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FEQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What should I wear

Whatever you are comfortable in.  Sweats, Slacks, Jeans, Sneakers or Heels.

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The only 2 things not to wear are shoes that fall off your feet and skirts without covering underwear. 

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PLEASE NOTE: DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS IT CAN GET HOT.  DRESS ACCORDINGLY. 

what to wear

WHAT TO BRING

Three simple things:

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  • YOURSELF

  • PAYMENT FORM

  • BOTTLE OF WATER 

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Till the end of 2021:  A FACE MASK

BRING WITH

PARKING

 Depends on the Location:

  • Hollywood Dance Center: STREET PARKING. It is there and it is free, but you should come 10-15 minutes early just to look for parking. 

  • Hollywood Gym Location:  Parking Lot, but sometimes is full.  Street Parking available 

parking

EXPIENCE needed

No experience is needed for Beginners. 

 

For less than a year experience or completely NEW make sure you only attend the Beginners Salsa classes, Bachata classes or book Private Lessons. 

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Intermediate, Int/Adv & the Workshops REQUIRE EXPERIENCE. 

experience

partners

No partner needed.  
 
GROUP CLASSES: Danella keeps every class on a rotation system.  Even if you come with a specific partner, Danella suggest you rotate with everyone to speed up your learning process. 
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PRIVATE LESSONS:  Danella can lead and follow, do not feel obligated to bring someone. 
partner

Forms of payment

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  • CASH

  • CREDIT CARD via SQUARE

  • ZELLE

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VENMO IS NO LONGER ACCEPTED

PAYMENTS

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE ME TO LEARN

This is a trick question.  How long did it take you to ride a bike and learn to walk? Everyone's answer is different. Danella cannot put a timeline on learning to dance. Your process will depend on past experiences, how quick you learn and how much you practice.  
 
Danella will be there every step of the way pushing you to become independent of her guidance and help you set goals along the way.
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TO LEARN THE FASTEST:  ONE MUST TAKE PRIVATES, GROUP CLASSES, GO OUT AND PRACTICE AND PRACTICE IN BETWEEN LESSONS. 
HW LONG

STOP READING AND GO OUT NOW!

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Hopefully not long, no matter what level you are at, Danella encourages her students to go out and dance as soon as possible.  Danella will give you tools you need to go out dancing from day on. 

How long before I should go out

go out

WHO DO I PAY

DANELLA DUTTON HERSELF. 
who to pay

There are two things to take into factor:

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  1. TIME

  2. MONEY

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Just like most other things in life the more you do it the easier it becomes and the faster you learn.

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Everyone should do it a little bit each day.  This does not always mean private lessons.  You should cross train your learning as well.  

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SUGGESTIONS:  

  • 1 to 2 private lessons a week 

  • 2 group classes a week on different days

  • Go out and dance once a week

  • Practice 10 to 15 mins daily

  • Learn more than one dance at a time

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I ALREADY DANCE AND WANT TO TRAIN:   MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP PROGRAMS 

How many lessons should i take

# of lesson/week

good 

workout

 Yes!  
 
Dance is an excellent way to exercise. You are using your whole body and engaging your core the whole time.
 
Sweat while doing something fun!
exercise

Maybe, but not really.   

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Private Lessons are Private.  Danella will be the only persona watching you learn.  However, sometimes other teachers and their students are learning at the same time in the ballroom. Booking out the whole room is an additional cost.

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In group classes there may be between 15-40 people, but everyone is focused on learning and paying attentions to what they need to do to accomplish class.  Danella encourages a positive learning environment.  I will also be recording the Zoom lesson for live online students, so just step out of frame if this seems intimidating. 

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DO NOT LET THIS HOLD YOU BACK FROM ATTENDING GROUP CLASSES

Will I be Watched

BEING WATCHED
DROP BY

CAN WE DROP BY

Nope.

Danella teaches independently.  She does not work for the studios so she is not there during business hours. 

PLEASE EMAIL TO SET UP A PHONE CALL OR AN IN PERSON CONSULT.  $45 FOR A 30 MIN IN PERSON CONSULT.  (THIS TAKES AWAY FROM TEACHING TIME SO SHE MUST CHARGE).   

Classes are full of all types and ages.  Danella does not discriminate to any.  The average age of her students are about 38, with the range being from 18-65.

 

Children under the age of 18 are allowed to attend class with parents permission/attendance.  Parents, Danella does ask that your children are really there to learn and will not be a distraction. Also note they will be dancing with the adults in class & Danella is not always PG-13 with her vocab.

