Simply Dance | Dance Lessons

Sandra Boatman runs SIMPLY DANCE ( formerly the Connaught Dance Centre) in the Attleborough area where she has lived since 1994 after moving from London – from small beginnings the school has grown and now offers 7 day a week tuition in all styles of Ballroom and Latin American dancing.

Sandra is a Fellow (and retired Examiner) of the International Dance Teachers’ Association (IDTA) and started teaching in 1980 at dance schools in Essex before moving to Norfolk to fulfill her dream of running her own full time school.

There is something for everyone, from complete beginner, social, improver or advanced dancer, medallists and training for anyone wishing to become a Dance Teacher

Classes are held every night except Saturday (mainly at Spooner Row Village Hall) and are either mixed Ballroom and Latin or single dance courses (e.g. learn to Waltz in 6 weeks).

Sandra Boatman
Principal of Simply Dance and Fellow of the IDTA

Qualified Teacher

Assisting Sandra in classes is Peter Cockburn who qualified with the I.D.T.A. in 2005. Peter also runs and teaches his own ballroom classes (see what’s on) while Sandra teaches Modern Jive.

Dance Lessons

Ballroom Dance Lesson

"Single Dance" Course - Beginners

Learn to dance one style at a time

For complete beginners, these courses (lasting 6 weeks) run regularly and teach you just one dance rhythm at a time - e.g. waltz, cha cha cha. (see What’s On)

Learning this way gives everyone the opportunity to be competent in one rhythm before moving onto the next dance. The courses are designed to help you reach a level where you can dance comfortably and confidently at a social event.

We offer a relaxed and friendly atmosphere at several venues in the area, with plenty of personal tuition and help. We teach in easy to manage stages, building up to a simple routine that you can dance anywhere!

Walk in – simply dance out!

"Single Dance" Course - Improvers

These are 6-8 week courses in one rhythm designed to concentrate on figurework and technique to improve performance and enjoyment for those already confident in the basics of the dance style. Partners are generally required for these courses - please enquire.

Ballroom & Latin Mixed Classes
- Beyond the Basics

These are offered at 4 levels:

Improver Level 1 - for those who know the basic figures in Waltz, Quickstep, Social Foxtrot, Cha Cha cha, Rumba and Jive - these classes develop those dances and add the basic figures in the Tango, Foxtrot and Samba.

Improver Level 2 - for those who can "get around!" in all the above dances - these classes offer further tuition and figure work in each rhythm.

Improver Level 3 - for those competent in all the above rhythms who would like more challenging figure work and choreography with a little more attention to comfort, style and technique.

Ballroom & Latin Mixed Classes
- Advanced Level

The advanced level is for anyone wishing to develop their dancing with high grade figure work and attention to technique and style - these classes are suitable for those with a sound knowledge and some years' experience in all rhythms.

Advanced Latin American
Dance Tuition

Personal Tuition

If you wish to improve your knowledge and technique beyond the class environment, you may arrange for personal tuition. These sessions are held at Spooner Row Village Hall and are for single people or couples. The minimum time slot is 30 minutes.

See "What's On" for prices

Dance Class in Action

Personal Mini-Classes

These are designed for between 4 – 8 people who wish to learn privately together, perhaps for a specific function (e.g. Wedding, Party, Dinner Dance) and are charged on a sliding scale.

Please enquire for details

Professional Training

Tuition is available for anyone wishing to study for a professional dance qualification to become a dance teacher.

The degrees of qualification are as follows:

Student Teacher - entry level for those assisting in classes / studying towards Associate.

Associate - full teaching qualification

Licentiate / Fellow - higher level teaching degrees

All qualifications are offered through the International Dance Teachers Association (I.D.T.A) and in all branch styles.

With the exception of the Student Teacher exam, each level can be taken in modules - i.e. one dance rhythm at a time.

Please enquire for more details.

Classical Sequence Dancing

Freestyle Dance

Children's Classes

These are taught at Attleborough Junior School on Friday afternoons
(in term time).

The age range is from 4 –18 and levels offered are :

	Rosettes	(for 4–7 year olds)
	Stardance	(for 8–10 year olds)
	Mixed Medal Class	(11+) for Bronze, Silver, Gold and above medal standard

All classes include a mixture of Ballroom, Latin American, Frestyle and Classical Sequence.

Taking medals is not compulsory but it is encouraged as it gives both focus to the class and a sense of achievement to the children.

(see What’s On for timetable and prices)

Medal Examinations

For anyone interested in improving their dancing and achieving something for their progression, there ia an opportunity to take medals through the International Dance Teachers’ Association (IDTA).

Examination days are held three times a year and an external examiner comes
to evaluate the tests.

Medals available range from the

Social Dance Award Test (which can be taken from
class work) through to

Bronze, Silver and Gold Level (for which personal tuition
is required)

There are tests beyond Gold for those wishing to progress even further!

Medal Tests

Improve your style and technique

Add focus and purpose

Enhance your understanding and enjoyment of dancing

Give you a great sense of achievement - when you get
your medal!