Frequently asked questions
Where are you located?
Aroha Afro Latin Dance
167 North Dargan St Florence SC 29506
How often do you have classes?
We are constantly adjusting as Covid 19 updates evolve for the better. For the summer of 2021 we will start simple with two in person Adult Dance Camps. One in July and one in August. Each dance camp is for 4 evenings with the last evening being a party. You can sign up for the camp and time you want by visiting our HOME page.
We hope to also stream our classes live for those who want to take our classes but are not able to join us in person.
Can I pay for an entire 4 weeks?
Yes! We are not currently taking drop ins so the best way to start attending our classes is to pay for 4 weeks. We will not start offering weekly classes until September.
Do you accept drop ins?
We currently do not accept drop ins.
Do you accept credit/debit cards/CashApp?
Yes. We prefer cards or CashApp ($ArohaDance) We accept payments online and onsite. If you must pay cash please bring the EXACT amount as we do not carrry change with us.
Do I need to have a partner to come to class and/or the socials?
No, you do not. In class we change partners and students are encouraged to dance with one another. This helps build a sense of community, helps make leads and fiollows better dancers when they can adjust to different people's styles, and increases confidence.
We do include social dance etiquette in our lessons.
Is there a certain way to dress for class?
We ask that students come dressed comfortably. We also ask that students order dance shoes before starting class. You will find shoes we recommend by going to the ORDER SUCCESS PAK tab on our website
When you come to class, you will remove your outside shoes and put on your dance shoes for class. We will have convenient and safe cubbies for putting away your shoes and other items.
How will I know I have progressed?
The Aroha Way folllows the evolution of human movement. Sit, Crawl, Walk, Run, Dance.
At each stage students will have specific learning targets and as students complete a stage, they are tested to know that they are ready to move on. Everyone starts at SIT.
Students will have a progress sheet to check each week. This sheet will be in a folder that students can access when they come to class. It will also be in the student manual.
How quickly will I progress?
It really depends on the student. How often they attend class, how often they practice between classes, and if they do private lessons from time to time. As long as a student can demonstrate that they have acquired the skills covered in one on the stages of movement, they can move on.
If I miss a class will I be able to catch up?
Yes. Students who miss a class are encouraged to book a private lesson. If you do not take a private lesson, you will do the class you missed at a future time.
If I complete a stage in the Aroha Way and then don't come to class for awhile, do I have to start all over?
Not necessarily. Students who start classes and then have to stop for a period of time are encouraged to do a private lesson to be reacquainted with what they learned and to make sure they are ready to move on to the next stage. If a returning student is not able to demonstrate a good grasp of the skills they will be asked to repeat the stage and will be re-tested to move to the next stage.
If I am not ready to move on, can I stay where I am?
Yes. We encourage students to be aware of their own progress and if they don't think they are ready to move on it is fine to re-take a stage.
How much are private lessons?
Adalia charges $60 per hour with discounts for multiple privates scheduled as a block of dates. Students may book with Adalia or one of the Apprentices. Speak directly with the person that you want to take a private with as pricing will vary.
Can I be on Aroha Dance, the student performance team?
Yes, if you are a consistent student. Choreography is based on what is learned in class so students must be coming to class consistently. The dance team is not for instruction.
I see you have an Instructor Training program. Do I have to be a dancer or instructor to join the program?
The only pre-requisite is that people entering the program have completed the SIT stage and successfully tested to CRAWL. Adalia has a comprehensive and rigorous training program where you will not only learn steps but best practices for teaching others.
What are the 9 Principles of the Aroha Way?
The 9 Principles of the Aroha Way
1. Learning is a process. We start with the simplest, foundation building steps and as students acquire a solid command of the basics their learning accelerates. Patience and understanding are key to learning something new. The most important thing is that you enjoy the challenge of learning something new.
2. Build on prior knowledge. We emphasize when students already know a certain skill which removes the fear and mystery from expanding to new skills. Every class builds on prior classes so each week students will get to review and learn something new.
3. Be in a learning mode. By staying in a learning mode teachers are constantly improving and by extension, their students are as well. Being in this state of mind changes mistakes into opportunities to learn and every question is welcome.
4. Have a solid curriculum and syllabus. All dance classes are rooted in a curriculum that a syllabus is based upon. This creates accountability for our instructors, provides a clear path for learning, and is available to our students.
5. Establish language that speaks to the creator in students. The words “Sorry” and “I can’t” are seen as detrimental to learning in our classes. Students are encouraged to use language that is positive and framed as a declaration. “I am learning how to lead the cross body.” “I am following the cross body” In our classes, eliminating negative language eliminates negative thought and allows for a shift in the way students approach the process of learning. By stating ” I AM” students declare something to BE and dedicate themselves to the process that gets them there.
6. Have guiding principles. The guiding principles of Aroha Arts Collective are Service and Love.
Service to one another and members of society is the greatest contribution a person can give. Service looks like collaboration, empathy, and a willingness to share oneself as a contribution to the beauty of the art form. “To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.” - Douglas Adams
Love is the energy that holds the universe together. It is what creates and binds us. Because it is the essence that we all come from, it only makes perfect sense that it is applied in our art and connection. Love looks like patience, encouragement, truthfulness, and dedication by teachers and students alike to help each person reach their potential as an artist. “Aroha is the creative force behind all dreams. Aroha defines great leadership, ensures personal success, and inspires us to go the extra mile. Aroha means Love.” – Makuini Ruth Tai
7. Refrain from backbiting and gossip. Speaking badly about others or creating doubt about another's character for the sake of conversation is not welcome in our space. These behaviors create distrust, disunity and are corrosive for community building. In the event that an individual has a concern they are encouraged to speak directly with the other party and/or speak with the program director with a focus on finding solutions.
8. Etiquette and expectations of conduct. It is so helpful when everyone knows the rules. When everyone understands that their safety is considered. There are definitely behaviors that contribute to the enjoyment of everyone. By communicating etiquette, teaching how to apply etiquette, and holding students to the standards of etiquette creates a space where people know what to expect allowing them to become open and creative.
9. Become Part of a Community. The 8 expectations above combine to create an arts community that is positive, welcoming, and encouraging. When you register for your first class you will be given the opportunity to share information about yourself so that we can celebrate milestones in your life outside of class and for instructors to know how best to serve you.
What is the Aroha Way?
SIT. CRAWL. WALK. RUN. DANCE. These are the stages of movement for human beings. Each stage is celebrated and is a part of the process of attaining more complex movement. In our dance classes each stage has specific dance related goals to meet before moving to the next stage. We want you to experience the success, confidence and joy that dance can bring so we offer a clear path for progress and growth as an Afro Latin Dancer.
You will get to mark your progress by completing a progress sheet after each class.
