Why did you start dancing?

[ShyDancer]

Simple Q! And once again apologies if it has been asked before!

What made you decide to get up and go to your first lesson? A friend? Spur of the moment? Lifetime dream?

For me it was 2 things...Firstly the movie (no laughing! :) ) Dirty Dancing...such a feelgood movie, I just wanted the magic the movie brings!
And secondly...I was out at a work party and we went to a latin cabaret restaurant where they did a floorshow, showcasing Tango, Cha Cha, Rumba and Salsa. The power of the dancers amazed me and I knew I wanted to do that!
I went home an watched DD abot 4 times over trying to learn the steps :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: The following week I spent looking for a school, chose one and havent looked back since.

[dancin_feet]

OK, long story, cut down.

Mum and Dad put me into jazz dancing at the age of 9 to improve my co-ordination. I found I had a natural talent for picking up steps and moving to music, so the studio I was at put me into a jazz troupe where we did exhibition routines at the studio's functions. During the training for these routines I also had exposure to tap, ballet and other forms of dance.

Planning one routine we were going to perform at a ball for the studio where there was going to be social ballroom dancing and the members of the troupe were encouraged to go along to ballroom classes so we could join in on the night. Ballroom took over and the jazz troupe kind of died out, so I concentrated on that. By this stage I was 14.

Life took over and I had to drop dancing due to financial restraints and have only just gone back to it about 7 months ago after 16 years, and loving every minute of it! Even considering making it at least a part time career!

My story in a nutshell.

[Adwiz]

Although I was a fairly good dancer in my early 20's, I hadn't touched a dance floor since I got married 20 years ago. Not sure why. Then my wife and I watched a ballroom dance special on television. I think Suzanne Somers was narrating it. Those ladies looked so beautiful and sexy and those guys looked so macho and athletic I was captivated. Thought it was one of the coolest forms of dancing I had ever seen. A couple of weeks later I had my wife sign us up for beginner lessons and we've been working our way through the process ever since and now into the competition circuit -- with dancing consuming between 1 and 5 hours per day most of the time.

[Auzzie_Dancer]

I started because one of my good friends was a dancer and he told me to come along for a bit. So i did and it was quite enjoyable because everybody there had a good sense of humor and didnt push me too hard.

I also decided to do competitions after i went and watched the australian dancesport championships, they were awesome and i thought i would love to do that so yeah.

[MadamSamba]

Wow, the Aussies are talking over!!! Yay...we will rule the world one day, you know! :)



Aussie, Aussie, Aussie ...anyone?

[danceguy]

Very simple for me, I was trying to impress a lady I was courting who was into Salsa dancing. No romance ever developed, but I fell in love with Salsa so it worked out great for me. ;)

That was about 7 months ago...I think my Salsa fever started about 3 months ago when I started going to clubs...but I have a feeling its going to become a permanent fixture in my life. :P

SG

[NeoDevin]

Well I'd originally intended to start as a way to meet girls (me, try to meet girls, who would've guessed). Anyways, never got in on time, ended up with a g/f anyway, and she wanted to join, so I figured what the heck, worth a try. Turns out I really like it, we've since broken up, and she quit dancing, but I stuck with it... ah well, her loss ;)

[Sagitta]

I've forgotten!!! :oops:

[ShyDancer]

Wow, the Aussies are talking over!!! Yay...we will rule the world one day, you know! :)



Aussie, Aussie, Aussie ...anyone?


:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Here you go MadamSamba......... OI! OI!OI!


YAY Lets take over the world :wink:

[MacMoto]

To shift some of the weight I'd put on over Christmas!

[alfr dís]

i started dancing as a way to get better parts in the musicals i tack part in. at first that was all it was supposed to be, you know take a jazz class here, a tap class there, but since then its kinda taken over my life.... oh well, loving something usually does that to you. :)

[Neil]

When my wife met me, she assumed I knew how to dance because she had never met a man who didn't. During the first years of our marriage, the dance thing became an issue because she always wanted me to take her out dancing, at least to the dances her classmates at school put on. Finally, one year for her birthday present, I signed up for some lessons at a ballroom dance studio.

She came with me, but the scene was already set for her to get into ballroom dancing. She had just seen the movie Dirty Dancing and she loved it. Then, after the second or third lesson, PBS aired an episode of Championship Ballroom Dancing with Juliet Prowess and Terry Leone. We loved the dancing in that too. My wife came with me to those classes and these Anglo-American dances became a real passion for her. Anyway, that was the start.

[DanceMentor]

It helped me to build confidence, and now I am the greatest dancer you could ever imagine. :lol: But seriously, I was very shy, and it has been a wonderful blessing.

[Genesius Redux]

Oh, I do have a story about this.

I was doing a musical, "1776." (For you Aussies--oy oy oy--that's a show about the signing of the American Declaration of Independence). I was cast as John Adams, and I knew that I had to do a Viennese Waltz at the end of Act 1 ("Violin"). I arrived at rehearsal on the first day and asked the director whether he'd hired a choreographer. He said since it wasn't a dance heavy show, so he hadn't. Well, what about the waltz in "Violin," I asked.

"Oh, Waltz is easy," he replied, "it's just 1-2-3, 1-2-3."

"Um, Leo," I said, "I know how to do a box step. I'm concerned about looking good."

I was told not to worry. I worried. There was a ballroom studio I knew, so I dropped by and begged for someone to give us some choreography for the number. I met my first teacher, and I enjoyed it so much that I stayed on.

Leo cast himself as Rutledge (with the most demanding show-stopping song in the show), even though he couldn't sing worth a lick. I guess he figured singing "Molasses to Rum" was as easy as Viennese Waltz. He was hands-down the worst director I've ever worked for, and I've never worked for him again. On opening night, he gathered the cast and read us the St. Crispin's Day speech from Shakespeare's "Henry V." You know, the one that goes "Who bleeds with me will be my brother"? This was in the shadow of 9/11.

