I have two left feet! Can I still learn to dance?
Of course! Latinesque teachers have been professionally trained to teach students with no dance history of any kind. Our beginner level is dubbed the “fresh-off-the-couch” level!
Do I need a partner?
No! We constantly change partners during the class so you will have a chance to dance with everyone at some point. Great way to meet people!
I have a partner, do we have to switch?
Yes please. We understand the shyness you may have about dancing with someone else however changing partners is an incredible asset when learning to dance. Many times couples will end up doing the same old steps all the time because she knows what he will do or worse, she ends up doing all the leading! We tend to try harder when dancing with someone else, in addition you get a chance to feel how they lead or follow and this helps to refine your own dancing!
What should I wear?
Dancing is great exercise so dress on the lighter side or in layers so you can remove something if you become too warm. You can never look too good! Feel free to dress up as much as you like. Remember you will be meeting new people and many first impressions!
What kind of shoes do I need?
You must bring a separate pair of clean; unmarking shoes with you to change into in order to step on the specialized dance floor.We recommend you try not to wear shoes with a rubber sole as these tend to stick to the floor. Something with a leather or smooth sole is best. There are of course special dance shoes for Latin/Ballroom dancing. Many mistakenly believe it is only necessary to have these shoes once you become more advanced. This is not the case! Think of other forms of dancing/recreation: Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Bowling, Golf! You could not take even a beginner class without having the proper shoes. Latin dance shoes are designed specifically for the type of dancing you are doing; they support you in the right areas and help balance you properly. Who needs this more then a beginner dancer!
Where can I buy these shoes?
There are two main places in the Okanagan: Dance Essentials in Kelowna #8-1960 Springfield rd. #868-1417 and Two Left Feet in Vernon #545-1485
How many people are in a class?
There may be anywhere from 5 to 30 people in a class depending on the level and time of year.
Are the classes quite serious?
Hardly! We understand that most people want to learn for fun and just want to be able to feel comfortable socially so the class atmosphere is light-hearted and easy going.
How long is a session?
All group classes run on a 4 week schedule with a 1 week break in between. See calendar for more details.
How long will it take me to learn?
Although the sessions are 4 weeks in length this does not mean you will be Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers after 1 month! This is completely dependant on your time availability and practice. It’s like any sport or physical hobby. The more you do it the faster you will learn! To give you an idea, it will usually take between 6-8 months to learn 4 different dances at a beginner level. This can be achieved sooner with private lessons!
What is involved in a private lesson?
A private lesson gives you the chance to have a Latinesque certified professional dance instructor all to yourself! The class is 45min and gives you an opportunity to have the teachers full attention to work on your individual areas of concern as well as refine the techniques and stylings of the various dances. This will help you to look more smooth and graceful and have more confidence with your dancing.
What is the best way to learn?
By far the best and quickest way to learn is by having at least one group lesson, one private lesson, and one practice session per week.
Where can I go to dance what I have learned?
There is at least one dance put on per week at different locations in the Okanagan. Look on the Upcoming Events page for more info.
Where can I find music to practice to?
It is very difficult to find the right kind of music for all the different dances so we have put together practice CD’s for you! They each have different songs with thought put into the variety of styles and tempos. Just ask!
What can I expect from my first lesson?
Expect to be nervous! Expect to sweat! Expect to have FUN!
How much does it cost?
We have 3 different packages to choose from depending on what you want:
Package A
4 group classes covering two different dances [90 min]
$63 per person.
The dances alternate depending on the month, either Cha Cha and Samba or Rumba and Jive.
Package B
4 group classes in Salsa and Merengue [60 min].
$42 per person.
Package C
4 Private lessons [45 min] and 4 group classes of your choice
$262.50 per person or $315 per couple
To purchase a single private lesson is possible at a rate of $68.25 per 45min session.
Other options are available for certain circumstances. Please contact us if you have special requirements.
How can I pay?
We accept cash or cheques payable to Latinesque. Sorry no debit or credit as of yet.
Do I need to sign up in advance?
Definitely! We require all students to call ahead as early as possible and to pay in advance to guarantee a spot in the class. This allows us to make sure that we have a good ratio of leads to follows in any given class and also monitor the class size!
I need more info!
If you have more questions or need clarification on anything, please call or E-mail us anytime!
