Private Coaching
Maria Ford offers in-person private dance lessons in West Coast Swing on a limited basis.
Options
Private Dance Lessons in Ottawa
Location: Tunney’s Pasture area (address will be provided as needed)
- $80/50 mins for 1 dancer (if you are a student or under 25, please let me know, as discounts apply)
- $120/50 mins for practice-partnerships (I do not teach private lessons for life-partners)
- Semi-private lessons (4-6 students), please inquire
Outside of Ottawa
- $90/50 mins for 1 dancer; $130 for a lead-follow partnership
- Semi-private lessons (4-6 students), please inquire
- Group workshops, please inquire
Travel expenses and minimums apply – please inquire
Weekend Experience in Ottawa
- Pre-planning, video analysis & goal setting
- 2 hours of coaching on Saturday
- Saturday-night dance
- 2 hours of review and more coaching on Sunday
- Bonus: add the WCS Keeners Club
- $360 for 1 dancer; $560 for a lead-follow partnership (not included: $15 admission to the dance, $30 admission to WCS Keeners Club)
Video Analysis / Video Coaching
- $90 per hour per dancer analyzed, based on a 50-minute private lesson
- Typically covers analysis of 2-3 competition (or practice) videos
- Feedback is provided in video format
What to Expect
My coaching focuses on each dancer’s unique journey. Based on your goals and expectations, I will assess if there is a fit and may recommend other instructors or approaches when appropriate. If you train with me, you can expect:
- Encouragement, abundance, and tough love when needed
- An emphasis on core technique and personal expression
- Simple, consistent rules that make it possible to dance your best dance with any partner
- Deft troubleshooting and repertoire building
- Practice drills to improve quality of movement and musicality
- Support interpreting and integrating teaching and feedback from Champions
- Video analysis and accountability
- A mentor and friend in the dance