Nevertheless, I shall always be grateful for Leo's crass incompetence, as it introduced me to the ballroom world.

Cheers,

Genesius

[millersc72]

Just an off beat question... How long have you been dancing and what was your inspiration to start?

Personally, I grew up watching Gene Kelly, as well as, Fred and Ginger. I was always astounded at their fluidity and how easily they moved across the floor. So four years ago I decided to give it a try.

I have been hooked ever since and wish I started dancing in my youth!

[Sagitta]

I dance because I am. I started to be true to myself. :cheers: :)

[Medira]

I started dancing ballet when I was two years old. My aunt owned a dance studio, so she started me, my sister and my cousins out young. I've been dancing for 20 years now (I had a two year hiatus to recover from an accident) and I don't think there's anything outside of a physical impairment that could stop me. I'm happiest and most carefree when I dance. Nothing can get me down, even when I'm struggling to get something correct.

[Medira]

I should add that I started ballroom 4 months ago as a lighter-impact type of dance than what I had been doing before.

[DancingMommy]

Just an off beat question... How long have you been dancing and what was your inspiration to start?

Personally, I grew up watching Gene Kelly, as well as, Fred and Ginger. I was always astounded at their fluidity and how easily they moved across the floor. So four years ago I decided to give it a try.

I have been hooked ever since and wish I started dancing in my youth!

Same story different week for me. I started dance lessons at age 4, got kicked out because of a disability, started over at age 8, quit at age 15. Wanted to try partner dancing from age 15-22 but never was able to get lessons due to various factors.

Filed for divorce and needed a picl me up. Saw the calssic short "Arthur Murray taught me dancing in a hurry" featuring the Andrews Sisters and called that minute for an intro lesson. The rest is history. The fateful day of my first ballroom lesson was August 20th, 1997. :) I'm approaching my 8 year anniversary this summer....

[Phil Owl]

The original Dance Fever TV show played a part in it for me, and more details found on my webpage here:

http://www.geocities.com/theowlwatches/owldances.html

[Laura]

I wanted to take ballet when I was younger but my mom wouldn't let me because she didn't want me to suffer the heartbreak she did of having the "wrong" body type. Of course, I still think she should have let me because I wanted to do it for fun and because I liked the music, not because I thought I would be a ballerina when I grew up. Anyway, I then tried gymnastics but because I was afraid to flip my career ended very quickly.

Years and years later I tried a group ballroom class with a boyfriend at the local community center and it ended up being a complete disaster. He just never paid attention in class and he couldn't remember anything the teacher told us more than 45 seconds after she said it.

A few years after that a friend of mine (who had been my boyfriend previously in college) was taking lessons at a Fred Astaire, and one day he convinced me to come to a party because he thought I'd like it. And sure enough, he was right. I took lessons from a six-week-wonder for about a month, then I was handed over to my first real teacher (who has since gone on to many many great things). I took lessons and did Pro/Am comps for a year and a half, but then I moved to California and stopped dancing for 3 1/2 years.

A friend of mine was (finally) graduating from college, and her graduation party was held in one of the ballrooms of a local dance studio. While I was there I started looking at their calendar and thought "why the heck have I not been dancing for the past 3 1/2 years?" So I started taking lessons again, near where I worked, but after a month I changed to the studio where my friend's party had been. I hooked up with an excellent Pro/Am teacher and I took lessons and competed with him for a little over seven years. During this time I also danced with several different amateur guys in both Standard and Smooth.

Last fall I stopped doing Pro/Am and have been concentrating on amateur Standard. I love it but dancing is not my entire life. If I had to quit tomorrow I'd survive and I'd find something else to do, probably take up learning Chinese again. I did go through a completely obsessed with dance period a number of years ago, and I ended up so burnt out that I' nearly quit. I don't want to get back to that point again because it just wasn't fun, and I do this for no other reason than for personal satisfaction and enjoyment, so why make myself miserable about it?

[DancingMommy]

Are you sure we've never met????? You seem strangely familiar.......

[Laura]

I've never lived in Florida and the only time I went there to dance was at the 2002 USDSC. You've probably just heard my story too many times as I've told it over the years here, on DanceScape, and on my personal web page.

[DancingMommy]

Actually, I was replying to PhilOwl.... LOL.... I liveed in Atlanta for a LONG time and it is where I started ballroom....

[Phil Owl]

Are you sure we've never met????? You seem strangely familiar.......

I'm pretty positive we've never actually met. I only arrived in ATL Feb of 2004.

[DancingMommy]

Ah yese... that would be true.... In Feb of 04 I was busy giving birth to DancingBaby #2 (aka Anabella). :)

I guess everyone has a twin, lol!

[chachachacat]

dancing Mommy - love the new bunny hoppy avatar!
hop hop hop!

[swan]

I started because a friend took me & my husband to a dance studio & said I'd take you two dancing. Here I was, thinking it was a club or disco. We're like, yeah. We went - man, it was a disaster. The owners of the studio (husband & wife) both got stepped on VERY badly by my husband and me :)

We felt so embarrassed that we signed up at a community college & 6 weeks later, we're able to show up & did 'bon cha cha' (the Chinese phrase for doing the Waltz). We even got inspired enough to take a few private lessons, but we got stuck on hustle & never moved on. My husband bailed out on me afterwards (dancing that is).

Then a while later, a friend from that studio invited me to see a dance competition in San Jose (that'd be 1998 Western Regional in April). I was mesmorized by the beautiful gowns (vane, vane, vane ME :))

I was like - I could do this! I went back to that studio & asked for what I could do to compete & wear those gowns :) They said private lessons. The owner also said you should do 'smooth'. OK - I had no idea what Smooth was or Standard was...

