FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When and where are the lessons? Almost every Saturday September through June from 3:30-5:30pm at CSPS, 1103 3rd Street SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. If you have questions, call Gloria at (319) 365-9611 or email Baile.Latino at email@bailelatino.org . What and where is CSPS? CSPS is a restored landmark building on the edge of downtown Cedar Rapids which houses Legion Arts, an award-winning Cedar Rapids nonprofit presents cutting edge art, music, theatre, film and other events at a variety of venues; supports young artists, experimental art forms and new ideas; and works to involve artists and the arts in the processes of community development and neighborhood building. Legion Arts | CSPS 1103 Third St SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 Open 11:00am -6:00pm; Weds-Sun (319) 364-1580 http://www.legionarts.org Could you give me directions to CSPS? For a map and written directions to CSPS, go to: www.legionarts.org/legion/directions.htm Do I have to sign up for lessons? It is not necessary to sign up for lessons. However, if you are a beginner it is important that you come promptly at 3:30pm, when the basic step is introduced. What if I don’t have a partner? It is not necessary to have a partner for lessons because we rotate partners throughout the lesson, so you will be dancing with many different partners. We believe that you will be a stronger dancer if you dance with many different people. Changing partners also helps to create community within our organization. As for practicing, we will teach you many things you can practice on your own, which will help you be a better dancer with a partner. What should I wear to the lessons? Dress in casual comfortable clothes. You will get warm as you dance, so you might want to dress in layers, which you can shed as you get warmer. Shoes with smooth soles are preferable to be able to pivot, but it is not necessary to buy new shoes for the lessons. You can wear what you have or even wear socks (they can be a bit slippery) until you get addicted and then you will probably want to have smooth sole shoes. What kind of shoes should I have for dancing? In larger cities or on the Internet, you can purchase shoes with flexible suede soles made especially for dancing. They will cost about $70 and up. For many occasions we recommend buying inexpensive shoes; test them by pivoting on a wood or tile floor. The suede soles are great on a good dance floor, but as often as not, you will be dancing in a bar where the floors are not clean and they will ruin really good shoes. What should I wear to go out dancing? Other than deodorant and mouthwash, which are not optional, this is really your call. Men generally wear long pants and a nice sport shirt or dress shirt. Ladies wear range from jeans with a tank top to glittery dresses. After you go a few times you will get a feel for what you will feel comfortable wearing. How do I find good music to listen and practice to at home? You can check out the featured artist on the 'Music' page of this website.