www.dance-lessons-calgary.com Tel: 403 512 7013 Email: info@acda.ca
Dance Lessons Calgary
 
10 Reasons to DANCE!
Click on one to read more...
1.   Physical fitness
2.   Intellectual stimulation
3.   Social development
4.   Creativity & artistic integrity
5.   Emotional exploration
6.   Self improvement & self empowerment
7.   Acceptance & understanding
8.   Academic advantages
9.   Medical benefits
10.   Reduces stress & tension and a greater
    sense of well-being, FUN!
A few other reasons from our clients
...   To feel comfortable on the Dance Floor
...   Do something together (Date Night)
...   Have a function to attend
Steps Dance... FUN & Simple Steps to FITNESS!
Perhaps the most important benefits to dancing include: stress and tension reliever, an increase in energy, you look and feel better, pride, sense of accomplishment, a better outlook in life, and it’s fun!!! Dance education inspires good work habits and healthy lifestyle choices. Studies show that a structured dance program taught by qualified professionals enhances academic achievement.
 
Where do I start?
What dances can I choose?
Why?
How much does it cost?
Why?
I already know how to dance!
** INTRODUCTORY SPECIAL $40 **
For a Single or a Couple. New clients only
Personal Instruction from Professional Dancers
 
Wedding Dance Lessons
Have you envisioned your First Dance?
 
DJ Services
Have you booked your DJ?
           
   
  Where do I start?
Q. Do I need a partner? Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP

A. No. We have a Professional Male or Female Dance Instructor that you can dance with.

Q. Do I need dance shoes? Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP

A. No. Just clean comfortable shoes. For Ladies, a hard plastic or leather sole is preferable but not necessary. Ladies' turns are easier without too much traction and a rubber sole can cause too much grip.

Q. What dance is right for me? Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP

A. Firstly what music do you like to listen to? This can sometimes help you choose a dance style. For example, if you like Country Music there are 9 dances to choose from, we can advise you which ones to start with. If you like 50's / 60's music, then a Swing Dance would probably suit you. If you like Ballards, then there are Country Dances and Ballroom Dances that you can choose from. If you like the Crooner Style Music, i.e. Michael Buble, Frank Sinatra etc., then a Fox Trot would be a good start. There is a dance suited to all music styles and we can help you pick a dance to start with that will suit your personality, abilities and fit your needs. If you are still not sure, a few to begin with that would be useful in most situations would be a Country Two-Step, Swing (Jive), or Double Shuffle.

Q. Where do I go? Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP

A. We have 2 locations available. Primary is in S.W. Calgary, secondary is in N. Calgary. The S.W. location is a private studio, perfect for beginners, introductory lessons, wedding dance lessons, and stationary dances (that do not require lots of space). The space is dedicated to your lesson only, and you do not have to share music with others (as in a large studio). We find this beneficial especially when you are starting out, so you don't have to worry about people watching or question your abilities. It's just you and your Instructor(s). Usually you will have the advantge of both a Male and a Female Instructor, so not only do you have a suited partner to dance with, you benefit from the visual style and technique perspective of a Male (Leader) or Female (Follower) role.

Q. What now...? Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP

A. Contact us to schedule an Introductory Lesson. For only $40, you receive 50 minutes of personal instruction from Professional Dancers. You can choose which dance(s) you learn and can progress at a pace that is right for you. We look forward to meeting you, helping you achieve your dancing goals and showing you how much fun and opportunity dance can bring!

To contact us please call: 403 512 7013 or email info@acda.ca
  What dance(s) can I choose? Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP

Within the Country, Ballroom, Latin, Salsa & Swing styles there are many dances to choose from. Some dances are categorised under more than one style. To read more about each dance, simply click on one.