They sent me to Jonathan Roberts (yes, the one w/ Rachel!) Jon asked if I wanted to do Smooth or Standard. I asked what's the difference. As soon as he told me that I had to flap my arm around in Smooth, I immediately said - Standard :)

He then turned me over to someone else as he was busy competing. The teacher asked me - why standard, not latin? I told him that I wanted my WHOLE body to be covered up & never had to wear skimpy clothes. ha...

I luckily found my first dance partner in July 1998. The rest was history... I'm a standard girl from then on.

[DancingMommy]

dancing Mommy - love the new bunny hoppy avatar!
hop hop hop!

...i said a hip hop the hippie the hippie to the hip hip hop, a you dont stop...

[Sagitta]

dancing Mommy - love the new bunny hoppy avatar!
hop hop hop!

...i said a hip hop the hippie the hippie to the hip hip hop, a you dont stop...

bang bang!! bunny dead?

[DancingMommy]

...bang bang boogie say up jumped the boogie to the rhythm of the boogie, the beat...

[pygmalion]

I have to say I wish I had no idea what you're talking about. :lol: :lol:

[Ms_Sunlight]

I hatehatehate that record. Why? Because when it starts up I think I'm gonna get Good Times and I LOVE Chic, and then I don't...

:twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

Yeah, I know it's not often you get someone admit to loving Chic. Even though there were two absolute musical geniuses at the heart of the band!

[DancingMommy]

Freak Out!... Le Freak.... Heheheh I'm a Chic lover too. But then Ilove all things 70s disco/r&b/funk.

[pygmalion]

Yes. I knew we were talking lyrics, here. What I still don't understand is why. :doh: :wink: :lol:

[Axle16th]

Just an off beat question... How long have you been dancing and what was your inspiration to start?

Personally, I grew up watching Gene Kelly, as well as, Fred and Ginger. I was always astounded at their fluidity and how easily they moved across the floor. So four years ago I decided to give it a try.

I have been hooked ever since and wish I started dancing in my youth!

I've started dancing when I was eleven.... at school. Whenever there are programs or social events, the teachers organized something and I was always included in the dance group. Then it went on in high school, I was about 14 when I became one of the dance club coordinator at school. Until I , actually, became a dance instructor and a private dance studio in my university years. I'm not quite sure what's been my inspiration though....hmm (weird, i can't even think of one...lol).....
Dancing's been a passion to me. I'm just oh so grateful that I learn easily. :)

[lujan]

I started dancing ballet when I was 4, my mum did tap & modern jazz, so she put me in the ballet class to keep me out of mischeif while she was in her class :D

I started Irish when I was 10 because after years of listening to the music (being of celtic origins) I wanted to be able to dance to the music.

[DanceMentor]

2 Ladies showed me how to turn them at a New Year's Eve party. I couldn't find a studio open on January 1, but I bought a new suit that day in preparation for the first private lesson I took on January 2. For the next 4 years, I danced 7 days per week, and no less than 28 hours per week.

[chachachacat]

2 Ladies showed me how to turn them at a New Year's Eve party. I couldn't find a studio open on January 1, but I bought a new suit that day in preparation for the first private lesson I took on January 2. For the next 4 years, I danced 7 days per week, and no less than 28 hours per week.
Wow! Love at first try! :D

And kudos for your incredible discipline thereafter!
You must be quite a dancer!

[DancingMommy]

2 Ladies showed me how to turn them at a New Year's Eve party. I couldn't find a studio open on January 1, but I bought a new suit that day in preparation for the first private lesson I took on January 2. For the next 4 years, I danced 7 days per week, and no less than 28 hours per week.

How did I *know* this was your reply. I can see you doing this, lol. Are we all that predictable?

I did the same thing with my first ballroom lesson (bougth a pair of character shoes which I still have, lol)... I dropped $99 dollars on a pair of latin shoes before lesson #2. The things we do for love....

[Stiletto One]

Lessee, how'd I get started...

I think it was the second weekend after I moved into my dorm at Uni (NC State). Saturday evening.

I IMed a guy I met at Orientation (cool guy, kinda nuts, figured I may as well start with the networking), seeing what he was up to. I'd decided that I didn't feel like just sitting around playing computer games (gasp).

He was like "dude there's a Tango class this evening" and I was like "huh. cool", along with "why the hell not, I'm not doing anything better tonight", so I went.

The dance team people had a signup sheet going, so I decided to sign up for the team. No pressure, we didn't have to pay any dues or anything until a month or so in, and the girls vastly outnumbered the guys on the sheet. :p

I stayed on.

How did I get started dancing? A boring Saturday night, a chance IM, and a cynical "why the hell not".

[DancingMommy]

Well, my friend, that is better than nothing, right? 8)

[cornutt]

Well, my wife had done some sock hops and swing in high school, and she had been bugging me for a while about doing some dance lessons, and she wanted to try ballroom. With great trepidation, for Christmas in 2001, I gave her a "certificate" (printed on my computer) for dance lessons at the club of her choice, with the promise that I would give it a fair shot.

I must confess that I did this with great trepidation. At the time, dancing and I did not have a cordial relationship. My dance experience was limited to a little bit of club and disco dancing; I had no training of any kind. After my previous wife had informed me that I sucked at it, I had managed to avoid neary all occasions on which dancing might have been expected of me; in fact, the only time I can think of that I had done any dancing at all since about 1995 had been at a friend's wedding.

