Dance Instructor

Unlike any other activity, social dance requires that 2 people move as one which requires personal coaching. When two people "take flight," this synergy can only be described as ecstasy. One Private Lesson is equivalent to 10 Group Lessons as the teacher is able to give individual coaching on the most important aspects of partner dancing: lead/follow, styling, connection, timing, arm movement, grace, continuity, spinning, floorcraft, etc.

Ginger Sarmento offers informal, first quality dance training using the most effective approaches possible, while always moving at the student's dance level, pace and ability. She has over 5,000+ hours of dance training and more than 20 years of teaching experience. The more experience and creativity a teacher has, the greater their ability to simplify and short-cut to attain the desired results. Developing a solid foundation is the key to dancing with confidence and total abandon.

Ms. Sarmento started dancing at the age of 5, studying classical ballet for 15 years. At the age of 16 she began training in ballroom and started teaching at 18. Additional related studies are: Piano, Voice, Acting, Music Composition, Choreography, and Mime. She speaks French fluently and is a graduate of the June McAdams Finishing School where she was schooled in the American and European social graces.

While in college, she taught, competed, and also performed on the original Arthur Murray TV Show. After graduating from St. Joseph's University with degrees in English & Psychology, Ginger worked as Operations Manager for JMS (a securities firm) and later became Director of Matchmakers Video Dating Service. She has owned her own dance studio for 15 years. Her training and experience in management have given her a plethora of useful teaching skills. Practical application of these skills make her one of the best and most cost effective teachers in San Diego.

Ms. Sarmento prides herself on her ability to make learning to dance—at any level—easy and fun. Her instructions are deliberately concise, direct, and crystal clear. “Some people learn quickly; while others need plenty of repetition before they are ready to move on. It's important to be aware of each student’s individual ability and way of learning. Besides having skill and knowledge, a teacher must be sensitive to the student’s perceptions and be ready to respond accordingly.”

To reach students effectively, one must come from the heart. Ginger has helped thousands of students "short cut" their training through her patient, creative, and straight to the point mode of teaching. "I believe that almost anything can be simplified and specialize in doing just that! Most students have a burning desire to learn to dance well and they don't want to take years to get there as in the traditional, and often cumbersome, methods used to teach dance. I view my work as a contribution to society--building better communities through happier people.”