The Scoop on Groups

Sapphire Ballroom News - August 2021

If you didn’t already know, these newsletters are frequently a byproduct of conversations had at the studio over the course of the last few weeks. Of course I want to let you know about the cool classes, wonderful workshops, and other sweet opportunities coming up, but then I also want to inform you in some way that is just helpful. And I usually take my cues from actual questions asked by real-life students.

This month has been full of “what are you doing for COVID now,” “will dance parties ever come back,” and “how is a workshop different from a group class.” While we may not have all the answers, we have a bunch. I hope they are helpful!

In this issue...

- Highlights and Headlines

- A quick lesson on kinds of classes

- July's Practice Session Playlist

- Upcoming Dance Classes and Events 

 

Highlights and Headlines

New Mask Recommendation

The current CDC recommendations are that even vaccinated people wear masks indoors if the community spread is “significant” or worse. And, of course non-vaccinated people should mask anytime they are in public. This new guideline leaves it up to us to determine if we need to mask, which makes it hard to come up with a studio rule that fits. So, we’re going to ask, not insist, that you start wearing a mask at your lessons. We will not make a fuss if you choose not to, but will thank you if you do. Please keep in mind that if stronger guidance comes out from CDC or the state, we will follow it. We appreciate your patience and support. We don’t like the masks either.

Here’s more information from the Virginia Department of Health: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/cloth-face-covers/

Dramatic Tango and Sassy Salsa - Date Night Dance Classes start Aug 10 and 11

American Tango is an exciting and challenging traveling dance that’s done to powerful, march-like music. Salsa is fast, but not furious. It’s full of spins and works to a huge variety of music including (of course) Salsa music. The Salsa class will also play around a little bit with Merengue. Easy and fun, Merengue is a great counterpart to Salsa. No experience required or expected at either class! Early registration is required, so let us know if you’re planning on coming.

Details available at SapphireDance.com/GroupLessons.php

Sample Blacksburg Date Night Dance Classes for free Sept 15

Are you thinking about taking a group class this fall, but not sure what? Have you looked at our schedule and wondered what issssss Nightclub 2-Step? Maybe you think you want to try a slow dance style, but don’t really know which dances qualify. The solution is here. On Wed, Sept 15, 7-8pm, join us at the Blacksburg Community Center to ask questions, learn about classes, and try a little dancing. It’s free, it’s fun, and you’ll get a sweet discount if you sign up for a class that night.
Please note - because of the Date Night Dance Class Sampler, September Group Classes will start a week later than originally scheduled.
More details available at SapphireDance.com/GroupLessons.php

FBWs - Summer Sale Still Swinging

June 20-September 22, the “official” days of summer, you can buy a package of 6 FBWs for just $40! Share them with friends, your sweetheart, or keep them for yourself - it’s up to you. You have 3 months (about the length of Summer) to use them after purchase, so feel free to take your time and figure out when you want to come out. The dance floor is waiting for you. This sale is for Friday Beginner Workshops (FBWs) only. See the workshop schedule on our webpage at SapphireDance.com/GroupLessons.php

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A quick lesson on kinds of classes: group classes, private lessons, and workshops

The school year is starting and that’s got us thinking about lesson types. At Sapphire Ballroom, we have three basic types of lessons: Private/Semi-Private, Group Classes, and Workshops. Each different and unique, each one supporting a different learning style.

Private Lessons

A private lesson is almost completely customizable. You get to decide what dance or dances to learn, we do our best to play your favorite music, and the lessons are at your pace. Although there may be other lessons on the floor, this style of lesson is all about you, your needs, your schedule, your style. Private lessons are the way to go if you are preparing for something specific (like a wedding), get nervous or distracted in front of other people, or hve a specific thing you want to master. Most high-powered dancers end up taking both private and group lessons because they fill different needs.

We also offer semi-private (3-6 people) and private group lessons and parties (more than 6 people). These hold to the “all about you” philosophy, but you can invite your friends along for the ride. Semi-private lessons are a great way to hang out with that couple from work, get to know your in-laws better, or treat your family to a fun and healthy activity. Over the last year, we’ve seen a decided increase in semi-private lessons, and we love that trend! Semi-private lessons let you share a fun activity with fun people. What could be better?