I had no proper concept of ballroom dancing. I didn't know what it was. I had no idea how to choose a place to dance, or an instructor. I picked a place at random from the phone book. Stroke of luck #1: I randomly picked what turned out to be by far the best place in town, with talented and competent instructors, a great facility, and a terrific cast of regulars who welcomed us with open arms. We took our first lesson, and by the end of it I was exhausted and drenched in sweat. But when we walked out, I thought, "You know, that was kind of cool!" As opposed to all of the club dancing I'd ever come into contact with, I appreciated the discipline, the contact with my partner, the fact that the male had a definite role in the dance, and the overall feeling that the dance had a definite purpose of expression and wasn't just drunken stomping around.

We spent the next several weeks taking lessons with the different instructors at the club. Once we settled on the one we liked the most, and got seriously into learning, I was hooked. I tend to be a rather "mental" person, in that I usually prefer intellectual activities to physical, but ballroom dance is a great combination of both. Since I started, my posture has improved; my muscle tone and overall health has improved, and I have found all kinds of muscles that I didn't know existed. :lol:

Seriously, I feel ten years younger. Before I started dancing, I was just getting over a series of foot injuries that I had been struggling with for the past two years. Since then, no foot problems. Nada. We've met a great bunch of people. It's brought my wife and I closer. When we do comps and exhibitions, I get the thrill of performing in front of an audience, something that I hadn't experienced since I played in a band in Florida in the early '80s.

All that, plus I get to dance with pretty women. What's not to like?
:wink:

[Sagitta]

Great to hear this cornutt. :D

[Sobrero]

Hi everyone! :)
I started ballet when I was 6 years-old. I really liked the music, had a good time and made a lot of friends! I continued for 8 years and then I quitted.
Why? Because for the last 1 year I found ballet a little boring and as I grew up I wanted something that did not restrict that much my movement. Those of you who have practiced ballet you understand what I mean by “restriction”. :?

Anyway, I needed to start something else so I did tennis for a couple of years. I really enjoyed it but I think that I missed the music. I always liked listening to different types of music. About a year ago my best friend (also know as Elena_ Twilight for the DF) took some ballroom dancing lessons and she was really excited about it! :D I watched one of those lessons and I really liked the music and loved the movements!! What can I say I fell in love with ballroom dancing!!! :D :wink: :D

When she told me that her parents could not afford to pay for more lessons we thought that it would be a good idea to take ballroom dancing lessons together and split the money in half!! :) So we both started dancing last August!!! :D I will never forget my first lesson it was amazing!! :D :bouncy:

After a month or so we discovered that there were some salsa lessons in the ballroom of our dance studio and so we started salsa!!! :banana: Now salsa is my favourite dance; I am in the street and I dance salsa, I listen to salsa music every single day, I deleted other songs from my MP3 in order to put more salsa songs in it!! :roll: :wink:

When I dance I feel free, happy, like I am in heaven :bouncy: :banana:
I LOVE DANCING
Sobrero

[Ms_Sunlight]

Got to love that salsa.

It's the tap steps that get me. Once I start, I'm tapping. I'm in danger of walking down the street and being unable to move forward until I've tapped before every third step. :wink:

[newbie]

For swing: I was attracted by a girl and one day we were with the posse and she said "Hey, let's all go to club Z..., there will be some swing!" and they all went except me, as I didn't know the swing. So I decided I would take classes.

For ballroom: I was attracted by a girl in the swing class and I heared her saying to someone else that she would like to take up ballroom but that the ballroom studio took only couples.

For A.T: I was attracted by a girl in the ballroom class and one day she came to me, explained there would be an A.T beginner workshop newt week-end and all the potential partners she had asked had declined.

to be continued

[Sobrero]

Got to love that salsa.

It's the tap steps that get me. Once I start, I'm tapping. I'm in danger of walking down the street and being unable to move forward until I've tapped before every third step. :wink:

Yeah I know what you mean!!
I do ballroom dancing and I am going to give exams in the third steps of Foxtrot, cha-chaetc!!! My BIG problem is Mambo!!
My technique is a disaster! I tap in EVERY SINGLE step, my knees are alwas relaxed, I lean slightly foward e.t.c. :lol: :lol: :lol:
My teacher started salsa a while ago and she can understand me :lol:
but tell that to the examiner :lol:

Sobrero

[GalacticDancer44M]

About 10 years ago while visiting my brother in San Diego we decided to take a drive into Las Vegas. I had never been to a casino before and the very first slot machine I played, I won about $1500! He pulled me off of it (he used to be a programmer for slots and refused to gamble in them) and we decided to just check out some of the clubs in the area. We got a taxi and asked the driver to take us to some cool clubs. He took us off the strip to a place where the "locals" go. Inside, I asked this beautiful brunette for a dance and she mentioned that she was tired and had danced all day but I was welcome to join them for a drink. After a few minutes, one of her girlfriends, this gorgeous blonde asked me to dance. I loved to dance but never had any training. She wowed me with all kinds of moves. Then they told me that they were Vegas Show girls and invited me to see their show the next night. My brother and I ended up staying another day and went to see the show. We sat front row (dead center). The show was called "Splash". Turns out the brunette I first asked, was the star of the show and the blonde lady that I danced with was "the Madonna" inpersonator in Vegas! :shock: Well, their show blew my mind and I watched all of the dancers and said to myself, "That's what I want to do!" Well, I didn't do anything about it for years and then one day I got a phone call from a solicitor representing an Aurthur Murray Studio and they asked if I would be interested in taking 3 free lessons. I never knew where to take any dance lessons and I said sure! Not knowing what type of dance I'd be doing. Turns out it was ballroom and I loved it immediately. Realizing, I'd never be a Vegas Dancer at this time in my life, this made more sense for me! :D

[millersc72]

Everyone has such interesting stories!
It's amazing how quickly we all seem to become hooked!

I'm always intrigued at the different paths people take to reach a common desire.

