F.A.Q.
Forrest Outman is based out of the Tampa Bay, Florida area.
For your convience, he teaches at locations in Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg.
He is also available for lecture, workshop, and presentation bookings worldwide.
Private Instruction: $65.00 per lesson
Student Rate: $45.00 per lesson
Please inquire for quotes on:
- Dance History Lectures or Presentations
- Workshops or Group Classes
- Performances
- Research Sourcing-original research for your project
Social Dances i.e. Partner Dances If you would like to dance with a partner, then look no further. No matter the style or level, you will find something of value here. From beginners and wedding couples to seasoned competitors you will find master instructor Forrest Outman has the tools to guide you towards your goals in dance.
Common examples of Ballroom social dances would be Fox Trot, Tango, and Waltz.
Other dances that are less common under the Ballroom moniker would be: Argentine Tango, One-Step, Peabody & Quick-step (fast Fox Trot), Balboa (aka rhythm or crush), Viennese Waltz (fast Waltz), Half&Half, and Milonga.
Common Latin dances available for instruction are Salsa & Mambo, Bachata, Merengue, Rumba(Son), Cha Cha Cha, Samba, Bolero, and Paso Doble.
Other less common latin dances offered include: Zouk & Lambada, Cumbia, Bossa Nova, Maxixe, Calypso, and Forro.
Swing forms offered include: East Coast, West Coast, Lindy Hop, Bop, Jive, Ceroc & Modern Jive, LA Swing, Shag, Carolina Shag, St. Louis Shag, Charleston, Latin Hustle, 3 Count Hustle, American Hustle, Disco Fox and Original Big Apple
You should wear what makes you feel comfortable to a class/lesson. Note: You should factor in the mental as well as the physical. If you feel good about yourself, how you look, and also physically at ease that is the ideal.
Generally, I recommend whatever image makes you feel like dancing that day is the one to strive for. There is no one stop shop for anyone, it's all opinion and yours is the one that matters, so rock out what YOU like!
The most important thing you wear in dance is your shoes. There are many types and levels of shoes from entry level to pro level. It is highly recommended that you consult a professional dance apparrel retailer and/or instructor before making a purchase in order to make an informed decision.
Foot wear is sport specific and many factors go into this, but one thing is absolute: you need proper foot wear to avoid injury.
Everyone, for your first few lessons a smooth soled non sticking/marking shoe should be your choice. Men these are usually "dress" shoes. Ladies any flat or heel that straps at the ankle and has a heel cup will do.
The honest answer is, a combination of all of the above.
The fastest way to learn is guided practice i.e. by doing, but doing right. This is where social dancing can get you in trouble. Sure you're doing it but often at a low level with unskilled practioners. Private instruction is the solution; however, you should be applying the instruction at a social dance in conjunction with your instruction to accelerate your learning via application and greater retention.
Group classes are a lower cost method, but they lack personal correction and often move slowly due to mixed levels and/or basic social level practitioners in class. Group classes are often pattern oriented and lack technically detailed instruction that can be difficult to consolidate for a group class or are too difficult for beginners in attendance to apply. Groups are best for feeling diverse partners' movements and learning adaptation for the social floor. Group classes are good places to solidify foundation patterns, but not to refine them.
Instructional DVD's are best suited for someone who is already applying one or more of the above three methods. These are supplemental and used more as reference tools, which are best utilized by someone who regularly has the opportunity to apply this information.
I recommend taking a DVD player/laptop with the DVD you are working on to the studio before your lesson/class, with you to a dance (to reference), or inviting over other dancers for at home practice time. Any material learned needs to be reapplied several days a week, for a period of at least three consecutive weeks.