Welcome

  Welcome to the R&J Dance Academy,

Each month students will learn the patterns and mechanics of a new dance. Dance classes are held once a week on Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  (Schedule is subject to change.)

*First time students are only expected to attend a small portion of the training for their first month, though they are welcome to stay for the entire day.

Once trainees graduate from their first level of dance training, they are given the option to enter into the teacher training program.

Every student is monitored and graded throughout their training. Student’s grades are based upon punctuality & attendance, completion of homework, and their scores on their monthly progress checks.

Tuition is $120 per month

To register for the R&J Academy training program or for more information, contact R&J at (330) 510-1370 or by email, at info@startdancing.org

Training Scenarios

Below are examples of some of the classes you will take during your dance training.

Group Drills

In this training students will learn the technique of the different dances and be given the opportunity to repeat movements to create muscle memory.

Group Patterns

In this portion of the training, students will learn all patterns/choreography needed for their current and upcoming level of training.

One-on-One Training

In this phase, students will be guinea pigs for other students who are currently in their Teacher Training phase. This is a good opportunity to learn choreography that will be used in the future and to work on partnering techniques and concepts.

Group Rounds

Group Rounds exist to give trainees a chance to retain previous criteria once moving forward with their training and to allow dancers a chance to partner up and challenge themselves to put their training to use.

Homework

Students will be required to study patterns, reading material, and take videos of their training outside of the studio. 

Lectures

Classroom discussions and demonstrations to learn more on how our bodies can be used efficiently, how to protect and use our bodies properly to avoid injury, what makes ballroom dancing an art/sport, and many more topics.

Advanced Dancing

In this phase you will begin finding a long-term dance partner and begin getting personalized choreography and coaching from the head instructors.

Teacher Training (communication & sales, problem solving, mechanical solutions, and more.)

This phase will focus on providing you with the tools and experiences you need to become comfortable teaching dance and sharing the knowledge you have learned as an R&J Trainee. You will experience teaching lessons as an assistant, leading group drills and patterns, teaching new trainees with a monitor, training on sales and communication, along with taking on beginner students and training to convert them into long-term clients.

R&J teachers-in-training need hands-on experience giving lessons in preparation to becoming professional ballroom instructors. Volunteers learn to dance while helping trainees pursue a career in dance.