[lujan]

I've already answered, but my mate recently started dancing with the best intentions.

He got sick of seeing pictures of me with gorgeous girl after gorgeous girl, and figured he should try out this dancing thing ;)

[Twilight_Elena]

I alwasy wanted to dance, but I was terribly intimidated by it, thinking it was impossible that I could ever become as graceful as those dancers I saw on TV. But then some demon took over my body and I signed up for ballroom lessons. I think it was the "Now or Never Dammit" demon. The rest is history. :P

Twilight Elena

[scullystwin42]

I'm new to the forums... but i like this thread, so i thought i'd answer :)

I did gymnastics from when i was 4, stopped when i went to college. but i like to be active - and working out is boring. thankfully, the swing craze started then, so i learned, went to clubs, loved it.

i grew up watching those awesome championship ballroom dancing shows on PBS, but didn't realize there were studios in Chicago. I only found out when i got engaged and decided that my husband and i should not be dead fish zombie couple for our first dance. We got a great waltz routine, and then i kept coming back for Formation, then lessons, then snagged a partner, and am doing Int'l Latin and Standard.

of course now i've lost my partner (stupid medical school), so i'm desperate for a new one.

But i love it. LOVE IT!

[Joe]

of course now i've lost my partner (stupid medical school)
Tell me about it... :roll:

[pygmalion]

I'm new to the forums... but i like this thread, so i thought i'd answer :)

I did gymnastics from when i was 4, stopped when i went to college. but i like to be active - and working out is boring. thankfully, the swing craze started then, so i learned, went to clubs, loved it.

i grew up watching those awesome championship ballroom dancing shows on PBS, but didn't realize there were studios in Chicago. I only found out when i got engaged and decided that my husband and i should not be dead fish zombie couple for our first dance. We got a great waltz routine, and then i kept coming back for Formation, then lessons, then snagged a partner, and am doing Int'l Latin and Standard.

of course now i've lost my partner (stupid medical school), so i'm desperate for a new one.

But i love it. LOVE IT!

Cool! scullystwin42. And welcome to the forums. :D

[coolgirl]

another new comer in this forum,.... :oops:
i m not a ballet based dancer so i have to practise more harder than others in latin dancing. i do not doing standard coz i dance without partner now......actually, i get my dance inspiration from my friend that i know since i m 7 years old. i didn't contact her since i move with my family to others place and i met her again in year 2000 after three year in univercity and back to my hometown for work in one food stall. she look so happy without any pressure so i just ask waz she is doing in nomal day? she just tell me that she is involving in dancing and ask me whether interesting for it? i am just not sure wherether i can dance or not even though i like dancing coz i m a snooker and pool player for so many year that need a very high concentrade and sharp shoot for it. anyway, i still try to get myself into the class. :shock: i m a very tall girl almost 5 feet 8 so my dancing master reject me in dancing lady step and just teaching me in man step. i dance man step almost a year and finally with an encourage from my dancing classmate in change to girl step and of coz change an instructor too. i am dancing lady step now but i have to dance harder than other when i realize that i m not from ballet based and not even involve in dancing before. the only dance i involve before is disco only......now i can dance cha cha cha, rhumba, jive, samba but still weak in paso. :? anyway i still feel that i am not strong enough to greet as a ametuer level.....and have to give more work on it..... :( the world latin dancer that always give me inspiration is paul killik and hanna karttunen, slavik and karina, micheal and beata........ :roll:

[kdogg]

If dancing be the food of life, dance on. One of the places where I can be myself and forget all the hustle and bustle of life is the dance floor. You enter a wonderful world created by the music being played; of course, good music is needed. You get kicked, stepped on, elbowed and what not, yet you dance on.

[Sagitta]

another new comer in this forum,.... :oops:
i m not a ballet based dancer so i have to practise more harder than others in latin dancing. i do not doing standard coz i dance without partner now......actually, i get my dance inspiration from my friend that i know since i m 7 years old. i didn't contact her since i move with my family to others place and i met her again in year 2000 after three year in univercity and back to my hometown for work in one food stall. she look so happy without any pressure so i just ask waz she is doing in nomal day? she just tell me that she is involving in dancing and ask me whether interesting for it? i am just not sure wherether i can dance or not even though i like dancing coz i m a snooker and pool player for so many year that need a very high concentrade and sharp shoot for it. anyway, i still try to get myself into the class. :shock: i m a very tall girl almost 5 feet 8 so my dancing master reject me in dancing lady step and just teaching me in man step. i dance man step almost a year and finally with an encourage from my dancing classmate in change to girl step and of coz change an instructor too. i am dancing lady step now but i have to dance harder than other when i realize that i m not from ballet based and not even involve in dancing before. the only dance i involve before is disco only......now i can dance cha cha cha, rhumba, jive, samba but still weak in paso. :? anyway i still feel that i am not strong enough to greet as a ametuer level.....and have to give more work on it..... :( the world latin dancer that always give me inspiration is paul killik and hanna karttunen, slavik and karina, micheal and beata........ :roll:

Welcome to df coolgirl. There are many of us without any ballet experience who learnt dance.

[coolgirl]

Thanks for ur welcome, sagitta........
i will dance harder and harder for this inspiration of my life......

[dancin_feet]

I certainly wasn't inspired to start dancing. I was a sporty type of kid, and at the age of nine, I had a growth spurt, ended up with knee problems and was really unco-ordinated. Not too good for an A grade netballer.

Mum and dad heard that dancing helped to strengthen joints and muscles because it was "voluntary" movement as opposed to sport which is reactive "involuntary" movement. They dragged me kicking and screaming to my first jazz ballet class, and when they came to pick me up again, I didn't want to leave. Did jazz for 2 years before they asked me to join a performance group for the studio. We did jazz, tap, classical, any number of styles as a part of our performances. At a lot of the functions they had ballroom dancing so I decided to try that as well so I could general dance at the functions. I loved it! The performance group died out, but my ballroom and latin continued for two years when I had to give it up because I had started working and couldn't afford the lessons myself.

