Olga Knows
American Rhythm and Smooth Lessons in Houston
Olga Richardson coaches American Rhythm and American Smooth in Houston at Premier Dance USA, 4003 Bellaire Blvd, Suite GG, for social dancers and Pro-Am and amateur competitors alike.
The dances
- American Rhythm: cha cha, rumba, East Coast swing, bolero and mambo
- American Smooth: waltz, tango, foxtrot and Viennese waltz
A Latin champion's eye for Rhythm
Rhythm lives on the same foundations as International Latin: hip action, timing and partnering. Olga's Latin career gives her students a head start on all three, and as a World Dance Council adjudicator she knows how they read to a judge. More on competition coaching.
American or International?
American Smooth and Rhythm are the styles most social ballroom dancers in the United States learn first. Smooth lets partners open out of closed hold for turns and side-by-side figures, and Rhythm has its own Cuban motion and timing. International Standard and Latin are the styles danced at Blackpool and most of the world. Many dancers do both, and Olga coaches both, so you can start where you are and switch later without starting over.
What a first lesson looks like
For new dancers, Olga usually starts with a foxtrot or a rumba, because both teach balance, posture and partnering at a comfortable tempo. If you already dance, she watches a round of your strongest dance and works on what will change it most, from frame and footwork to how the dance travels around the floor.
Questions ballroom dancers ask
I danced years ago. Can I pick it back up? Yes, and it comes back faster than you'd think. Lessons start from what you remember and rebuild the details.
Is Pro-Am right for me? If you'd like to compete without needing a partner, Pro-Am pairs you with your professional. Olga will tell you honestly when you're ready for your first competition.
Which dance should I learn for a party or a gala? Usually foxtrot and swing for big-band and pop songs, and rumba or cha cha for Latin music. A few lessons are enough to feel at home on a social floor.
How to begin
Call Premier Dance USA at 713.668.2255, email dance@premierdanceusa.com, or text 832.703.0536. The studio is open every day, Monday through Sunday, 10am to 9pm, by appointment. New students start with a $39 introductory lesson, and that one lesson covers a couple.