Questions are welcome
Your questions, answered
Thinking about a first lesson but not sure what to expect? Here are the things people ask us most — and if you do not see your question, just call or text. We are happy to help, no pressure.
Getting started
New to dancing? Start here
- Do I need any experience?
- No. Most people who come to Dance Passion are complete beginners. You do not need a background, rhythm, or any "natural talent" — just a willingness to try. We start wherever you are.
- Do I need a partner?
- No. You are welcome on your own or with a partner. Plenty of people come solo, and you can still learn and enjoy it.
- Do you teach beginners?
- Yes — beginners are who we love most. The whole studio is built to be a relaxed, no-judgment place to learn something new as an adult.
- How much do lessons, classes, and dance parties cost?
- Your first 30-minute private lesson is free. After that, the Wednesday group class is $20 and the Friday dance party is $20 — the same price whether you come alone or as a couple. Private lesson rates are not listed online, so call or text (727) 304-5904 and Ivan will go through them with you.
- Can singles and couples both come?
- Yes. Singles, couples, friends, and wedding couples are all welcome, and the free first lesson works the same way for everyone.
- What if I am nervous?
- That is completely normal, and you are not alone — almost everyone feels that way before their first lesson. There is no audience and no pressure. The first lesson is just a friendly, low-key way to see how it feels.
- What dance should I start with?
- If you already know what you want to learn, that is where we start. If you do not, Ivan asks where you expect to be dancing, what music you enjoy, and why you want to learn — those answers usually narrow it down. If you are still unsure, he may introduce dances such as Foxtrot, Tango, Rumba, and Waltz to help you find what fits. It is not a fixed order.
- Should I start with private lessons or a group class?
- Everyone is different, but for someone who has never danced Ivan generally suggests starting with a private lesson. It moves at your pace, focuses on exactly what you need, and lets you ask questions as they come up. The Wednesday group class is beginner-friendly too, and you can add it whenever you feel ready.
- How long before I can dance socially?
- Many students feel comfortable trying the Friday practice party after roughly three or four private lessons and a group class or two, although everyone learns at a different pace. The practice party is a place to start using what you are learning, not a test.
- Do I have to compete, or can I learn just for fun?
- Competition is not required. Plenty of people learn for social dancing, for exercise, for a hobby, or simply for something enjoyable to do together. Ivan has students who have kept taking lessons regularly for well over fifteen years because they enjoy it.
- Am I too old to start dancing?
- There is no required age to start. Ivan once taught a woman who began dancing at 87, kept dancing for about five years, and even took part in competition — and what she told him again and again was that she wished she had started earlier. You do not have to feel like "a dancer" before you begin.
The first step
Your free first lesson
- Is the first lesson really free?
- Yes. Your first private lesson is genuinely free — no payment, and no obligation to sign up for anything afterward.
- How long is the free lesson?
- It is a 30-minute private lesson. That is enough time to try a few basics, ask questions, and decide whether it feels right for you.
- What should I wear?
- Just wear comfortable clothes you can move in, and shoes that are comfortable and not too sticky on the floor. You do not need special dance shoes for your first lesson.
- How do I book?
- The easiest way is to book the free lesson online, or call or text us at (727) 304-5904. We will find a time that works for you.
Lessons & classes
Ways to learn at Dance Passion
- What dances do you teach?
- We teach ballroom and Latin social dancing for all levels. Our weekly group class rotates through styles like Salsa, Swing, and Bachata, and private lessons can cover classic ballroom and Latin dances too. Tell us what you would like to learn and we will help you get there.
- Do you offer private lessons?
- Yes. Private lessons are one-on-one (or one couple) with your instructor, so the pace and the dances are tailored to you. Your free first lesson is a private lesson.
- How long is a regular private dance lesson?
- A regular private lesson is 40 minutes. The complimentary first private lesson is a little shorter at 30 minutes, which is enough time to try a few basics and talk about what you want out of dancing.
- What happens during a private dance lesson?
- It depends on the student and what they are working toward. A lesson can include reviewing the last one, new steps, technique, rhythm, leading and following, dancing to music, fixing something that is not working, and reinforcing what you are already doing well. At the end Ivan asks you to write down what you learned in your own notebook, and at the start of the next lesson you read those notes back — then the two of you decide whether to go over something again or move on toward the next goal.
- What if my partner and I have different levels of dance experience?
- It does not mean holding the more experienced partner back. Ivan first looks for the reason the two of you are having difficulty dancing together. From there he can give the more advanced partner something suited to their level, help the less experienced partner with what they need, and work on leading and following so the partnership starts to function as one.
- What is the difference between a private dance lesson and a group class?
- A private lesson is individual: the feedback, the corrections, the pace, and the goals are all yours. In a group class an instructor cannot make everything that personal, and Ivan would rather not single someone out in front of the room for every detail. A group class gives you a shared, social place to learn alongside other people. Private and group lessons can also work well together.
- Do you offer group classes?
- Yes. Group classes are a fun, low-pressure way to learn alongside other people and meet the community.
- When are group classes?
- Our group class is on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM. Schedules can change, so it is best to call or text us before you come for the first time.
Salsa
Learning Salsa at Dance Passion
- What style of Salsa do you teach?
- We primarily teach Salsa On1. For competitive students, or dancers who specifically want that style, Ivan can also teach Salsa On2 / Mambo.
- Can complete beginners learn Salsa?
- Yes. Beginners start with the foundation — hearing and counting the music, shifting weight cleanly, keeping the steps comfortable, finding a good frame, and simple leading and following — before any complicated patterns.
- Do you teach Salsa in private lessons or group classes?
- Both. Private lessons give you individual attention and let you work at your own pace, and Salsa is also part of the rotating Wednesday group class. Check the current schedule to see when Salsa is in the rotation.
Events
Practice parties & events
- When are practice parties?
- Practice parties are on Fridays at 7:45 PM — a relaxed chance to practice and dance socially. As with classes, please check with us before attending in case the schedule has changed.
- Should I call or text before attending an event?
- Yes, please do. Schedules can occasionally change, so a quick call or text to (727) 304-5904 makes sure you do not arrive on a night the time has moved or the studio is closed.
Wedding dance
Wedding first-dance help
- Can you help with a wedding first dance?
- Yes. We help wedding couples feel calm and comfortable for their first dance, whether you want something simple and relaxed or a little more planned. Many couples start with the free lesson to talk it through.
- Can we use our own wedding song?
- Absolutely. Bring the song that means something to you and we will build the dance around it. If you do not have a song yet, we can help you think it through.
- Can you edit our wedding song?
- Yes, we offer song editing support — for example, shortening or cleaning up a track so it is easier to dance to.
- Can you create custom choreography?
- Yes. We can plan custom choreography that fits your song, your comfort level, and the kind of moment you want — never more complicated than you want it to be.
Visit us
Where to find Dance Passion
- Where is the studio?
- Dance Passion is at 6626 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33707. You can call or text us at (727) 304-5904 or email dance@dancepassionfl.com with any questions.
Still have a question?
The best way to get an answer is to ask. Call or text (727) 304-5904, email dance@dancepassionfl.com, or book your free lesson and bring your questions with you.