AVG AGE

avg age

Video taping

GROUP CLASSES:  GO FOR IT! Social Media Only. Just make sure to tag me and give me credit.  @DanellaDuttonDance
 
Danella post videos for you online. Please feel free to video yourself doing it, as long as it is not a distraction to class.
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PRIVATE LESSONS:  YES please do for learning purposes.  Please do not post these online.  We can do a social media post separate if that is how you want to spend your time. 
video

Of course she can.  Just ask her students. 

 

Danella can lead better than most men on the dance floor.  So if you would like a woman's perspective on learning to lead, she's your girl.  

 

This also means, ladies, she can teach you in classes by leading as well.  

Can you lead

Man's part

styles

SALSA CLUBS

Salsa (Traditional/On-1/On-2)

Merengue

Bachata

Cha-Cha 

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No specific style

Body Mechanics

Grooves

Wedding Dances 

Basic Partnering - Merengue and Swing Influences 

Basic music timing (Basic Top 40's Club Movements)

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AMERICAN BALLROOM/SOCIAL DANCING/COMPETITIVE

Cha-Cha

Mambo 

Rumba 

East Coast Swing

Bolero

Waltz

Foxtrot

Tango

V.  Waltz

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INTERNATIONAL BALLROOM/COMPETITIVE

Cha-Cha

Rumba

Jive

Samba

Waltz

Foxtrot

Tango 

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SWING SOCIAL 

West Coast Swing (Beg to Int Levels)

Single time swing (Shag/Jitterbug)

Hustle

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COUNTRY 

2-Step

Waltz

Swing

Styles

Connection

con·nec·tion noun \kÉ™-ˈnek-shÉ™n\

 

: Something that joins or connects two or more things

: The act of connecting two or more things or the state of being connected

: A situation in which two or more things have the same cause, origin, goal, etc.

 

Take it literally, connection with partner dancing can make or break a dance.  So many forget to teach how to connect with the person or music, yet it is the most important element.  Your goal is to be able to feel every move the other person is making.  Danella wants to ingrain this idea into your head so you will actually dance one day and not just do steps or a pattern on the floor next to someone.  This is one of the elements which sets Danella's teaching apart from others.  

Connection
It all just depends after a series of extensive questions, a relationships has been formed and this will all be up to the discretion of Danella.

TRAVEL FEE:  $15 within a 10 minute drive from the studio (Hollywood Dance Center).  Additional $1.40/minute of travel time beyond that.

PRIVATE LESSONS
Not on the first private lesson
Your location will always be shared with a friend of hers 

PRIVATE EVENT GROUPS
Your locations will always be shared with a friend of hers
This is for her safety. 

CELEBRITY CLIENTS -  MUST HAVE PROOF IT'S YOU .  YOUR LOCATION WILL NOT BE SHARED, SHE WILL NOT POST SHE IS TEACHING YOU OR GIVE OUT THIS INFORMATION AND SHE WILL COME OUT ON THE FIRST LESSON. 

HOUSE CALLS

House calls

There are many different styles of dancing Salsa.  If you hear someone saying On-1 or On-2 this is a question as to what beat of music you dance on.  

 

In private lessons Danella can cover either.  Neither style is right or wrong it is just a preference.  On-1 has one dancing to the Melody or downbeat and On-2 has one dancing to the Instruments, Timing (Clave).

 

In her group lessons, she teaches On-1.  However she is trained On-2 and takes a lot of their principles and her Caribbean (traditional or circular) influence is mixed into her teaching style. 

 

Danella can also teach you how to dance more traditional in the event you are visiting the Caribbean or just want the movement and knowledge.  Below is some advice from Danella: 

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NY Style (On2) - SLOT DANCE STYLE

The On2 means you break (step) fwd/back on the 2nd beat.  This style still has you dance to the down beat so you will learn where the "1, 2, 3" is in the music. This style has you picking your foot up on the slow beat.  Because the music is a little harder to understand with the steps we spend a lot more time covering the music/rhythm.  This also makes class go a little slower, but we spend a ton of time on moving to the music! If your personality style has the patience for this, people who learn On2 first typically become stronger/better dancers.  This is due to the fact that right out the gate we are forcing you to go through the "struggle" of understanding exactly where your body is supposed to be on which beats of music.  Smaller Classes = more details.

