Greetings fellow dancers...
I am looking for a dance instructor/studio, and I am trying to gather opinions from students in the area so that I can make a more educated decision. Obviously, the studios will say what they need to to get the business, so I'm looking for honest opinions from students that have danced at any of these places. I'm looking for a studio that trains competitive dancers in both International Standard and American Smooth. I live in the southwestern corner in CT, so CT, NY, and NJ are all possibilities. It looks like at least for now, I would be doing pro am. What can people tell me about Eurodance Academy in Stamford, CT? Ballroom Elegance in Westport, CT? Let's Dance in Brookfield, CT? Ballroom Fever in Enfield, CT? Ballroom on Fifth in NY? Rogers Dancesport in NJ? Things I'd like info on are quality of instruction, focus on technique vs. steps, focus on quality of learning rather than sales, lack of studio "drama", etc. When you took lessons at these places, did you feel you got your money's worth? Were the other students friendly and welcoming? Did the studios have that franchise "sell, sell, sell those packages" mentality? Any information that anyone is willing to provide would really be a great help. I thank you in advance for the info! Also, if you would recommend that I consider a studio not listed here, please feel free to share that info!

I would recommend Ballroom Fever in Enfield CT. Stephen & Larinda are some of the best smooth dancers in the area. Actually, being U.S. finalists, they're also some of the best smooth dancers in the entire U.S. Excellent Standard technicians, too.

The website for ballroom fever is www.ballroomfever.com

Stephen and Larinda also have their own website, which is www.ballroom.to

I am not a student who has taken lessons there. But I am not an employee of the studio, either, and I stand to gain nothing by recommending them. I am simply a fellow competitor and teacher with some perspective.

Regards,
Jonathan Atkinson

Hello ctdancer,
I'm glad I could help. I have found that just about every studio will push lesson 'packages' .vs individual lessons (the only ones that don't are the ones that know I won't buy them!). This seems to be a common industry practice. This is fine as long as you are committed to working with an instructor there. You get a break on the price of lessons and the studio gets some recurring income. Moreover, the instructor has some flexibility planning their lessons to meet a specific goal. Most studios I know will publish their rates (in either sales literature or website or somesuch) as a courtesy and/or to promote package sales. Understand also that single lesson rates are usually significantly higher than package deals. I usually don't have a problem getting a single lesson rate if I ask for one. If I were to go somewhere that is a bit dodgy on the subject, I'll go elsewhere. There are plenty of other options. Barring a free lesson, I'll buy a single lessons from their most qualified instructor when I am trying out a new situation. Of course, if I find myself getting good value from a particular instructor and am willing to work on a goal together, I have no problem committing to a small lesson contract(5 lessons or so)to get a discount. CT, it sounds as if you may have had an unfortunate experience with a studio. Unfortunately, there are still those who have no qualms about ripping people off. However, I have always found that I can avoid unnecessary commitments by just saying 'no'. It's ok to say 'no' to anything that makes you uncomfortable. I hope this helps. Anyways, I look forward to meeting you on the dancefloor and above all.....

Have fun!

P.S. The Bardonia studio does not have Tony Dovolani so if you are looking for him, you'll have to look elsewhere.

Thanks to both of you for a wealth of information! I will definitely try out Stephen and Larinda.

Regarding EuroDance- I did try them out already. I found it almost impossible to get any kind of definite statement out of the owner regarding prices of lessons, group/technique classes, and parties. It was like they were trying to keep it a secret, which I found ridiculous. Did you encounter the same? Any price info you can provide would be appreciated. My impression was that they would be the "package pushing" type- I asked about single hour lessons, and there was a comment made that they don't offer them (well... they do but at an exhorbitant rate). Any truth to this, or am I reading it wrong?

Is the Bardonia Fred Astaire also the Tony Dovolani one?

Thanks again for all the info!

Well, let's see.....
Since I actually live in CT, maybe I can offer some random opinion on this matter. I have not taken lessons at Eurodance in Stamford, however, it is run by a well respected and accomplished professionals worth checking out at least. Ballroom Elegance in Westport is home to Vladimir and Irina Gorshkov, well accomplished, experienced, International Standard competitors. I have not taken lessons there, but I have taken a lesson with Irina before. Well worth the investment. I think it's definitely worth checking out for Standard. Ballroom Fever in Enfield is home to Gunnar and Darryl Sverrison, accomplished professionals with years of experience. It is a bit far (Enfield is on the Mass. Border), so I cannot comment on what it's like there. Ballroom on Fifth is probably the most popular place to go for standard in the tri-state area and is home to several world famous coaches. Rogers Dancesport in NJ is home to Gary and Diana McDonald. Another excellent school.

Friendliness of students is something that can only be answered by you. When I evaluate the social atmosphere of a studio, I'll go to one of their socials and judge for myself. As far as studio "selling", it can be annoying, but you can always just say "no thank you". As far as quality of instruction, I've always found that to be a combination consisting of the instructor, and you.

In addition to the previously mentioned places, as well as Stephen and Larinda, feel free to add the Fred Astaire in Norwalk and the Fred Astaire in Bardonia, NY. The Norwalk studio is owned by Martin and Gina Goethe, accomplished European 10 dancers, and has a friendly social atmosphere. I have taken latin lessons with Gina, well worth the investment. The Bardonia location is home to Victor and Natalia Russu, accomplished European 10 dancers as well as American Smooth competitors. In the past, I have worked with both Victor and Natalia, and I know I certainly learned much from the experiences. Franchises, yes, but individually owned and managed. You'll probably get a sales pitch, but again, you can always say 'no thank you'. I generally say no to the pitch and focus on the learning. You have many more choices to consider(especially if you're willing to go into NYC!), I would recommend trying them out for yourself and making a decision that is right for you.

I hope this helps.

DISCLAIMER: These are my own opinions and mine alone. I do not work for any of the previously mentioned studios/instructors and I have nothing to gain by mentioning them.