Country Ballroom Latin Swing Other
Country Two-Step Ballroom Waltz Rumba American Swing Disco Waltz
Double Shuffle (6 step) Fox Trot Cha Cha East Coast Swing Hustle (Disco)
Polka American Tango American Swing West Coast Swing  
Triple Two-Step Quickstep Samba    
Waltz Viennese Waltz Salsa    
Nightclub (slow dance)   Merengue    
Cha Cha   Bachata    
East Coast Swing        
West Coast Swing        
Country Two-Step To view a video of the basic step to this dance (click here) Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP
Your classic Country dance. The proper way of Two-Stepping is unlike what you might see at the local bars. This dance feels like walking, it is not a smooth or rhythm style dance. It travels around the floor in a counter-clockwise direction even while the lady is turning. Basic count is quick, quick, slow, slow. (1, 2, 3, 5).
Double Shuffle To view a video of the basic step to this dance (click here) Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP
This dance follows along the same lines as Two-Step, as you can use many of the same dance patterns. This dance though has a triple step instead of the slow, slow count. It's a great alternative for live band music where dancing a Two-Step would be too slow. The basic count is 1 & 2, 3 & 4, 5, 6 (triple step, triple step, walk, walk).
Polka To view a video of the basic step to this dance (click here) Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP

This is the fastest / liveliest dance of all the Country Dances. It's Country style differs from the German sytle Polka that some people may be familiar with. It has a lilt and rise but keeps grounded without skipping up off the floor. Make sure you have some room on the dance floor as you could be lapping pretty quick! The basic count is 1 & 2, 3 & 4.

Triple Two-Step To view a video of the basic step to this dance (click here) Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP

This is a romantc dance. It would be like walking hand in hand through a park with your loved-one. It is used in Country competitions and it's technique is more complex than Double Shuffle. It flows arond the floor with a graceful sway. The basic count is 1, 2, 3 & 4, 5 & 6.

Ballroom Waltz To view a video of the basic step to this dance (click here) Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP

Waltz is an elegant dance whether Country or Ballroom. The American style is danced with many open partner positions rather than all in a closed dance frame like the International style. This is a smooth dance and has rise and fall when done properly. The basic count is 1, 2, 3, but is danced 3, 1, 2 for a smooth flow. The music for Waltz is different to other dances as it is in 3/4 timing rather than the standard 4/4 timing.

Nightclub (slow dance) To view a video of the basic step to this dance (click here) Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP

This is another romantic dance. This dance embraces the two of you as if no-body else were around. Inspired by the basic stand and sway with each other on the floor dance; this dance has evolved in to a beautiful slow dance that can be danced to many ballards. The basic count is 1, 2 & 3, 4 &

Cha Cha To view a video of the basic step to this dance (click here) Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP

This dance is all about passion and being flirtatious. It is a rhythm, latin style dance and is danced at a slightly slower tempo within the Country style. It can be known within the country circuit as a Country Cha Cha and though it's style of dance also suits latin, it can be danced to many Top 40 hit songs. Both have Cuban motion. Basic count is 1, 2, 3, 4 &.

East Coast Swing To view a video of the basic step to this dance (click here) Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP

A lively dance from the Swing/Jive family. East Coast Swing is the Country style of Swing/Jive. It is danced at a slightly slower tempo than Jive or American Swing. A fun dance that would suit a lot of music played at most funtions you may attend. The basic count is 1 & 2, 3 & 4, 5, 6.

West Coast Swing To view a video of the basic step to this dance (click here) Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP

This dance will get you hooked! Not an easy dance to start with, but this dance is very versitile and works with pretty much any music style out there, It originates from Blues music but is now danced to Pop / Rock / Ballards and many more types of music. There is a big communtiy of dancers that just focus on West Coast Swing. It differs because, unlike most dances where the male and female steps mirror each other, in this dance most steps do not. The basic count is 1, 2, 3 & 4, 5 & 6.

