Should I take private lessons? When’s the right time?

This is a common question, so here's a breakdown to help you evaluate.

Group classes are an excellent starting point. They teach foundational movements, demonstrate how concepts connect, and provide opportunities to dance with a range of partners. Through this, you begin developing a shared vocabulary and understanding the structure of the dance.

Private lessons serve a different purpose. They provide space for personalized attention, allowing you to explore technique, comfort, and connection in greater depth.

Here’s what private lessons typically offer:

• Feedback tailored to your specific movement patterns

• A clear sense of what’s working and what could improve

• Deeper understanding of biomechanics and partner interaction

• Dedicated time to address unresolved questions

• A way to integrate skills with more precision and intentionality

We recommend scheduling your first private lesson after a few months of consistent group class attendance. By then, you’ve likely developed some questions and observations of your own. This makes the private session more focused, and the learning more impactful.

If your dancing feels unclear or stagnant, a private can provide direction. Some dancers use them as occasional tune-ups, while others incorporate them regularly, especially if working toward performance or competition goals.

We speak from experience. We’ve logged hundreds of hours in private lessons ourselves, driven by a love of detail and a commitment to growth.

Our recommendation:

• Begin with group classes

• Establish your foundation

• Use privates strategically to explore challenges and refine your approach

Think of private lessons as a precision tool; most effective when applied with intention.