Eastern End of Long Island, NY

United States
Lessons may be held in your own home or at studio space in Southold, NY

About

Alexandra M. Binder resides on Shelter Island, NY with her husband and three sons. She has been dancing/teaching Ballroom and Latin on the east end of Long Island for almost 20 years. Alexandra received her certification with high honors from Paul Pellicoro's Dancesport in New York, NY.
READ ABOUT BLUE COLLAR BALLROOM IN the northforker magazine HERE

Testimonials

Thank you so much for everything you did for us. You took what we thought was two untalented people and made something truly beautiful! --Jessica & David, June 20224
Thank you, Alex! Your class was great and really helped us all enjoy dance more. I was happy to see a bunch who attended [your lesson] on the floor on Saturday [during a dance event]. --Margaret, November 2022
My husband and I had dance lessons with Alex for our wedding. We both had different songs and dance styles in mind. She took our vision and choreographed a beautiful piece! She is very easy to work with and we highly recommend her! --Kristin, December 2016
Alex is an amazing ballroom dance instructor and dancer; she makes it easy and fun to understand the steps. We attended her classes and took private classes to practice for our wedding (first dance) and the crowd went wild when they saw both of us dancing. --Maria
Good notes to keep this old mind refreshed! It was a blast with the classes and you are such a great teacher! Your instructions are very clear and you have the ability to make us all relax and have fun! --Charlotte, December 2018
My husband and I took dancing lessons for our wedding with Alex! She was so much fun to learn with. Highly recommend taking her classes! --Alana, May 2024
Thank you so much for helping us with dance routines! Everyone commented on what a great instructor you are and how they were able to get the steps down in two rehearsals. --Lisa (Director of Community Play), June 2022
We LOVED working with Alexandra! She was kind, personable, and an overall excellent instructor. My husband and I took lessons for our First Dance. As beginners, Alexandra made us feel super comfortable. We felt so confident and highly recommend taking lessons with her! --Becky, July 2024
It went great!! Everyone loved it and we had a blast out there. --Maria, June 2024
Alexandra is an excellent instructor. Her lessons are fun and easy to follow. Even my husband, who admits to not being a good dancer, enjoyed them. Alexandra's love of dance is apparent and she strives to pass that love along to her students. --Katherine
It was great meeting and working with you! We loved having you at the concert and the dance class was a huge success--people are eager for more lessons. --The Church Sag Harbor, NY, Nov. 2022
I've taken lessons from a Dance Studio Chain before and Blue Collar stands apart from them because she can give more attention and teaches you as a student and not a pay check. Do yourself a favor and learn Blue Collar because they really care. --Christopher
This class is such a fun date night for my husband and me. Alexandra makes the class so enjoyable, even for us beginners! We've learned so much in such a little time. This weekly class keeps us practicing and we find ourselves dancing in the kitchen at home. So glad we have this on the North Fork. --Meagan Grattan. March 2024
I just started my second set of dance classes with Alex...She is a wonderful teacher and I learn so much in a short time. It doesn't matter if you have a partner or not, or whether you are a beginner or not...everyone fits in and has a great time. I HIGHLY recommend! --Karen, June 2024

Frequently Taught Dances

Rumba
History: The Rumba evolved in Cuba in the 16th century with influence from an African courtship/marriage/street dance. In the 1920's, band leader Xavier Cugat introduced the Rumba in the US. This dance was met with opposition because of the suggestive body and hip movements--referred to as "Cuban Motion." Social Dance Context: Because the Rumba has 4/4 timing, its steps may be applied to many popular/current slow "love songs."
East Coast Swing (Single or Triple)
History: This dance is a descendent/variant of the Lindy Hop, an African American dance from the 1920's--a fusion of jazz, tap, and the Charleston. EC Swing became popular in the 1940's with those who couldn't keep up with the faster beats/movements of the Lindy Hop. Other names/variants include Jitterbug, Lindy, and Jive. Social Dance Context: The EC Swing is a lively dance which can be used with classic songs by Elvis Presley, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Sam Cooke, Bill Haley, Michael Buble, etc.
Foxtrot
History: In 1913 a vaudeville performer by the stage name of Harry Fox performed a little trotting dance step which appealed to social dance teachers of the time. A year later, professional dance teachers, Vernon & Irene Castle introduced more gliding, graceful steps and the Foxtrot evolved into a smooth, progressive dance. Social Dance Context: One will most often use the Foxtrot at weddings/social events when the band or DJ plays "background music"--think Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, and other classic crooners.
Hustle
History: The Hustle first appeared in the early 1970's in the South Bronx, NY dance clubs, created by dancers in the local Latino community. The dance gained mainstream popularity in the mid-to-late 1970's, following the release of the film Saturday Night Fever in 1977, and became a defining dance of the disco era. The Hustle has evolved into various forms, including line dances, partner dances, and different styles. Social Dance Context:
ChaCha
History: The Chacha is derived from the Mambo (from Cuba) and was introduced to the US in the late 1940's/early 1950's. When slower Mambo music was played, the extra/syncopated step was added and it was origianally called "Triple Mambo." It was eventually renamed "Chacha" perhaps due to the repetitive foot rhythm. Social Dance Context: This dance may be used socially to upbeat songs with 4/4 timing. Some examples of popular songs with Latin influence include: "Spicy Margarita" by Jason Derulo & Michael Buble 2024; "Havana" by Camila Cabello 2018;
Merengue
History: The Merengue is from the Domincan Republic and is popular throughout the Caribbean and South America. Social Dance Context: Merengue's timing is not unique but the music one dances Merengue to has a very specific sound and is often not found outside of Latin music. Merengue is a great beginner's dance and is often used as a warm-up/cool-down in dance classes.

Contact

East End of Long Island, NY