 

LA Style (On1) - SLOT DANCE STYLE

The On1 means you break (step) fwd/back on the 1st beat.  This style also has you dance to the down beat so you will learn where the "1,2,3" are as well.  This style has you stepping down on the slow beat.  For some reason stepping out (fwd/back) on the 1 (the down beat) is easier for people to comprehend so these classes feel like they move at a faster pace.  It stays exciting and we keep moving.  This really puts the practice in the hands of the students and they must do work outside of classes.  If not, you will be doing it, but not necessarily learning or comprehending.  This usually causes people to excel to the Intermediate classes faster, but then realize they need to spend more time on beginners techniques.  Retention is the goal in both styles so when you go out social dancing it feels fun and not stressful (that's going to happen no matter what).  Larger Classes = more trial and error.

 

If you really want to learn and know you do, pick On2 (NY Style) if you just want a life distraction and fun pick On1 (LA Style).  At the end of the day, the moves are the same.  I teach the feel of the styles the same, it's just really where you step on what beats that are different. 

 

CUBAN On2 - CIRCULAR DANCE STYLE

Cuban On2 is just a Nickname now given to the original way to dance On2.  This is just to differentiate between this and New York Style.  You will be dancing to the up beat so moving to the 2, 3, 4 and the 6, 7, 8.  This allows for more body movement and is more traditional.  You will be moving more circular with this style and not forward and back. It feels like On1 dancing where the slow is a down movement.  

 

It is more traditional and follows the Tumbao (Conga Rhythm) in Latin Music more than any other style.  The Conga Rhythm is the Gun (4 beat), Gun (& beat), Hold on 1, and the Slap on 2 of the Conga.  This is the Congas sounding like the Cha Cha Cha in the music.   I do workshops on this style. 

ON-1 v
on-2 v CUBAN

On-1 on-2

NEXT LEVEL

If you are in the beginners level classes Danella recommends a good 3 months of lessons before moving to intermediate level classes.  You must know comfortably:

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All 3 Basics

Staying on beat (lead and follow)

Right and Left Turns

Cross Body Lead

Inside Turn

Outside Turn

Spot Turn

Copa

Rev Cross Body Lead

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If you are in the intermediate level class Danella recommends an additional 6 month to a year before moving to int/adv.  You should comfortably be able to:

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ALL THE BEGINNER ELEMENTS PLUS:

Leading/Following should be very proficient in a Social Dance setting

Remember the whole pattern and executing it

Lead and Follow Double Turns and Spins

Do a Basic in place with a partner and have all the elements of Salsa

Rev Cross Body Lead Inside and Outside Turns

Transitions between movement should be smooth

Preps should make sense

Frame should be worked out

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OF COURSE THESE ARE ONLY SUGGESTIONS YOU CAN ALWAYS PAY AND TAKE MULTIPLE LEVELS.

LEVEL QUESTIONS

SPOTIFY PLAYLIST - Just for you guys! 

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SALSA/BACHATA MIX

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Beginners Salsa

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Intermediate Salsa

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Bachata

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Songs all Salserx should know

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On-2

music

music

Cover in privates

This really depends on your goals and where you are at in your dancing. 

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Usually advancing ones level comes down to advancing your basics.  As much as complicated moves seem like something new they are just a variation of some basic movement.  So no matter what style of dancing you are learning in your private coaching sessions Danella will teach you the following:

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Basic body movements and drills to practice

Music

Patterns

Whats needed to really lead and follow

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Danella will do this through repetition, patterns and dancing.  She will also cover the techniques needed to do all of this.  

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Danella will also work with you until she finds a way you comprehend what she is trying to get across to you.  

private lessons

when do i start groups

All of the group classes until further notice are Monthly Series. The start of each month (depending on Holidays) starts the new series.  Some series are 4 weeks and some are 3 week. Make sure to email her if you have any questions. 

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CALENDAR CLICK HERE 

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SIGN UP HERE

Start groups

How to set up a private

There are 2 ways to do this.  

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Pre-Purachse:  

  1. Buy your package HERE

  2. EMAIL DANELLA -  Letting her know if days, nights, weekends or, week days are best. 

  3. She will respond with a few options which fit into that weeks schedule. 

  4. Once confirmed with a studio she will send you a confirmation email.

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Paying Cash: â€‹

  1. EMAIL DANELLA - Let he know you are interested in private lessons and want to pay cash.

  2. She will respond with a few options which fit into that weeks schedule and she will send a CC Authorization Form to you to hold the lesson. This is for her strict 24 hour cancellation policy. 