Fox Trot To view a video of the basic step to this dance (click here) Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP

A slow dance and relevant music could be your Crooner type songs, like Frank Sinatra, or newer, Micheal Buble. The basics of this dance makes it one of the easier dances to start with. Done properly it has rise and fall and a graceful flow. The basic count is slow, slow, quick, quick. (1, 3, 5, 6)

Tango To view a video of the basic step to this dance (click here) Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP

This dance has a lot of feeling. Like a couple in love but that has had an arguement. It has sharp moves but within that has a powerful flow around the floor. Classic American / International style Tango also suits some of the modern music that is played. The basic count is slow, slow, quick, quick, slow (1, 3, 5, 6, 7.)

Viennese Waltz To view a video of the basic step to this dance (click here) Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP
A faster Waltz. Known in some format as Old-Time Waltz. The technique to keep this dance smooth and graceful as it turns so quickly around the floor is the thing to master. It can be adapted to a more simpler stlye when a Waltz is necessary but the music is faster than your standard slow Waltz. The basic count is 1, 2, 3.
Quickstep Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP
With striding steps, this dance moves around the floor quickly. The technique to keep this dance smooth and graceful but lively is the thing to master. Not a beginner dance but a joy to watch and experience when done correctly. The basic count is slow, quick, quick, slow (1, 3, 4, 5.)
Rumba To view a video of the basic step to this dance (click here) Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP
American style Rumba is dance at a slightly faster tempo than International style Rumba. Done correctly this dance will have a slow cuban motion. Known for it's sexy Rumba walks this dance is a slow romantic dance. The basic count is slow, quick, quick, slow (1, 3, 4, 5.)
American Swing To view a video of the basic step to this dance (click here) Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP
This is danced at a slightly slower tempo than International style Jive but a little faster than East Coast Swing (Country). It has the emphasis on the 2 rather than 1 with the step on 2 being a slight side step rather than on the spot. A popular dance for social events to 50's, 60's, 70's music. The basic count is 1 & 2, 3 & 4, 5, 6.
Samba To view a video of the basic step to this dance (click here) Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP
An upbeat dance with a unique tempo. This dance has cuban motion. This dance has a sharp but fluid style which is fun and lively. The emphasis being on the later part of the beat making the basic count 1, a, 2, 3, a 4.
Salsa To view a video of the basic step to this dance (click here) Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP
We teach LA style Salsa which is on the 1 count. Salsa can also be danced on 2 which is the same format just starts on a different count. A dance with lots of spinning for the lady. This dance has cuban motion and the music is usually quite fast, so steps are small with lots of body isolation to ribs and hips. The basic count is 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7.
Merengue To view a video of the basic step to this dance (click here) Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP
This is the simplest dance of all! This dance has cuban motion. It's patterns can be more complex but as the step count is consistent and simple the patterns are easier to comprehend. The basic count is 1, 2.
Bachata Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP
Another Latin Style Dance. With some cuban motion between the couple as they dance close together (but not necessary) and a hip bump to the side after each set. The basic count is 1, 2, 3, hip bump on 4.
Disco Waltz To view a video of the basic step to this dance (click here) Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP
This dance was created for wedding couples as a simple dance style for their First Dance. It suits most Ballards. With simple step patterns and some slow turns it's a perfect alternative to the "High School" sway. The basic count is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Hustle To view a video of the basic step to this dance (click here) Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP
70's inspired dance style. Normally danced to Disco Music. The basic count is &,1, 2, 3.
Q. What now...? Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP

A. Contact us to schedule an Introductory Lesson. For only $40, you receive 50 minutes of personal instruction from Professional Dancers. You can choose which dance(s) you learn and can progress at a pace that is right for you. We look forward to meeting you, helping you achieve your dancing goals and showing you how much fun and opportunity dance can bring!

