Ballroom Dancing - Ten Tips for the Novice

[alan gyllenhaal]

1. Just do it! Too many would-be dancers have convinced themselves, or
let others tell them, that they 'just can't dance', so they never even
attempt to learn. If you can walk, you can learn to dance. Ballroom
dancing is composed of steps, forward, back, to the side, and in
place. It's the combining of these steps in different ways that
creates the pattern of a dance. The steps are learned one at a time,
just like when you were two and learning to walk! Don't let anyone
discourage you, you CAN learn to dance!
2. Choose a studio carefully. All dance studios are not the same. It
has been my experience that the best value for the money is with a
locally owned, independent studio, rather than one of the nationwide
chains. This is not always the case, but I've found it to be true more
times than not. I would also strongly suggest that you find a studio
that caters specifically to ballroom dancing, not one whose primary
interest is ballet, tap, jazz, with only a couple of ballroom classes
added as an afterthought.
3. Sign up first for a beginner group class. I recommend this for
several reasons. Group classes are usually quite reasonably priced so
there is no huge initial outlay of cash. Everyone in the group is just
like you, a beginner, so there's less chance of feeling silly if you
miss a step or two. (And you will, but so will everyone else. You'll
quickly learn to just laugh it off and keep going.) Whether or not you
have a partner will not matter in a group class. Most instructors will
rotate the partners in a class, partially to take care of uneven
numbers of men and women, but also to improve each member's ability to
lead, if you're a man, or follow, if you're a woman. There's a lot of
joking and laughing during group classes as everyone learns new skills
and makes mistakes doing so. They're always a lot of fun, and you'll
be surprised how quickly you begin looking forward to the next class.
Classes generally meet once a week, usually for an hour, for a period
of 6 or 8 weeks, at which time you can choose to continue with that
class or choose another.
4. Don't get discouraged! You'll probably come away from that first
class feeling a bit overwhelmed and letting negative thoughts invade
your head, telling you that you'll never get it right. Simply not
true! You fortunately can't remember back when you were two and first
learning to walk. How many times do you suppose you fell on your
tushie before you actually made it all the way across the room? What
if you had told yourself to just give up, this is too hard, I'll never
learn this? I guess we'd all still be crawling! No, don't give up.
When you get home, try to repeat at least some of the steps you
learned during that first class. Even if you can't remember them by
the time you get to your car, the next class almost always starts with
a review of the last class. If you'll stick to it for the duration of
the 6 or 8 week session, you'll come out on the under end with the
knowledge of some basic moves under your belt, I promise.
5. What should you wear to class? The attire worn to ballroom dance
classes is as varied as the people who attend them. Some wear jeans or
slacks, some women prefer to dance in skirts or dresses. Wear clothes
that are comfortable, perhaps a little loose, to give you the freedom
to move without constriction. Another thing to consider when choosing
your apparel is temperature. Most studios are kept a little on the
cool side, so you may be tempted to wear a sweater or long-sleeved
shirt. I would advise against this. Believe it or not, your body
temperature will increase as you dance, to the point that some people
actually perspire. A short-sleeved, lightweight shirt will serve you
well. Be clean, casual and comfortable.
6. Your choice of shoes can make the difference between enjoying
ballroom dancing and not being able to even master the steps. Please
don't make the mistake of wearing rubber-soled shoes. They don't offer
the proper traction for sliding, spinning or turning. A loafer-type is
good, or any shoe with a smooth sole. For women, a shoe with a heel
makes for attractive movements, but certainly isn't a necessity when
you're first getting started. Later on, you may want to consider
purchasing a pair of dance shoes. These are specifically designed to
be worn on the dance floor and nowhere else. The soles are suede,
allowing them to slide easily, which makes turns and spins almost
effortless. Some studios offer dance shoes for sale, or there are many
sites online from which you can order. I also don't recommend wearing
open-toed shoes, such as sandals or flip-flops. Remember you're in a
beginning class, and there is always the possibility of someone
accidentally stepping on those toes!
7. Arrive a few minutes before the time the class actually begins.
There is typically a sign-in sheet and many studios give out name tags
to help you learn your fellow dancers. If you have dance shoes, you'll
need those extra minutes to change from your street shoes. Arriving
early also gives you the opportunity to mingle a bit with others who
are there for the same class. Nothing disrupts a class more than
someone rushing in late while the instructor is demonstrating a new
step.
8. Commit to practice. You will never become proficient in ballroom
dancing, (or anything else, for that matter) without practice. If
you're having a problem with a particular step or pattern, it's
perfectly acceptable to hang around a few minutes after class and go
through it a time or two with your partner. Practice the steps at home
once or twice a day, you'll be amazed how much better you retain them
throughout the week and it will make the next class just that much
easier. This is another benefit of arriving early for class, it
affords you the time to practice those steps once more before the
instructor begins. Most studios also offer a 'practice party' or
'studio dance' weekly or monthly. These are excellent for praacticing
what you've learned as well as seeing the more accomplished dancers,
which is what you're striving to become! I can't emphasize enough the
importance of the studio dances and the role they play in honing your
dancing skills. Make plans to attend whenever possible, even when
you're new and just starting out. Maybe even ESPECIALLY when you're
new and just starting out! The seasoned dancers are always happy to
help a newcomer and the dances provide a perfect complement to your
classes.
9. Enjoy all the non-dancing benefits of ballroom dancing. Through
your dancing, you will find a boost in self-confidence, an increase in
balance and an improvement in posture. Through your dancing, you will
raise your heart rate, thus improving your cardiovascular health.
Through your dancing, you will meet new people, make new friends,
improve your social skills, and possibly establish new business
contacts. The dance floor is a great equalizer. In a beginning class,
everyone is a beginner, whether they're a doctor or lawyer, a
construction worker, waitress or school teacher. For that hour each
week, the stresses of daily life simply melt away as you immerse
yourself in learning the steps and listening to the music and
connecting with your partner. It's great therapy and a lot cheaper
than a psychiatrist!
10. Most importantly of all, HAVE FUN! It's not a race or a
competition, everyone arrives at the same place eventually, dancing
with their partner and having a wonderful time. You may experience
moments of frustration with yourself or your partner, but don't let
that overshadow all the benefits of becoming a ballroom dancer. If you
find you're not enjoying what you're doing, consider a different
dance. Perhaps the foxtrot or waltz is not your cup of tea, try the
cha-cha, tango or the swing. Given time, you'll find your favorite and
you can focus on that. My guess is that you'll wind up like most
ballroom dancers, loving them all and not wanting to stop until you've
learned them all!
Welcome to the magical world of ballroom dancing!
http://groups.google.com/group/dancejag

[Vancouver Rhythm And Dance]

Hi Alan

Thanks for the great tips, are you okay with us posting this to the VRAD website under forums.  Please let me know

Laurie