitous ,,never .

I have never found anyone whom I have taught ( even Pro. Championship couples ) that would expect anything less from me than the truth.. I have never seen the point !!