To contact us please call: 403 512 7013 or email info@acda.ca
  How much does it cost? Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP
Private Dance Lessons - 50 minute lessons with personal instruction from Professional Dancers.
Option #1. For a Single or a Couple INTRODUCTORY SPECIAL $40 (New Clients only)
Option #2. For a Single or a Couple Lessons purchased individually $80
Option #3. For a Single or a Couple Discount Package 1: 5 Pack $325
Option #4. For a Single or a Couple Discount Package 2: 10 Pack $600
Option #5. For a Single or a Couple Discount Package 3: 20 Pack $1100
Purchase Selection
For Wedding Dance Lesson Pricing Click Here...
You may choose which dance(s) you learn. Discount packages do not expire. Perfect gift idea! (Purchase a Gift Certificate).
  I already know how to dance! Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP
That's great to hear. You are an invaluable asset for any occasion and there's always time for a dance!
But... Did you know that there are over 20 dances within the Country, Ballroom, Latin, Salsa and Swing styles? Having knowledge of more than one dance or style will provide you with more options within different music, social events and people that you may encounter. To view a list of Dances to choose from, click here.

 

A few reasons to review or extend your dance skills:
  To become a better Leader or Follower.
 
  • Ability to execute steps and patterns with ease and enjoy asking anyone to dance.
  Perfect your technique.
 
  • Each dance has it's own characteristics and techniques that make them their own. Enhance the look and feel of your dance.
  Correct any bad habits.
 
  • We all fall in to bad habits, knowing a few techniques makes your dance look, feel and partner together with a world of difference.
  Learn some new steps/patterns for the dance(s) you already know.
 
  • You maybe limited to the same few steps and would like to extend your knowledge.
  Learn another dance within the style you already know.
 
  • You don't have to do the same Country/Ballroom/Latin/Salsa/Swing dance to every song? Switch it up!
  Learn another dance in a new style you haven't tried.
 
  • Try a different genre of dance. With so many music styles and choices, you have the world at your feet!
  Ever thought about competing?
 
  • There are competitions for any age and any level. It's fun to challenge yourself and if you like the limelight, it's your chance to shine!
 
  10 Reasons to Dance! In more detail... Back to DANCE LIST Back to TOP

Dance is great exercise while it is also an art form and aesthetic expression of mind and body. Learning, knowledge and experience are the three dimensions of dance that engage you to move, think and feel. Dance education enriches physical, mental and emotional development with no discrimination in age, size or gender, so get moving today!

1. Physical Fitness Back to Reasons to DANCE

Physical benefits from participating in a dance class at any age include physical fitness, muscle control, coordination, kinesthetic awareness, cardiovascular conditioning, flexibility, strength, endurance, stamina, grace, poise, posture, alignment, and balance. Dance classes offer an exciting opportunity to get active, learn something new, and have fun.

2. Intellectual Stimulation Back to Reasons to DANCE

Dancing in a structured dance class environment fosters the following: calculation and planning; sequential learning; patterns; spatial development; increased motivation to learn, achieve and reach milestones; mental flexibility and mastery; problem solving skills; holistic thinking (right and left brain inclusion); improved academic performance; and memory.

3. Social Development Back to Reasons to DANCE

Participating in dance classes and performances allows individuals to work with others which will prepare them for future relationships, both personal and professional. Social fundamentals enhanced in dance classes include team exploration; communication; camaraderie; cooperation; responsibility; tolerance; respect for peers, teachers, mentors and elders; problem solving; and patience.

4. Creativity and Artistic Integrity Back to Reasons to DANCE

Dance classes and opportunities to perform provide an outlet of expression for everyone. Creativity is just as important as academic performance for inventions, medical breakthroughs, and technological advances in society. Dancers often improvise and create their own choreography which nurtures aesthetic awareness; musicality; creative expression; imagination; innovation; rhythmic expression; music appreciation; visual arts appreciation; and artistry.

5. Emotional Exploration Back to Reasons to DANCE

Self-respect, joy and excitement are the most profound emotional benefits of dancing.

