Cal proceeded to all but fling herself into the mix of people partnering off, leaving Axel high and dry.  He didn't seem entirely at ease with it, but too late now.  "Required, are you?" Lee echoed, raising an eyebrow.  "Then might I have this dance?"  She held out a hand, and smiled brightly.  It was only a couple steps to a decent spot on the floor, and the woman had no difficulty taking the proper handhold, nor finding the beat.  She made a reassuring comment if he was tense, but otherwise she was genuinely curious how good he was.

"She seems nice, if rather exuberant," she commented, easily following Axel's lead.  She'd had to teach so many students that had no idea how to signal anything that she was very adept at reading even the smallest change in stance and responded smoothly.  The running joke was that she might not be able to see whoever was her partner, but she'd know what he intended almost before he did it.

"It's not a problem, really."  She dismissed Axel's concerns about interrupting her class with a small shrug.  "I've thought about having drop in sessions, but I can't always tell when people come in, and I really don't want to put bells on it.  That'd be disruptive.  And unfortunately I really do need the fee to keep this place going.  If I opened the doors and didn't keep track, I know there'd be people who took advantage."  For a moment her expression clouded.  "That's just how it is, y'know?  I intend to be here for a good long while, though, and as soon as I'm not on such a shoestring budget, I'd love to let just anyone come.

She chuckled self-consciously.  "You don't really need to know all that, though.  I have to admit, I'm actually glad you came by.  I was worried you might run into more trouble after you left, and it's a relief to know you found your friend alright.  So tell me.  Not many jobs list dancing in the requirements.  What exactly is it you do?"