1) What to wear to class on my first day (girls/boys/teens/adults):
On the first day of class, we prompt you to bring the dress attire as close as possible to the dress code you’ll be asked to bring throughout the season. However, we do not expect you or your dancer to have the full attire on the first day.
Dress attire for each dance style:
2) What kind of shoes? Can they be flat or do they need heels?
Investing in recommended dance shoes can significantly enhance your or your child's dancing experience. Ballroom and Flamenco shoes are designed to provide the right balance of 'slip' and 'grip' required for executing footwork in Latin, Flamenco, or Spanish dance, enhancing safety and performance.
Here is what we suggest:
3) Can my kids use regular, closed, and comfortable footwear?
On the first few days, they are permitted to bring their preferred dressing footwear to get used to the nature of the dance form. However, we would like to ask for the appropriate dress attire to be met throughout the season.
4) Can my child dance barefoot?
Due to the nature of the dance styles offered at Alma Viva, we do not permit the dancers to be barefoot. If you have any concerns about footwear, please don't hesitate to communicate with the dance teacher.
5) What about props? Do we need to buy castanets, fans, etc.?
We provide castanets and fans at the studio. If you have your own, you are more than welcome to bring them.
6) Do I require experience to take a class?
You are not required to have any experience before taking a basic-level dance class at Alma Viva.
7) What is the difference between Flamenco and Ballroom Latin Dance?
Each dance style is unique! Please check the class programs tab for a description of each form.
8) How many dance trial classes can I take?
We offer one trial class for EACH dance style within the dancer’s age group.
9) How do I pay for class? Can I pay in cash?
Classes are paid via an automated system, called AutoPay, accessible via your Parent/Student Portal upon registration and enrollment. For seasonal programs, we also accept cash for full payment upfront.
10) What flamenco and Spanish dance music should I listen to?
Flamenco artist: Camaron de la Isla, La Argentina, Enrique Morente, Jose Merce, Niña Pastori, Paco de Lucia, Vicente Amigo, Carmen Linares
Spanish Dance artists: Luis Cobos, Compañia Rafael Amargo, Antonio Rey, Dorantes, Chucho Ferrer, Paco Montalvo, Antonio Rey.
10a) What Latin music should I listen to?
Latin: Juan Luis Guerra, Olga Tañon, Oscar de Leon, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Marc Anthony, Luis Enrique, Elvis Crespo, Aventura, Manuel Turizo to name some…
11) Is the music used in class kid-appropriate?
Absolutely! We are very mindful of selecting music with appropriate lyrics for both classes and recitals. We carefully choose songs that align with the dance style and ensure that the lyrics are suitable for all ages, creating a positive and respectful environment for our students.
12) Can boys/men take flamenco?
Absolutely. Boys and Men can take any of the dance styles we offer.
13) Where can I buy the necessary dance attire for class?
You can purchase the skirts directly with us at the studio. Please note that skirts may take between 1 to 4 weeks to arrive, they are high-quality skirts from Spain!
These are some suggestions where you can find the rest of dance attires:
14) My child is 7, turning 8 next month, can he join the 8-10 y/o class?
Yes, your child can join the 8-10 year old class if their birthday is between September and December. Please inform your teacher or contact us at info@almavivadance.com to proceed with the change.
15) What happens if I miss my class?
If you miss a class, you have the opportunity to make it up within the same month. You can choose to attend a make-up class in the same style or try a different style if you'd like. Just let us know, and we’ll help you find a suitable option!
16) How do I know which dance style to take?
Knowing which style to take can vary, from personal likes, tastes, and goals! You can contact us to explore your dance preferences, and we can help you choose a class that best suits you. Likewise, we offer a free trial class for each dance style within the same age group!
17) Will I get to perform?
That’s the plan! At Alma Viva, we do not perform to compete, we perform to express ourselves. We will have a recital at the end of the season, where dancers get to showcase their abilities, progress, and overall joy on stage.
18) May I video-record myself or my child in class?
Absolutely! You’re welcome to video-record your child and take photos. You may post photos, but please refrain from sharing videos of choreographies to keep them as a surprise for the recital. Additionally, we ask that you do not post any group photos or videos, as some parents and students prefer not to be featured on social media, and we want to respect their privacy.
19) Are there competitions to participate in?
We love the opportunities to dance on stage. A recital will occur at the end of the season. However, we do not take part in competitions.
20) Do students need to have a partner for Ballroom Latin Dance?
No, students do not need to have a partner. The program focuses on individual dancer development, allowing students to learn and progress at their own pace.
21) Will this program train dancers to be competitive ballroom dancers?
The Ballroom Latin Dance for Kids program is designed to create confident dancers by teaching them the fundamentals of ballroom that they can apply in various areas of their lives. This includes exposure to the fundamental techniques and footwork seen in competitive ballroom classes. Dancers do build upon their technique development as they progress through the program each season.
22) What types of dances will my child learn in Ballroom Latin Dance classes?
Your child will be introduced to a variety of dance styles, including Salsa, Rumba, Cha Cha, Tango, Merengue, and Samba. Each style is taught in a child-friendly, friendly manner, focusing on basic techniques and fun aspects of each dance.
23) How does the program ensure that movements are age-appropriate?
Our program is carefully designed to ensure that all dance movements—whether for Flamenco, Spanish Dance, or Ballroom—are age-appropriate and suitable for children's physical development. The curriculum is developed by dance education professionals who prioritize the safety and well-being of young dancers. By focusing on fundamental techniques and child-friendly choreography, we ensure that students enjoy learning dance while respecting their developmental stage. Our instructors are trained to adapt movements to be both accessible and appropriate for each age group, creating a positive and safe learning environment for all participants.
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