| Learning to dance is fun and it is
easy. In a sense it is like learning a new language, a
language in which moods and emotions are expressed in
movement; a language of rhythm, grace and harmony. It is
new, but in a very real sense it is the oldest language
in the world, for dancing is the oldest form of art.
Dancing is a wholesome, natural outlet
for the emotions. It develops grace and poise, timing
and balance. Men take pride in their ability to lead
their partners with assurance and poise. Ladies enjoy
the ability to follow their partners smoothly, expertly
and correctly. The ability to dance develops
personality, and above all--it is fun.
Taking dance lessons is a great way to
improve your confidence, it is a way to get fit and did
I mention they're fun?
And It's Easier Than You Think...
1. Do you want to, learn to dance
professionally, learn to dance for pleasure? It is
important to know what you want to achieve before you
start.
Perhaps you want to learn to get fit,
for a social occasion or to meet new friends. Plus if
you know what you want to get out of it this helps your
instructor.
Lots of people start with social
dancing. Social dancing classes are great places to
learn ballroom dancing. A small percentage of social
dancers later find that their love of dance compels them
to become competitive dancers. Social dances normally
start with a one-hour dance lesson and it is normally
possible to find weekly group dance lessons especially
for beginners.
2. If you want to find out what is
involved in dancing before you commit to lessons, or
there are no good teachers locally, consider a dance
video. You can watch it at your leisure, plus watch it
as many times as you like to aid learning. A good video
will help you practice once you start lessons.
3. Dancing provides great social
benefits but also participating in ballroom dancing on a
regular basis will produce significant mental and
physical health benefits. Dancing is a great stress
reliever. It builds confidence, alertness and good
attitude. It also has been proven to have a great
physical benefit as it physically tones the whole body
in enjoyable exercise.
Dancing can be a fun way to lose
weight and get into shape. Just check out the potential
for burning calories - Burn 309 calories with just one
hour of Ballet, Tap or Freestyle, 290 calories with
Country Line Dancing or Swing and 193 calories with the
Waltz.
When choosing a dance studio you want
to choose one that is conveniently located to your home
or work place. If you can get there easier you will keep
going and repetition is the key to quick learning. Not
sure if you want to learn? Some nightclubs or studios
hold introductory lessons. A number of websites have a
dance studio locator, so that you can find studios local
to you.
In addition these sites have lots of
free instructional material. Check out a few different
dance studios. Most dance studios will offer group and
private lessons. Look for studios offering a mixture of
the two. How many teachers do they have? Do they have an
introductory offer?
You may also find ballroom dance
classes at local colleges and many city or county
recreational departments include ballroom dance classes.
Some organizations such as the YWCA, Community Centers,
Elks or Moose Lodges offer dance lessons to their
members and guests.
4. Find out about the different dance
styles before you start lessons and see which ones you
want to learn. Plus you'll be more knowledgeable about
the style and rhythm of the different dances before you
start classes.
Don't forget to get my free book that
covers the basics of ballroom dancing, details at the
end of these tips.
5. Do you need a partner to start
ballroom dancing? No. Lots of classes accept singles. If
you already have a partner then you can have fun
learning together.
6. Should you have private lessons or
group classes? This depends on your preference and your
budget. As a beginner you may prefer the privacy of
individual tuition and certainly you will learn quicker,
they can also be useful if you have missed some group
classes and do not want to get left behind or you feel
that you need extra tuition. However when starting out
consider the social aspect of group learning which most
people find stimulating, challenging and lots of fun.
Group classes are also less expensive.
7. There are no special clothes for
social dancing, except that they need to be comfortable
and give you freedom to move. However for learning
professional ballroom dancing you may find that exercise
clothing is more appropriate, ask your instructor if you
are unsure. When choosing shoes think about not only
appearance but also comfort, support and protection.
8. Selecting your instructor is an
important decision and you want to ensure that your
instructor has professional qualifications. Obtain a
copy of their resume for professional examinations and
their experience in teaching beginners. The United
States Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association will be able
to advise you further.
9. Finally, just in case you didn't
get the message before - have fun! Learning a new skill
can and should be fun, that way you'll stick at it and
before you know where you are you have mastered it!
Copyright © Lynsey Leigh.
This article is copyrighted. Please
feel free to use it in it's entirety including copyright
information and information about the publisher.
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