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Professional Dance Lessons

 

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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