BY GRETEL SARMIENTO

The men wore fedora hats and bolero jackets, the women slipped roses into their hair to complement their glittering dresses.

To these dancers walking into a West Miami-Dade studio, the occasion demanded elegance.

They gathered recently for ''La Milonga del Pueblo,'' an Argentine tango party celebrating Best of Dance Studio's fourth anniversary -- and its nonprofit program which has provided weekly dance lessons at no cost.

The main goal of the Miami Dance Machine program, studio owner Randy Pittman said, is to introduce dancing at a young age.

Despite the impact Miami Dance Machine has had on the kids -- it now has 25 children, ages 7-18, enrolled -- the donations and proceeds from performances are not enough to maintain the growing program.

''I would like to keep it free, unfortunately it's not always possible,'' Pittman said.

Starting in January, the studio, 6255 SW Eighth St., will charge a monthly fee of $25. It's a small price, Pittman said, for what the kids get in return: ten hours per week and the ability to move to any rhythm. Best of Dance also offers classes to adults, who pay $10 for one to two hours dancing.

''This is the best kept secret in Miami,'' said a proud Pittman. The studio offers a place to master salsa, or more traditional ballroom dances, outside a crowded bar or club.

Maria Pia Samz, 19, a former student who became an instructor at age 14, now shares with her students that it doesn't take much to learn how to dance.

''You don't have to be talented. You need to be here on time and be committed,'' Samz said.

Pittman agreed.

``Where you are from has nothing to do with whether you can dance or not.''

After years of teaching in various dance studios, Pittman finally decided to find a place to settle in 2001. That's when he created the Miami Dance Machine.

Right away he realized that the ''you can't teach kids until they are teenagers'' principle was a misconception. Nevertheless he acknowledges there is a major difference between teaching adults and teaching children.

''With kids, they are in a learning mode. They are looking to learn,'' he said. ``Most adults think they can't learn anything anymore.''

A living testimonial to his work: 16-year-old Xenia Sigler and her dancing partner Edgar Batista, 14, whose performance at the party was just one of many with the Dance Machine troupe at various events, such as the Art Deco Festival in Miami Beach and Calle Ocho festival in Little Havana.

''If six years ago you'd have told me I'd be teaching kids I'd have said you are crazy,'' Pittman said. Now, the result of his work is showcased in other venues, like the ''A Chance to Dance Orange Bowl Halftime Show,'' where Xenia and Edgar will perform in January.

Xenia has already found the secret to the rehearsals. ``It's all about muscle memory. You do it and do it again, that's how you remember.''