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Ballroom Basics – How to Start Ballroom Dancing

Has “Dancing with the Stars,” left your feet in a frenzy, anxiously awaiting their debut on the dance floor? As the popularity of ABC’s dance floor reality show left thinking about taking the floor yourself? If so, then ballroom dancing is definitely an activity you should look into. Ballroom dancing is great for a variety of ages and is an excellent way to stay in shape while learning a fabulous art form. You will also find that ballroom dancing will socially excite you as you spend time with likeminded individuals who are just as eager to Rumba as you are. Grab a pair of dancing shoes and follow these great tips to dance your way to the stars.

  • Do your research: Ballroom dancing is a very wide term used to refer to the many styles of dance that take place with a partner on a dance floor. There are basic dance styles that you may be familiar with, such as that Cha Cha, Salsa, and the Tango. There are also several styles of ballroom dancing that you may not be familiar with like the Bolero, the Quickstep, and the Paso Doble. Since ballroom dancing is heavily influenced by nationality, you will want to do some research to find out what style dance you would like to pursue. There are programs that offer instruction in the ballroom basics, but there are also programs that are based on the customs of different nationalities. The internet and the library will be your greatest tools when it comes to researching ballroom dancing. A simple search for the word “ballroom dancing” or “Latin Ballroom Dancing” will yield hundred of results. Read articles and watch videos to become familiar with various styles.

Decide What Type of Instruction to Take: Ballroom dance is typically offered in group sessions or private lessons. It’s important to decide what format you would prefer before you start calling various studios. If you’re interested in ballroom dancing as a fun way to learn to dance techniques while interacting with other people, a group lesson is probably your best bet.

Group Lessons:

  • Offer social interaction and a way to meet people.
  • Offer the chance to learn and experiment with several styles of ballroom dancing.
  • Are often less intensive lending it’s self to those who are just looking to have fun.

Private Lesson:

  • Offer the chance to hone in and work on specific dance moves or styles.
  • Allow you to choose the pace.
  • Great for couples or individuals who are looking to choreograph a dance for a wedding or other function.
Find Classes in Your Area:Grab a phone book or log onto the internet yellow pages and start searching for dance lessons in your area. Keep a pen and paper handy to write down the name and number of the establishment. If you’re having trouble locating classes by searching solely for ballroom dance, expand your search to include various styles of dance with the hopes that these places either offer ballroom dancing or can point you in the right direction.

Since ballroom dancing is something that can be considered and ethnic tradition you may be able to find classes that are offered in cultural centers or various places of ethnic worship. Once you have a few places on your list, start making phone calls. Be sure to write down any information they provide you with like schedules or prices.

Visit Studios:

  • If it’s possible, make it a point to visit various dance studios> Visiting these places will help you decide:
    1. If you are comfortable in that dance studio.
    2. If the instructor or teacher is credible.
    3. What style dance, if any, the group focuses on.
    4. What age group, if any, is dominant in the group.
    5. The intensity level of the class fits your criteria.
Sign Up for a Class:The next step in learning to ballroom dance is to sign up for a class. Once you’ve decided on a studio or class that works best for you, you will need to sign up. Be sure to find out when the classes close and what the starting date is. You will also want to know when the studio expects your payment and what you need in order to participate in class. For example, you may very well need to invest in ballroom dance shoes and some free flowing dance attire.

Jennifer Wasilewski

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