Learn to Dance

I originally got my start in dancing back in college when, in the mid 90s, it was the cool hip fashion to be “grunge.” What this meant was making yourself look as disgusting as possible by sticking your face in a tree shredder and then piercing practically every part of your body. It was also the fashion for women to dress like men and men to wear nylons on their arms.

Naturally I was let down as upon entering college, what 18 year old male doesn’t have “girls” as his ulterior motive in going college and “education” just a mere ruse to placate his parents. So when the “swing dance renaissance” came about in 1996, wherein girls would dress in dresses and doll themselves all up nice like Sophia Loren, and I would be able to wear a nice suit and drink a martini like Frank Sinatra, I was all over it.

I started learning to dance at a place called “The Front” in Minneapolis (it’s still there). We’d dance to Vic Volare and His Volare Lounge Orchestra. We also dance to Tony DeMarco, the Jaztronauts and other bands in the Twin Cities. Soon I was quite an accomplished dancer, winning the occasional dance competition here and there, and soon embarked on teaching dance classes through the local community education programs at the age of 22.

I strongly endorse community education because if you’re looking for a cheap and fun way to learn to dance, that’s the way to go. There’s no pressure, there’s no mission, plus you’re not shelling out $80 an hour to learn how to hold your head or point your toes. Plus I (as well as other instructors through community education) take our students out dancing to actual bistros in town. So if you’re looking for a fun, cheap and relaxed time, feel free to contact me and I’ll let you know about the closest dance classes in your area.

I teach:
Swing
Latin
Salsa
Ballroom

You may also be interested in the following services/products:

Instructional DVD’s – These were made in response to demand from my community education students so they could review their moves. They are by no means a professional production and will not be winning any Oscars anytime soon (they were filmed in my basement), but my students like them a lot. Additionally people rave about the famous “Pumpkin Intermission.” (You’ll just have to order one to find out!)

CD’s from local artists – I also have musical CD’s for sale from local artists who have been kind enough to grant me permission to burn their music and sell it. I only have swing and jazz right now, and am hoping to offer Latin and Ballroom at a later date. For a sample of the music, please click here.

Private lessons – While I recommend group lessons via community education as it is best to learn with a group, if you are more comfortable in a private setting or perhaps are intimidated by large groups, I certainly do offer private lessons. Unfortunately I do charge $150 an hour, but you will get that one on one attention you so desire.

Crash Course lessons – “Crash Course” lessons are for those of you who wish to learn FAST. And I mean fast as in one week. How the crash course works is either you by yourself, or you with a partner come out with me and my partner and we basically just hammer away all night dancing. The man will dance with my partner. The woman will dance with me. The benefit of this is you learn to dance faster and better when you dance with a professional than with somebody who doesn’t know how to dance. A lot of couples use this option because of their busy schedules or need to learn to dance in a short period of time. It is also the most fun because we do not go to a studio, but rather take you out dancing to an actual ballroom or bistro. After you dance a little bit with my partner or myself, we then have you dance with each other to practice what you learned. In one week you will learn one dance. The price is you cover our drinks, cover charges and food and pay $200 per night of dancing. It is expensive, but you will be an accomplished dancer in a matter of four evenings.

Weddings – I love weddings! People are happy and having a good time, and I’m more than happy to teach a dance class at the beginning of the reception. Whether you want a short 15 minute dance lesson just to get things started, or a more thorough class so people can actually dance with each other, I can accommodate both for $150. I also know some amazing bands in the Twin Cities that would do an outstanding job in providing music for your wedding. These banks include Tony DeMarco, Vic Volare, The Jaztronauts, Christine Rosholt, Stockcar Named Desire and Davina and the Vagabonds. Please visit their web sites if you want more information.

If you are interested in any of the above services or products, please feel free to contact me.