Tried to get it going again on and off for the next 16 years, but couldn't find anywhere I enjoyed that I could actually progress. It wasn't until I had a bit of a breakdown at work due to stress, long hours, no life, etc, that I decided to do something with my life and I looked back on my childhood to see what had made me happy. Dancing was the only thing that always made me happy. A week later I found a studio ad in the local paper and decided that it must be meant to be and phoned up for an appointment. That was two years ago.

I haven't looked back since. It has changed my life in so many ways, I can't even begin to describe it.

[kdogg]

I certainly wasn't inspired to start dancing. I was a sporty type of kid, and at the age of nine, I had a growth spurt, ended up with knee problems and was really unco-ordinated. Not too good for an A grade netballer.

Mum and dad heard that dancing helped to strengthen joints and muscles because it was "voluntary" movement as opposed to sport which is reactive "involuntary" movement. They dragged me kicking and screaming to my first jazz ballet class, and when they came to pick me up again, I didn't want to leave. Did jazz for 2 years before they asked me to join a performance group for the studio. We did jazz, tap, classical, any number of styles as a part of our performances. At a lot of the functions they had ballroom dancing so I decided to try that as well so I could general dance at the functions. I loved it! The performance group died out, but my ballroom and latin continued for two years when I had to give it up because I had started working and couldn't afford the lessons myself.

Tried to get it going again on and off for the next 16 years, but couldn't find anywhere I enjoyed that I could actually progress. It wasn't until I had a bit of a breakdown at work due to stress, long hours, no life, etc, that I decided to do something with my life and I looked back on my childhood to see what had made me happy. Dancing was the only thing that always made me happy. A week later I found a studio ad in the local paper and decided that it must be meant to be and phoned up for an appointment. That was two years ago.

I haven't looked back since. It has changed my life in so many ways, I can't even begin to describe it.

Great testimony, dancin_feet!!! Dancing definitely has powerful influence on people.

[bjp22tango]

of course now i've lost my partner (stupid medical school), so i'm desperate for a new one.

start looking for that mulderstwin that likes to dance 8)

[bjp22tango]

I dance because I am. I started to be true to myself. :cheers: :)

Ditto. I have never NOT danced. It has just become more structured! I grew up watching Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Nicholas Brothers, 40's swing movies, etc. My mother was a teenager in that era (WWII) and I just feel drawn to that type of music.

I took a year of Ballet when I was 7, then had to wait until I was out of college and could pay for dance lessons myself to take Jazz for several years and Hula (I was a pale, scrawny 100lbs back then, you never saw anything funnier in your life than me trying to look Hawaiian) :oops:

I also went the Jazzercise route for awhile.

Then I moved to Maryland and answered an ad for a dance partner. After I blew off the dancer and his AM or FA high pressure salesman, I found an independent dance studio with pay-as-you-go fees and a friendly crowd and I was hooked.

Eight years later I moved back to Oregon. I wanted to live in a rural area but still wanted to dance, so I travelled 2 1/2 hours one way 3 times a week to take lessons and attend dances (I had a small inheritance that helped me with expenses). I became the teachers assistant. I still wanted to dance on the coast, so I started a dance club with other like minded people. The club lasted for two years, long enough for some local bands to start offering monthly dances every other week.

I decided to teach dance on the coast to get more people to dance with. (Greedy me!) Almost 8 years later, I am still teaching, the dance scene has grown radically, and while most of my students are social dancers only, happy to dance one or twice a month, a core group have become dance addicts themselves and are ready to try anything I throw at them. I love it when a student feels comfortable enough to attend dances or workshops in other cities or states.

I found that I really love teaching. Expressing myself to music through dance is one joy, but introducing that sense of joy to others is almost as rewarding.

I would love to have a dance partner and compete in the pro categories, but I have also made a conscious decision to live in a rural area, so that is out of the question at the moment.

I concentrate on bringing my joy of dancing to others, and work on my own personal growth by attending classes and dances as often as I can. I am a dancing generalist. While others get hooked by Salsa or AT or WC or Lindy or Standard or Rhythm, I love them all. I just love dance.

[Kromat]

Not sure, if this topic has been started yet, but maybe some people haven't shared their stories, and might be a fun read.

Just curious, to what made you want to pursue Ballroom or Latin dancing, and still being motivated after all these years.

I actually was suppose to start 7 years ago, but I didn't think of myself as much of a dancer,
and wasn't sure, if it would be the right type of activity that I could get good at.

Finally 6 years ago, I finally started to go for International Latin & Standard classes, and it
was tough at first, because I haven't done much of any dancing, besides those side to side
steps, which anyone can do, and it didn't help that my partner was taller and liked to lead, so
I had to go a second year, to make sure I was confident enough to advance.

After a while I was pretty confident, and was helping out my partner, and what it is that wasn't working out for her, so it felt good.

I decided to go to my 1st competition, and placed 3rd, not bad after 2 years of 1-2 hours a week.

The next year after that, I practiced more and placed 1st :D, so practice and being motivated to try my best and improve, paid off.

This year, I finally got a partner that I can practice outside of class in other forms of dance besides International Latin & Standard,
like Salsa & Bachata, and really enjoy both because I'm improving, and my partner seems to be enjoying herself.

I'll probably devote more time in the future besides work, when I find the time, but for now,
I'm just happy to dance with someone that has the same passion to get better and have fun.

