Elaine's Dancing School teaches ballroom and Latin in the Quedgeley area of Gloucester, and has become a fixture for local social dancers. It welcomes everyone from nervous first-timers to seasoned dancers, with classes and events to suit different levels. The school is known for its friendly midweek sessions and occasional workshop weekends.
Reviewers praise the great value and genuine fun, with more than one describing arriving as a complete beginner and being amazed at their own progress. The teachers are noted as professional and encouraging, keen for you to enjoy dancing at whatever level feels comfortable.
The programme centres on ballroom and Latin, so those after ballroom dancing in Gloucester or adult dance classes in Gloucester will feel at home. Classes are graded so beginners with two left feet can build up to circling the floor with real assurance. People searching for line dancing in Gloucester or salsa classes in Gloucester should ask which styles feature in a given term. There are also workshops and social events that add variety beyond the weekly class.
A newcomer can expect a warm, unhurried welcome and a class pitched so nobody feels out of their depth. Wear comfortable clothes and smooth-soled shoes, and simply come ready to have a go. Many people start knowing nothing at all and are soon getting round the floor.
The school is based in Quedgeley on the edge of Gloucester, making it convenient for dancers from the city and nearby areas.
Terrific value for money and great fun on a Wednesday evening. It doesn't matter if you've danced before, Elaine has a class to suit everyone. I started as a complete beginner with 2 left feet and I've been amazed to find that I can get round a dance floor and I've actually only got one left foot! Best of all I really enjoy it. An hour with Elaine, John and their other very patient teachers is also a really good workout. The tuition is of a high standard but you are not expected to run before you can walk. I've also made a lot of good friends through the classes and the excellent weekends awa— Steve Standbridge
Victoria, Torquay Mar17 – Elaine & John our hosts arrange a packed, special weekend for us all, celebrating their 20th year of Elaine's Dancing School. Richard Still & Morgan Hemphill, delivered the Ballroom/Latin workshop and demonstration in the evening, both brilliant! If only we could master the steps from the workshop, but thats a comment on our ability and not the superb tuition. On the Saturday evening music by Sid & Roz Gateley, always a joy.
Everything made for a real special weekend, Elaine, John the remaining challenge is patience, which you both have in abundance, as your assistan— Nick
Elaine & her fellow teachers are very professional and impressive dancers who really want to help you achieve and,importantly to them, to enjoy whatever level you feel comfortable with. They genuinely care about and take all prudent measures to ensure that your environment for dancing is safe and convenient. They show and give instruction on the dance-steps and dance-sequences very clearly and,thankfully, repeatedly and from different angles. They value feedback and they will very happily adapt to cater to any practical observations and suggestions.— kelvin osborne
A number of great experiences over 3 years, Firstly with my partially abled Wife Jane, when unpressured and patient approach worked really well for her and myself. Secondly when going back as a solo dancer and being paired up with other solo's to learn new and develop previously learned dance routines and more recently through the pandemic, where Elaine & John have been leading the classes via Zoom, adapting their teaching style and dance sequences for more limited home spaces. Loved all and every moment. Thanks.— Robert T
The easiest start is a beginners' class where you learn the hold and a few basic steps before moving on. Here you can begin as a total novice and progress at a pace that suits you.
The waltz is a popular first choice for its slow, even rhythm, though the quickstep and social foxtrot are common too. A teacher can steer you towards whichever suits you best.
Salsa's basic step is simple and repetitive, so beginners usually find the timing quite quickly. Refinement comes with practice as you add turns and styling.
Yes, salsa classes assume no prior experience and start everyone from the basics. You will be guided through the footwork before anything more is added.
Typical starters are the grapevine, the shuffle, kicks, the pivot turn and simple forward and back walks. Combine a few and you can follow most beginner routines.
Short, repeating four-wall dances are the kindest to beginners because the sequence keeps coming round. The school can suggest a starter dance if line dancing is running.