Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the studio?
A: We’re located in downtown Toronto at Yonge & Bloor: 765B Yonge Street, right above Starbucks.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Classes operate on a pay-as-you-go & drop in friendly basis. Each class is just $10 and students and seniors in Toronto enjoy a 50% discount in celebration of our 10 year anniversary teaching in T.O. Private lessons are also available for $75/hour or 4 one hour lessons for $275.
Q: What is the Registration Policy?
A: In order to guarantee your participation a class you must register in advance using our Registration Form. Pre-registrants must also be on-time; late-comers cannot be guaranteed that their spot will be held so please arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the class and be ready to join us on-time. Drop-in attendants may still be admitted on a space-permitting basis. Please try to pre-register at least 48 hours before the time of the class. We will do our best to process same-day registrations but they cannot be guaranteed.
Q: I know that the classes say they’re for Beginners, but I really have no experience and frankly I have two left feet. Are you sure this is for me?
A: Absolutely! In fact, these classes are designed for you in particular. Learning to dance is more of a mental hurdle than a physical one. We are positive that after you join us and feel comfortable in our learning environment that you’ll feel more confident about taking your first steps.
Q: When does the new Beginner session start?
A: A new beginner session starts every month so that you don’t have to wait to get started. The new session begins with the new calendar month so for example, if the first of the month falls on a Wednesday then Wednesday night classes will begin on the 1st, Thursday night classes on the 2nd, and then Monday and Tuesday night classes will start on the following week which would be on the 6th and 7th of the month. However, all of our classes are designed to be drop-in friendly so please feel free to join us anytime.
Q: What’s the difference between Swing and Lindy Hop?
A: Swing Dancing is the broader name for Lindy Hop. Also sometimes known as Jitterbug, Lindy Hop is the specific type of Swing Dancing that we teach at Bees’ Knees Dance. There are other kinds of ‘Swing’ but when most people think of Swing Dancing they’re usually thinking of Lindy Hop which is the original form of Swing Dancing popular from the end of the 1920s right through until WWII.
Q: What do I need to know before my first class?
A: Prepare yourself for a fun, no pressure hour. The first class is free, so all you have to do is show up a few minutes before the class start time and prepare for a great evening. You don’t need special shoes, clothing or a partner. Wear something comfortable and perhaps bring along a bottle of water. Relax, don’t take yourself too seriously and have fun.
Q: What kind of shoes and clothing should I wear?
A: Dress comfortably. There is no need to buy dance shoes for Beginner lessons. A comfortable runningshoe or flat shoe will be just fine. For clothing, wear something cool and comfy that won’t restrict your movement and that you won’t mind sweating in.
Q: For Swing and/or Rock n’ Roll I don’t have a partner. Is that a problem?
A: Not at all. We rotate in all of our classes so you’ll get to dance with everyone in the room. No partner required.
Q: My partner and I just want to dance with each other. Can we choose not to rotate?
A: Our classes focus on social dancing and it’s very important that everyone rotates. You’ll actually learn more that way and have a better chance of connecting with your usual partner when you get back to them in the rotation. Be open minded and try it, we’re sure you’ll have a good time. Otherwise, if you are adamant about only dancing with your partner, private lessons would be more suitable for you. Please contact us to inquire.
Q: How do I pay for my classes?
A: There’s no need to pay in advance. Arrive at the second class (remember, the first class is always free) with either cash or cheque. All classes are Pay-As-You-Go so you can pay weekly ($10/class) with the exception of Amateur Musical Theatre which is $40/4 weeks.
Q: What is the average age of the students?
A: Our students are of all ages and backgrounds from teenagers to people in retirement. For the most part our average age range is 20 to 55 but it definitely varies.
Q: What is the average class size?
A: Classes range from 6 to 30 people depending on the venue. Please contact us for more details if you are interested in a specific class or location.
Q: How can I progress to the next level? (ie. from Beginner to the next level?)
A: Generally, students should complete 8 lessons in order to feel prepared for the next level. By spreading those 8 lessons out evenly over 2 months, students will have had exposure to all of the Beginner curriculum. However, if you have previous dance experience or if you’re keen to move more quickly you can take a private lessons and expedite the learning process. Please speak with your instructor to discuss.
Q: For the Amateur Musical Theatre classes, may I participate but opt out of being filmed at the end of the session?
A: Absolutely. You do not have to be filmed unless you want to.