Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I go to take ballroom dancing lessons?

If you go to Jackson Area Dance Studios and other Dance Links it lists the dance studios in the Jackson Metro area that teach ballroom dancing, along with their websites and/or other contact information.

Does MBDA offer dance lessons?

No, we do not teach lessons or hold classes. We leave basic ballroom instruction to the area dance studios. Occasionally we offer dance workshops taught by local or out-of-town instructors. These workshops usually require a knowledge of the basic steps of a particular dance.

Does MBDA recommend or endorse a particular instructor or studio for dance lessons?

We do not recommend any particular dance studio or dance instructor. All instructors and studios have their own strengths, specialties, and personalities, and we encourage you to visit several studios before making a decision. Most studios offer a free first-time lesson or class to help you get to know the studio before deciding to continue there.

Are there any dance studios in my area?

There are several studios in the Jackson Metro area that teach ballroom dancing. Check out Jackson Area Dance Studios and other Dance Links for more information as to their locations.

How much does it cost to take dance lessons?

Costs vary from studio to studio, and depend on a variety of factors, such as whether you are taking a private vs. a group lesson, the experience of the instructor, the number of lessons purchased, etc. The studios can tell you their pricing.

Should I take group lessons or classes or should I take private lessons?

There is no one way to learn how to dance. Some people prefer taking only private lessons and others prefer learning in a group atmosphere. There are advantages and disadvantages to each method. Many dancers learn dancing through a combination of private and group lessons.

I am only interesting in learning swing. Can I learn just one dance?

Yes, if you let the studio know you are interested in a particular dance they can accommodate your request. Most instructors though prefer to teach several dances at one time, as opposed to teaching just one dance, so check first.

QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR DANCES

What should I wear to a Magnolia dance?

Follow this link to our Dress Code.

Do I have to have a dance partner to attend the dance?

No. This is not necessary. Many dancers attend without partners. We also have mixers during each dance that allow you to dance with a number of partners per dance.

How much does it cost to attend the dances?

The cost is $10 for members, $15 for guests over 21, $7 for those under 21. Complimentary soft drinks and set ups are included in the cost of admission.

I do not know how to dance. Can I just come to a Magnolia dance and watch for free?

Unfortunately, no. Hosting a dance at the Ag Museum involves a substantial amount of fixed expenses that do not vary by number of dancers or attendees, such as the facility rental and the DJ. We also provide with admission free cups, ice, bottled water, soft drinks and other set ups that must be paid for. Because of all of these expenses we just cannot afford to let people in for free, regardless of the reason. In fact, many people come to our dances who don't dance for various reasons, and they all pay regular admission. In addition, the members of our Board who donate countless volunteer hours each month preparing for our dances also pay regular admission to the dances.

I cannot dance because of an injury/medical condition. Can I just come and watch for free?

See response to the question above.

Do I have to know how to dance to come to the Magnolia dance?

No, just sitting and watching is allowed and welcomed. However, for the safety of our dancers we do not allow/recommend free-style dancing at our dances, because that interferes with the progression of the dances around and on the dance floor.

Where is the Ethnic Building located and where do I park?

The Ethnic Building is located in the Ag Museum Complex which is on the North side of Lakeland Drive just east of the I55-Lakeland Drive exit. The Museum Complex does not permit parking in the Complex (because they tell us it is a fire hazard) for the Ethnic Building guests so you will need to park in the parking lot of the Smith Wills Baseball Stadium/MS Sports Hall of Fame complex, which is directly adjacent to the Museum complex. Park in the northwest part of the complex close to the Sports Hall of Fame. Behind the Hall of Fame (to the west) is a pathway with a footbridge that leads to the pedestrian entrance of the Ag Museum Complex. Once you enter the Ag Museum complex the Ethnic Building is directly on your left.

I am handicapped and can't walk that far. What do I do?

Unfortunately, the Ag Museum still will not let you park in their Complex, even if you are handicapped, but you can have the driver of your vehicle enter the Museum Complex from the Lakeland Drive entrance and drop you off (and pick you up) at the entrance to the Ethnic Building. Then the vehicle must be moved to the Smith Wills parking area and remain there during the dance. We apologize for this convenience, but those rules are the Ag Museum's, not our rules.

QUESTIONS ABOUT MBDA ASSISTANCE IN PUBLICIZING AREA DANCE EVENTS

I work for a dance studio and am sponsoring an upcoming dance event. Will MBDA help me publicize my dance event?

To help our members stay informed of special dance events in the area, MBDA makes an effort to let our dancers know about special events that may be of interest. We also publicize MCWDA, Jackson Christian Singles dances, and some other non-studio affiliated dances. We do not publicize regularly scheduled events at the area dance studios.

However, please be understanding if we do not publicize 100% of the requests we get. Our Board consists of volunteers with regular jobs and other commitments, and sometimes we just don't have time to publicize area events as much as we would like to help you out with this.

How do I get MBDA to publize my dance event?

Contact our Publicity Director at gibsonk@millsaps.edu or President at with a specific request with the event information. Please give at least one week's notice. They may ask you to send it to them in an easily reproducible format to use for publicizing.

Can I put flyers of my dance event up at the MBDA dance?

If you want to put flyers at the information table, please contact our President at about this before the dance. If you want to put flyers on the tables, your group will have to agree to help with cleanup of the flyers after the dance. Again, contact our President in advance of the dance with your request to put information on the tables, and she can work with you on this request. Please do not put materials on the tables without clearing it first with the President.

How can I publicize my dance event on the MBDA website, newsletter, email blasts, other, etc.?

To request an item to be included in the newsletter contact Randall Fulcher at hrfulcher@aol.com.

To request an item be included in the Magnolia email blast contact our Publicity Director at gibsonk@millsaps.edu.

To request an item be included on our website, contact our President at .

To request permission to put materials on the information table at a dance, on the tables at a dance or in the Magnolia flyers that are placed on the tables at a dance, contact our President at .

QUESTIONS ABOUT EMAIL AND MAILING LISTS

How do I get on the MBDA email blast list?

Email our Publicity Director at gibsonk@millsaps.edu and ask to be put on the list.

How do I get on the MBDA mailing list?

If you are not a member of MBDA and you do not have access to email, we can put you on our temporary mailing list. Contact Randall Fulcher at hrfulcher@aol.com.

MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS

I am interesting in joining. How do I sign up?

See our Membership page.

How much are the annual dues for membership?

$35 for a 12-month membership. Your membership will expire 12 months from the date you pay dues.

How is the MBDA organized and what are the requirements to become an officer?

Please see our Bylaws.

OTHER

I want to get involved as a volunteer. Who do I contact?

We appreciate volunteers. See a Board member to get involved as a volunteer.

I want to perform an exhibition? Who do I contact?

Contact our Vice President at cwdancerca@yahoo.com

I would like to make suggestions about the music/songs that are played at the dances. Can I do that?

Yes, Send your suggestions or comments to Randall Fulcher at hrfulcher@aol.com