[wonderwoman]

Long story made short and sweet: I spent years wanting to dance, believing I had zero ability. This year I was just in a rut, having no social life outside of work, and I needed a change. I found an ad for a free introductory lesson, and I thought what have I got to lose, and the rest is history. I just knew instantly I'd be doing this for the rest of my life. :)

[canismajor41]

When I was young, I always watched ballroom dancing (esp. Latin) when it was on PBS. I lived in West Virginia (in the boonies) and there weren't any studios where I lived. So I did what many girls did at my school - became a cheerleader and played basketball. Then about 5 years ago, my husband found something I had kept since the 8th grade - a list called "things I want to do before I die." 2nd on that list was "compete in ballroom dancing." A few years went by and a studio opened up a few blocks from our house. My husband signed us up for group lessons and I became hooked. He wasn't as obsessed, but I continued with it, found a great coach/teacher, and started competing two years later. So I have my husband to thank....without his prompting, I may have never become a dancer!

I've since crossed a few more things of my bucket list :-)

[DanceAngel]

I grew up dancing ballet, jazz, & tap but once I graduated from high school I didn't do as much, maybe a years worth. I had wanted to get back into dancing for quite a while but never did until one day I was driving around and notice a ballroom & latin studio. Having wanted to try it I did some research on that studio, started lessons a week later, and have enjoyed every minute!

[ireniecat]

I also started by watching PBS with my parents. I think I was 14. I completely fell in love with the Standard gowns and wanted to have one really badly. My mom, in an effort to make me realize that I wasn't going to get one, said, "But you have to know how to be able to dance to wear a dress like that!" So I said, "OK! I'll do it!" We did lots of social dancing in my family, so I didn't think it would be such a stretch for me to take formal lessons and compete. And all because I wanted a gown...

And just an aside, I didn't care at ALL for Latin at the time. Joke's on me, because I ended up competing in Latin, and now Rhythm. And I still pine for Standard...

[wonderwoman]

I think all of us girls just want an excuse to wear a pretty gown. :)

[wonderwoman]

What was my hundredth post?!

[anp73ga31]

I also grew up watching ballroom dancing on PBS. Thought it was beautiful and wanted to do it very bad but never thought it would be possible. There were no studios in our area and mom already had me taking piano lessons. So in high school I was on the dance/flag team, which was really good for me because I've always been extremely shy, painfully so during my adolescent years. Then after graduating high school I remember thinking that the best part of high school was being on the team and so what was I going to do next? So anyway, the only option for dancing at that time was going out on the weekends and I ended up going to country bars with my friends where I learned line dancing and east coast swing. That was all I had until I turned 31 and saw DWTS with my best friend at the time, who turned to me and said, wouldnt it be fun to learn to do that? I was like, of course! So we started taking a group lesson a week from the nearest teacher we could find, who was a good 30-40 minutes away. Did that for six months as well as social dancing twice a week....decided at that point that just learning steps was not going to cut it so I started taking a private lesson a week. Did that for a year, after which time I quit taking from that teacher because I had moved and couldnt afford it, but also because he ridiculed competition dancing and wouldnt teach me what to do with my arms and was low on technique etc. Spent a couple months not dancing, which sucked. Then for the next year I exchanged work at a studio's monthly salsa parties for two lessons a month from a guy who used to compete with Shalene and he started teaching me standard. Loved it! Finally, after that deal ended, I spent a couple months without any lessons until I found my current teacher in January 2008. We did standard at Atlanta Open in May 2008 and at Hotlanta in 2008 and it was great! We placed pretty good considering that I have never been able to afford more than one lesson a week. This year we are working on rhythm because as i mentioned before I'm really shy and self-conscious so I figured I needed to address this and I like rhythm so why not! Found out rather quickly that competition rhythm is waaaaay different than social rhythm. But that's ok, I'm getting better and I'm finally going to learn what to do with my arms!! Anyway, was on vacation in May so I missed Atlanta Open this year but am going to do some small comps this summer and fall and do Hotlanta in October. Then after that, back to my beloved standard, which hopefully I wont have forgotten! My only regret is that I didnt pursue dancing sooner. And I guess also that I dont have enough money to do more than one lesson a week....one lesson a week is actually pushing it, but its definitely worth it. Love it and will do it for as long as I can because its everything I ever wanted and more. :)

P.S. Did I mention that teacher who used to ridicule competition dancing realized soon after I left that there was money in it and all of a sudden decided to compete with his students? That really burned because they actually got to start competing before I did. Anyway, he has been doing the local competitions ever since but I hear of him constantly complaining about how he places low (which couldnt POSSIBLY do with the fact that he was always big on show and NEVER on technique...no, according to him its the judges because they like Ben and the others better!)

[emkey]

I started kind of late. during my sophomore year of college I had to pick my third PE class to enlist in and the only person from my course/ block I saw in a non-team sport thing was a hip hop dancer friend of mine who lived in the dorms and signed up for ballroom with his dorm mates so I tagged along. Turns out the teacher teaching the class was the 2005 SEA Games Gold Medalist who I saw was the focus of National Geographic's Show Real Asia: Strictly Asian Ballroom so I was pretty much star struck-ed to realize a real big shot pro was teaching in my college. She wanted to teach in my college so she could organize a group of college level dancesport competitors and that sem she started it (I didn't join yet) I enjoyed my PE that sem so much I joined the team the next sem and met my partner and she put me through ballroom bootcamp hell for a couple of months before our first competition and that leads us to now

[chasphoto]

It was a tall red haired girl who started it all. She was a country dancer and I couldn't keep time if my life depended on it. I took a lot of basic country lessons, that is group classes. One day I asked her to take a more advanced class and she said I wasn't good enough to dance with her. So off I went to a ballroom school for privates to work on my country. After a few lessons my coach asked me do you really want to learn to dance. So I took the other road and went to ballroom and never looked back. But I still look at tall red haired women. My only regret is that I had better teachers first and started younger.

