So you want to dance ballroom? You will enter a classy world full of tradition and fun. Ballroom dancing is basically an umbrella term for various types of traditional dance. Some examples of traditional dances are Rumba, Cha-Cha, Tango, Waltz, and Fox Trot. These types of dances come from different parts of the world and from different eras, but what they have in common is that they are all formal dances in pairs, focused on flow and elegance. The good news is that learning ballroom dancing may be easier than you think, and you'll be practicing while having fun.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Choosing One Ballroom Dance Style
Step 1. Learn all the dance styles that count as ballroom dancing
Set a style that appeals to you. While you don't need to learn all the styles, you will need to learn some of the core styles at first.
- There are various styles of ballroom dancing, which are generally divided into standard styles and Latin styles. Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, and Quickstep are included in the standard styles. Cha-Cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble, and Jive belong to the Latin style. The styles may differ slightly, especially between international styles and continental styles, but the basis of each style is very specific and has a different sequence of steps.
- Difficult dance styles like the bolero and double paso can be learned later, but if you want to dance and don't want to sit all night, you'll need to learn basic styles like Rumba, Cha-Cha, Tango, Waltz, and Fox Trot.
Step 2. Determine your goals for dancing
Do you want to dance for social reasons or to compete? Do you want to go out every weekend or do you just want to look good at the wedding? Some specific event types may require you to learn only one style. You'll be better prepared for a relaxed social dance night if you learn the basic steps for some dance styles. Whatever your goal, keep that in mind when you learn to dance!!
Step 3. Find a specific dance teacher or school that specializes in ballroom dancing
You can search the Yellow Pages (phone book) or on Google to find teachers or schools in your area. Contact more than one school and talk about your goals and whether they can help you achieve them.
- Know what you want and make sure your needs match your instructor's skills and methods. Talk to other students and ask how long they've been practicing, or go to more than one dance class until you feel comfortable. For example, some dance schools focus on dancing for competitions, while others focus on helping beginners gain experience (and courage!) so that they can advance to the dance floor at their next wedding invitation.
- If you live close to a university, look for student clubs and activities. Many have ballroom dance classes that are open to non-student members.
Part 2 of 2: Learning How to Ballroom Dance
Step 1. Study the step box
If you're afraid to attend your first class without knowing a thing about ballroom dancing, you might be able to practice a little with help from websites or online videos. Start by learning the box step, which is the basic movement of many ballroom dances.
- When you do a box step, you move your legs in a square shape. Start by standing up and placing your weight on your right leg. Move your left leg straight ahead in small steps and transfer your weight to that leg. In the next step, lift your right leg to the side of your left so that there is a gap of about 30 cm between your legs. Complete this move by transferring your weight to your right foot and bringing your legs together by moving your left foot toward your right foot. Now you do this movement again, but in reverse. Transfer your weight to your left leg and move your right leg back straight in small steps. Transfer your weight and move your left leg back sideways. Complete the box step by moving your right foot toward your left foot.
- If you're having trouble, remember that it's always the outer leg that moves to form the square you're making.
Step 2. Practice a few steps at home
There are many articles on the internet that can give you the basic sequences and body movements of other ballroom dances, such as: Rumba, Cha-Cha, Samba, Tango, and Waltz.
These online videos cannot replace the benefits you get in dance class. The dance coach will be able to give you personalized instruction which is the key to developing your dance skills
Step 3. Attend a ballroom dance class
While you may have mastered the basics of ballroom dancing, dance classes will further assist you with other important aspects of dancing, including posture, communication, and dance etiquette. Some dance classes require you to come with a partner, but many are made for people without a partner.
Make sure you look at the prices as prices in dance classes vary. You have to make sure that the quality of your school and coach is what you pay for. Many dance studios offer free or low-cost services to potential students, which can make it easier for you to find the connection between the dance school and your goals. Group classes are generally less expensive than private classes, while specialized and personalized training for competitive ballroom dancing can cost hundreds of times more
Step 4. Listen to ballroom music
Ask your coach to prepare a set of songs for the rhythm you are learning. Buy the songs and listen to them. You may find a collection of music devoted to a particular dance.
Choose a dance rhythm and count out loud as the music begins. Many beginners benefit from clapping to the beat of the music. When you hear music, imagine the dancers moving along with it. Feel the movement of the dance and add to the rhythm
Step 5. Come to practice sessions in your studio
Many studios have practice sessions outside of class, but you can also practice on your own. Don't be afraid to ask for help from more experienced dancers.
Step 6. Find a partner to practice outside of class
Maybe you have friends who also want to learn how to ballroom dance. Maybe you can convince your partner to join you on a dance learning adventure.
- Everyone has a different body shape and size. This is a fact of life. Adjust your dancing position and style to help your partner, especially if differences in height and body size can cause uncomfortable physical contact. Remember that ballroom dancing is all about grace, elegance and modesty.
- Dance at your partner's level. Don't try to do new, more complicated moves with someone just starting out. Ballroom dancing should be enjoyed by those who follow it. There's no point in trying to show your greatness by making your partner look bad. When couples work together, dancing becomes something beautiful.
- The secret of dancing together is not in being close to each other, but in communicating. This communication is not delivered with a special code, but with subtle body movements that can be felt easily when the two dancers are standing straight with good posture.
Step 7. Dance
You're here to learn to dance, so dance! Even if you've just had your first lesson, try dancing in public. If you only learned two moves in your first lesson, use them. Those two moves are enough for you to dance and have fun on the dance floor.
- Get everyone to dance! Beginners and experienced dancers will help you to develop your dance. Beginners make you re-examine what you know. Experienced dancers will correct your mistakes. As a general rule, ballroom dancers shouldn't say no when you ask them to dance.
- If someone asks you to dance, say yes! Keep in mind that not only is it rude to refuse it, but it can also cost you the opportunity to improve your skills, regardless of who invites you to dance.
- Keep in mind that ballroom etiquette forbids two consecutive dances with the same person. If you just want to dance with your loved one, you can do it in the living room of your house.
Tips
- When dealing with a new partner in the basic position, each dancer should look away from their partner, usually looking over the shoulder. Otherwise, the strain that comes from looking into each other's eyes closely can be uncomfortable and even a little scary.
- Don't be a “wet noodle”! If you're not leading, remember to remain an active partner. Follow your leader willingly but remember not to push them on the dance floor.
- If you are in the lead, DO NOT push your partner on the dance floor! Strong leadership and being very strong are two different things. Pair dance talks about communication, giving and receiving.
- Elegance is the essence of ballroom dancing. Think of the word "elegant" when you practice. Dancing is not a simple matter of where you have to move your feet. Dancing is a new way to move your whole body, in a coordinated flow, close to the other person moving their whole body. You'd be better off learning the basic steps, so that you look like you're floating on the dance floor, rather than learning difficult moves hastily and looking like a deer just learning to walk. If you only know where your feet are, it means you don't understand a particular type of dance.
- Keep the steps small and you and your partner will look better and keep each other in balance. In many dance classes, the initial movement is the leader's left foot moving forward and the partner's right foot stepping back. Since it is common practice to move forward rather than backwards, the leader must be careful to keep the steps small. After all, the illusion of floating on the dance floor is not created with big strides, but from small, fast successive steps.