Group Classes and Workshops

Group classes and workshops are both group-based lessons, which means the time and content are planned ahead of time by the studio. You sign up for a class or workshop because the time fits your needs and/or the material strikes your fancy. They have the benefits of a supportive community and usually are filled with lots of laughter and fun. You get to benefit from the questions other people are asking and celebrate your victories together. And, when we are not plagued by a pandemic, you get to try dancing with other partners (not encouraging this right now).

Here's the difference between a workshop and a class.

A workshop is a one time deal, and a class is not. Although you can take many workshops (and you should :) ), each one will be taught like we just met you. Friday Beginner Workshops assume you have no dance knowledge at all. If you happen to have some skills already - good for you! But we will still assume a zero starting point each week. Advanced workshops have prerequisites, but they are general knowledge and still do not expect you to have participated in a previous lesson.

Group Classes (which are starting next week at the Blacksburg Community Center - see below) are typically 4 hours, typically spread out over a couple of days, and they build. You get the chance to review (sometimes repeatedly), to refine, and expand on the moves introduced in the previous lesson. So, they give you a really good foundation, and can proceed to Level 2, 3, etc. in that material. A Level 2 class expects you to have taken Level 1 of that class, or to have learned the material another way (like in private lessons or workshops).

Conclusion

It boils down to this -

You want flexibility, control, and customization? You want private lessons.

You want budget-friendly, but flexible, and are willing to go with the flow? Look at workshops.

You want to review, practice, get to know the people dancing beside you (10ft apart)? Group classes are your friends.

It’s always worth trying a format that’s not your favorite every now and then, especially if you like the dance being taught. For example, say you want to learn to Swing, but missed the Level 1 Swing Group Class last month. The good news is that it will be featured in the Friday Beginner Workshops this month. It’s not the same, but you might discover something you like about that other format.

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Practice Session Playlist

We have started having practice sessions at the studio. They are kind of like low-key dance parties where you can come practice your moves in the company of friends in our dance space. To give you an idea, here’s part of the playlist from our last practice session. (If you’re interested in attending the next one, please know that attendance is capped and advance registration is required.)

To see the July Practice Session Playlist, visit us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGEmFFdzKkkbba-u8WXOsblQFDlyoY1E_

See all of our YouTube Playlists at https://www.youtube.com/user/SapphireBallroom/playlists
These playlists are always changing, so come back frequently. If you have a suggestion, we’d love to hear it! Send us a link at info@sapphiredance.com.

If you read our newsletter frequently, you know by now that we publish a playlist of dance music every month, usually with some kind of quirky theme (like songs about rivers). But do you know we also have a large library of music just for you to practice to?

Visit our YouTube Channel “Songs for Practice” and you’ll find 20+ playlists organized by dance style. There’s one for Waltz, one for Bachata, a big one for West Coast Swing, one for almost every style we teach. And they are always growing and improving. We'd love your input - if you have a suggestion, let us know by email at info@sapphiredance.com or Facebook message!

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Upcoming Dance Classes: online and in-person

Events are hosted by Sapphire Ballroom & Dance Center: online, at our studio in Christiansburg, or at the Blacksburg Community Center. Please check locations before traveling!

Taking online classes is affordable and easy, once you try it. You do not need a partner; you do not need a fancy space. You do not have to share your picture or video. Online events require a Zoom link (included below), but not a Zoom account.

All Group Lessons have a maximum of 12 people in-studio. To prevent being turned away from a full class, please register by or before noon the day of the class by emailing us at info@SapphireDance.com or contacting the Blacksburg Community Center (for Blacksburg classes).

All group events and lessons cost $6-$15/person/hour. Visit our Square Store to pay online for classes and private lessons.

More information available on our webpage or Facebook page.

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Thanks for reading; we hope you found something you liked.
Until we see you again, happy dancing!

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