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Dance Instructors: Two of the Best
David Cantu and Ricardo Moncada
There
are literally hundreds of dance instructors in Austin. But,
I will not waste your time by trying to provide a list of all of
the dance instructors in Austin. Rather, I will simply mention
a few of the best instructors, who make their living teaching dance.
David
Cantu
David's
classes are a good value, since he offers a flat monthly rate of
$49 a month with unlimited classes (plus early pay discounts). With
the early pay discount, you would typically pay $44 a month for
unlimited group classes. If you want to learn to Two-Step, Salsa
and Swing all at the same time, go to Dance Club 183 and pay a flat
monthly rate and take as many classes and learn as many different
dances as you would like.
At the present time,
David offers Level One (Beginner) classes for EC Swing, WC Swing,
Two Step, Jitterbug, CW Waltz, Rumba, Arg. Tango, Foxtrot and Salsa. David
does not personally teach all of the beginner classes, but all of
his instructors are excellent.
The only criticism I
have of David's classes is that sometimes he only covers one pattern
per class. But, his instruction is detailed, and he is great for
beginners and for intermediate dancers. Advanced dancers might get
a little frustrated by his pace.
In the middle of 1998,
David introduced 45-minute classes--they used to be an hour. Perhaps
this helps to solve the pace problem.
If you would like
to take classes from David Cantu or one of the instructors at Dance
Club 183, check out his website at www.allthatdance.com.
Ricardo
Moncada
Another
local dance instructor is Ricardo Moncada. Ricardo opened his own
studio in 1997 at 8910 Research, Bldg. E-1 (between Burnet and Ohlen
Road), but like David, Ricardo has been teaching dance for years.
Ricardo offers one-hour
group classes with 15 minutes of practice time added at the beginning
and at the end of the classes. The beginner, intermediate and advanced
classes last for five sessions (one session per week for five weeks)
at a cost of $45 per person per class (or $39 per class with the
early bird discount). Sometimes, Ricardo offers "workshops," which
are three sessions (one session per week for three weeks) at a cost
of $35 (or $29 with the early bird discount). Also, he offers "one
night classes," which last for two and a half hours for $19
per class.
At the present time,
he is offering beginning classes in Two Step, WC Swing, Jitterbug
and Argentine Tango.
I like Ricardo's studio.
He keeps the AC turned down, and he has lots of fans. And if you
are hard of hearing, Ricardo gives instruction through a boom mic
over loud speakers.
If you are interested
in taking classes from Ricardo, check out his Web site at www.learn2dance.com.
OK,
here are two more professional instructors
I know that I said that
I would refrain from mentioning all the instructors in town, but
I will mention two others.
Stewart
Yaros Dance International
(512-323-2623)
Stewart teaches group
classes in tango, Viennese waltz, foxtrot, bolero, samba, mambo,
and swing at the Hills Fitness Center (14748 Montoro Drive).
Stewart can often be seen giving dance instruction at the Texas
Union Ballroom (University of Texas) for the student Swing dance
parties. I think that he is a pretty good instructor. Certainly
he has a good-looking dance partner--she is a great dancer, too.
Stewart's rates are $49 a month for unlimited classes or $7 per
class. Check out his Web
site.
QuickSilver
Dance Center
QuickSilver Dance Center
(512) 302-4324 is located at Suite H-101 of the North Austin Business
Park, 8711 Burnet at Polaris. With
several instructors, they offer country, swing and ballroom classes.
Valarie Ryan is the main dance instructor. I hear that she is very
good--great two-step teacher. A single four-week class costs $30.
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