6. Self-Improvement & Self-Empowerment Back to Reasons to DANCE

Dancing can be a group effort but at the same time, individual exploration is paramount as everyone progresses at different rates. Dancers flourish with regard to focus, concentration, determination, perseverance, persistence, self-discipline, strong work ethic, sense of accomplishment, self-esteem and confidence. Likewise dancing cultivates self-awareness, listening skills, accuracy, open- mindedness, time management skills, reasoning skills, and problem solving skills.

7. Acceptance and Understanding Back to Reasons to DANCE

When studying with a qualified instructor, dance education also includes dance history as well as exploration of other cultures and styles of dancing. This fosters acceptance and understanding of others which will be useful in future relationships both personally and professionally.

8. Academic Advantages Back to Reasons to DANCE

Academically, dancers have distinct advantages regarding learning a foreign language since ballet terminology is in French. Dancers also have a better understanding of English grammar and composition because composing and creating a dance is much like writing an essay with a beginning, middle, end, punctuation and transitions. Most importantly, dancers work holistically using the right and left brain. The right brain dictates creativity, intuition, and a look at the whole, whereas the left brain is the logical, sequential and analytical side. In creating movement phrases, both sides work in conjunction with each other which is a more comprehensive approach than traditional schooling.

9. Medical Benefits Back to Reasons to DANCE

Dancers reap many health benefits including strong bones, lubricated joints, a decrease in blood pressure, lower cholesterol, better weight management, improved muscle tones, and a reduced risk of heart disease.

10. Reduce Stress & Tension, Greater Sense of Well-Being, FUN Back to Reasons to DANCE Back to TOP

Perhaps the most important benefits to dancing include: stress and tension reliever, an increase in energy, you look and feel better, pride, sense of accomplishment, a better outlook in life, and it’s fun!!! Dance education inspires good work habits and healthy lifestyle choices. Studies show that a structured dance program taught by qualified professionals enhances academic achievement.

Getting Married?
 
Registering ahead of time for a Wedding Dance Lesson will help you decide on which dance you will learn and perform to your chosen song on your special day. Whether you select an upbeat or slow romantic song, we will help you every step of the way to ensure you dance with confidence and enjoy every minute of your First Dance. You may book lessons as you need them or select one of the wedding packages that we offer.
** INTRODUCTORY SPECIAL $40 **
The best way to start is to schedule an Introductory Lesson to assess how to proceed towards the vision of your "First Dance".
We will cover important features like:
What type of dance best suits your song choice and ability
How long your song plays (we can even edit your music for you!)
The size of your dance floor
Whether your MC or your DJ is to introduce you
Where your guests will be seated (how the room is set-up)
Other dances for the wedding such as Father and Bride, Mother and groom. Perhaps another dance for the Bride & Groom
  Discount Packages:
  Forget Me Not (5 Wedding Dance Lesson Package) $300
bells

Even with little time to spare, in just a couple of lessons, you will learn a few steps and feel more confident with your first dance. Cherish this special moment before it passes you by.

  Just the Two of Us (10 Wedding Dance Lesson Package) $550
bells

Embrace your moment together as you dance to your special song and impress your guests. With a little knowledge, there's less to worry about and you'll enjoy a fabulous first dance together.

  Treasure Forever (15 Wedding Dance Lesson Package) $750
bells
Your first dance together as a married couple deserves just as much planning as the rest of your special day. Make your wedding dance lessons a date night and enjoy your dancing experience together. Wow your guests with a dance choreographed to your carefully selected song, and capture yourselves dancing together for the first time in a moment to treasure forever.
Purchase Options
Testimonials
Thank you very much for the lessons. We nailed it! We had so much fun doing the dance and we had lots of fun preparing for the dance. Will & Farrah 2015
 
Dale & Amanda, Thanks for the dance lessons. The effort was awesome on your part, we may need some work! Also for the DJ Services, the music was great! Love The Harris's Nov 2014
 