  3. Once confirmed with a studio and CC Authorization Form is filled out, she will send you a confirmation email. 

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YOU ARE ALL SET

set up

where to practice

Everywhere!  

 

At home, in the bathroom at work, in class, with a partner or alone, or out on a dance floor.  Some practice is better than none. Even if you are alone. Dance is muscle memory, like sports.  The more you do it, the easier it becomes.  

 

Now I know you probably meant, where do I go out dancing?

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SEE PLACES TO DANCE

Practice
Schedule

SAME SEX FRIENDLY

ABSOLUTLY!!! 

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No matter you sexual preference Danella encourages students to learn the opposite half to better your learning.  You will often walk into a class with guys following and ladies leading.

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Also some of her more advanced students will help balance the numbers by doing so.  Also it's kinda fun.

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same sex

am i int.

Oh Please Don't! LOL 

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Danella's Beginners Classes are set up to get you ready for HER Int. Levels.  Teachers around the world have different structured group classes.  For your own learning and advancement, Danella suggest taking HER beginners level to start.

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Another way to check what Danella considers basic/beginners:  

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  1. Mambo Basic (On-1 or LA style)

  2. Cuban Basic

  3. Mans and Woman's Right Turn

  4. Hesitation Left Turn

  5. Cross Body Lead

  6. Rev Cross Body Lead

  7. Inside Turn

  8. Outside Turn

  9. Spot Turn

  10. Copa

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If 1 of these basics sound like a foreign language HER beginners level is where you should start.  Most importantly:  timing and preps should be making scene before you try to add complicated moves to the mix.  Perfecting your basics is the key to becoming advanced.

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If 9 of the 10 you know, HER int is where you should begin. 

Int questions

Cancellation

policy 

STRICK 24 HOUR CANCELLATION POLICY.  

 

PRIVATE LESSONS

As long as you give Danella a 24 hour notice it does not matter.  This allows Danella time to try to book the slot you were in.  Remember you may have booked a prime time slot and someone else was told it was already taken.  

 

Cancelling within 24 hours cost Danella double the money & she still has to pay the studio rental space.  Doing so will result in:

  • A lesson lost on your pre-paid package or her charging your card on file.  The full rate. 

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You agreed to this in your first confirmation email with all of the details.  

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GROUP CLASSES - UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.  

24 hour policy as well. 

All Pre-registration classes will be holding a slot of the limited capacity class, this means if you don't show up you will still be charged for the whole month.  Danella will gladly email you the videos for the classes though. 

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PRIVATE GROUPS or EVENTS

Cancelling within the 72 hour period will result in the loss of your deposit and up to 50% charge of the total cost. 

Cancelling

SALSA

CLUBS

Forever changing but here are some basic places to try out:

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SUNDAY:

  • THE PROMENADE: 3rd St Promenade & Wilshire Blvd
    Santa Monica, CA 90407 - FREE (Great for Beginners)
     

MONDAY:

  • EL FLORIDITAS: 1253 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90038 -  $10 Cover

  • EL PATRON:  888 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles 90017 - $11

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TUESDAY:​

  • RHYTHM & FUEGO LATIN NIGHTS: EVERY THIRD TUESDAY. @ The Virgil 4519 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles 90029 Hosted by Danella Dutton & Rhythm City Promotions

  • LA DESCARGA - 1159 N. Western Ave Los Angeles, CA 90029 (Great for Beginners)

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WEDNESDAY: 

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THURSDAY: 

  • RAIN BAR & LOUNGE: 12215 Ventura Blvd #211, Studio City, CA 91604 (Great for Beginners

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FRIDAY:

  • THE WAREHOUSE: 4499 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 - Cover

  • EL FLORIDITAS: 1253 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90038 -  $10 Cover (Great for Beginners)

  • 18 Social: Hotel Indigo 899 Francisco Street, Los Angeles 90017
     

SATURDAY:​

SATURDAY EVENTS

  • SALSA FUEGO:  Coming soon. 

  • BLEN BLEN: 2nd Saturday -- SoHo Dance 1618 Cotner Ave, Los Angeles CA 90025

  • MAMBO OUTLET:  3rd Saturday -- By Your Side Dance Studio -- 12613 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066 - $15 Cover, Dance Shoes Only. Specific Weekends ONLY

  • UNIFIED ON2:  4th Saturday -- 

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IF DANELLA FORGOT AN EVENT EMAIL HER!

clubs
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