Dear Dale & Amanda, Thank you so much for the awesome job you did DJing our dance. The volume and everything was perfect, and it was really nice of you to instruct some of the Line Dances! Jaap & Lesley 2014
 
Thanks so much for being the DJ at our wedding. We were really happy to have you there bringing everyone out on the dance floor. Davin & Audrey 2014
 
"Thanks Guys! The whole day was amazing. We had a fantstic time and the weather looked after us. Thanks for all of your help and advice, it was worth every penny!"
Sam & Jess - Australia 2012
       
"HUGE thank you to Amanda and Dale for making our wedding day complete. Without their patient guidance and great humor we might not have enjoyed our first dance together. Thanks to them we shocked our guests! They are very talented dancers and great instructors - they made learning fun & easy! Highly recommended!!"
Maureen & Dave - Calgary 2012
 
“We contacted Dale 5 days before our wedding in a desperate plea to help us with our first dance. ACDA Dance Studio was able to accommodate our last minute request, and we were able to get in a couple of classes before our big day. Amanda and Dale were fantastic to work with, and were able to teach us the dance skills to get us through our first dance. The pictures that were captured and our new found ability to move around the dance floor made it well worth it!!! Thank you for all your hard work and helping us out last minute, very much appreciated!
Stacey & Jordin LeBlanc, Yellowknife, NT 2011
       
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DJ Services & Pricing
Professional Disc Jockey Services. We carry a full assortment of music, sound equipment and lighting that can service nearly any type of event including dance shows, weddings, parties, promotions, corporate events and private functions.
DJ Over 25 years experience
DJ Professional Equipment
DJ Commercial DJ Lighting
DJ We do not "Sub Out" our DJ bookings to other people
DJ Our rates are for up to 9 hours!
Full DJ Services
WITHOUT LIGHTS $600 WITH LIGHTS $800
 
** With the purchase of a Wedding Dance Lesson Package
** Discounted WITHOUT LIGHTS to $500 ** Discounted WITH LIGHTS to $700
Click here to view Wedding Dance Packages
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Lessons
 
Private Dance Lessons
Private lessons provide personal instruction from Professional Dancers, therefore you will progress at your own speed and ability. Prices are for singles or couples. If you do not have a dance partner we have both male and female instructors that you can dance with. As a single, dancing with a Professional has many benefits, because the apporpriate lead or follow will be executed within the partnership, therefore corrections can be made directly to the partnering male or female. Perfecting your own skills and technique as a leader or follower will ultimately create better connection and versitility within a dance partnership. As a couple you will learn the fundementals, finding the right balance as you progress together creating a dance connection. You will be able to execute steps and patterns that you learn more effectively through the lead and follow skills that you acquire. There's a well-known saying... 'It takes two to Tango'. Dancing is a partnership and the two parts consist of a leader and a follower. Each part is equally important and an invaluable skill.
How much does it cost? What Dances can I choose? Where do I go? Wedding Dance Lessons Email Us
Group Dance Lessons
Group classes usually run through the fall and winter when most people are available and looking for something to do in a social and economic environment. Group classes are preset courses over 5 weeks (one lesson per week) learning one dance. After 5 lessons you would gain the basic understanding of a dance, feel comfortable leading or following and be able to execute a few basic patterns. Group classes are priced at $50 per person for the 5 week course. Group classes are available in Okotoks and details of each course scheduled will be listed on the website.
To be notified of upcoming courses, email us.
Private Group Dance Lessons
 
Do you...?
Have a group of family and/or friends that want to learn to dance?
Manage Community Programs and want to create a social and fun activity?
 
Are you ...?
Planning an event or function?
Having a corporate event or private party?
 
WE CAN HELP! Whether it is....
A one-time Group Lesson.
A 5 week (once a week) Group Course
You bring the people, provide the facility and we'll make it happen!
For Private Group Dance Lesson rates and to discuss options to meet your requirements.
Email us (info@acda.ca) or telephone 403 512 7013
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