[Kromat]

Nice to hear that most of you were inspired by PBS.
I still watch that, it's vary inspiring.

Dancing with the Stars and " So you think you can dance? " are also great shows
to help pave the way for people to try and experiment with Ballroom dancing.

[dlgodud]

I always loved to dance, but had not had a chance for formal trainings until 2 and half years ago. After I finished my school, and I'd decided to do something that made me feel really good and special. So I researched the dance studio in NY and found one. I started a social waltz and foxtrot and eventually moved to International style.

[Benjy]

I did trained very seriously in performance oriented chinese martial arts from ages 12-18, around 15 hours a week. When I got to university, I had nothing to keep myself busy anymore, so I joined my school's dance team, found out that I liked it and was quite good at it. Within a semester I taking private lessons and practicing 2 hours a day, and now I'm up to 2-3 privates a week with 2 partners (one latin, one standard) and practicing 3-4 hours a day, 6-7 days a week.

I've been dancing a little under 2 years... it'll be two years in october.

[fascination]

I never saw a bit of ballroom dancing as a child...and I grew up telling folks that I was a singer, not a dancer...truly, I owe my foray into ballroom to dh

when we were in college, the year before we got engaged we went to a winter formal which was held in the purdue union....there were several rooms for dancing...we went upstairs to a nearly empty room where there was big band music b/c dh liked it...as we stood there and swayed to music we had no hope in heaven of dancing to, we decided that when we got old we would learn to dance like all of the old people who knew how to dance...a year later we were engaged in a room adjoining that one ...after nearly 20 years of marriage, dh's b-day was approaching and due to a happy life, there was really nothing I could think of to buy him...but we had never learned to dance like old people and we were rapidly becoming old people...so I bought him 5 lessons...poor man.....

[ireniecat]

Awww... That's a great story, fasc!! :)

[fascination]

up to that point ...yes....gets a little dicey after that ;)

[ireniecat]

We can share our dicey adventures next Friday! :D
I really like the idea of this thread--sharing the happiness of starting ballroom, not the struggles that often accompany continuing with it ;)

[fascination]

I think I'll just forego the dicey part altogether and just enjoy the fine company ;)

[Thunderstorms0317]

Military Balls are not really balls if all we do is eat and leave. This was my complaint time after time, so this year a small band of us tried to change that. A friend who had learned some east coast swing offered to teach what he remembered and I obtained a key to a large room so we could sneak in after hours and dance. My friend and I even made up a tango at the dance when no one would come out on the floor. Looking back, our efforts were modest and our form and understanding of the dance was far from "correct," but in the end everyone stayed until the end of the Ball to dance.

After the ball, the group stopped meeting and life went back to normal. I thought I had developed a "dance instructor crush" on this friend who taught us, but when it came down to it what I really missed was the dancing.

A few weeks later I walked into a studio and signed up for lessons. It challeneges me and I love it.

[latingal]

great story Thunderstorms!

[Persistantdancer]

I had no dancing background as a child, though I was quite interested in singing. In my third year of university (last September), I accidently found out about our dance club free introductory lesson. I went there to check things out, purely having social dancing as my priority, but after watching and being inspired by many couples I have met, I decided to go competitive Ballroom dancing. I found a dance partner in febrarury, who was taking private lessons, so I joined in her lesson. I have competed in two competitions so far. I have been practicing more and have two private lesson per week. Still way more to go...

[middy]

My mom signed me up for a ballet class when I was around five, but I was bored with it and decided that gymnastics was way more fun :P Also did some hip-hop for a little bit.

Got into some swing through a high school club, then decided to try ballroom in college (with a nudge from a good friend), which I did casually for a year, went to my first collegiate competition at the end of the year, then was absolutely hooked. It's not just the dancing but the kind of people that ballroom attracts...really great, fun people who aren't afraid to occasionally make fools of themselves :D And wearing pretty dresses is a nice bonus as well.

Funnily enough, I didn't even start watching DWTS until this past year, though it *always* comes up when I tell someone I do ballroom.

[DancinProf]

I took ballet & jazz as a kid and sort of...forgot to stop dancing when I grew up. :D

In my late 20s I got into figure skating. While I was skating I wanted to start ballroom, but like figure skating it's an expensive pursuit. I couldn't afford to do both. So when I got a job 3 years ago in a city with no ice rink, I decided it was an opportunity to learn ballroom instead of a loss of an opportunity to skate. And I'm a MUCH better dancer than I ever was a skater. Bonus: met my husband on the dancefloor!

[robertje06]

Well lets see, here in the netherlands, it is quite common than parents tell their children at the age of say 16, that they have to take a beginners course in ballroom/latin dancing.

Ofcourse my parents did also. At first, like any other 16 year old boy, I really didnt wanted to go, because dancing is for fools, it is stupid, why would i do that, it is old fashioned, bla bla bla, and that I just wanted to play soccer and hang out with friends....

Anyway after one year when the course was over, I sort of "stayed" around the dance school, and I actually liked it, but you wont tell your friends u like dancing, cause they will laugh at you. ( At least, thats the fealing you have)

So after a couple of years of social dance, I went to a competition which was near my house, and from that particular moment, i was completely in love with the competition stuff, the dresses, the suits, the athmosphere...

Now, whilst I am regretting I didnt start comp dancing earlier, you have to beat me off/from the floor, I am dancing both national and idsf amateurs comps every week, and it took control of my life....

Plus, now it is "cool" to say that I dance...

[j_alexandra]

All my life, the interior monologue was: I'm a Klutz. Awkward. Can't keep a beat. Above all, can't dance, don't even try.

Fast forward 45 or so years, some life changing moments, and the loss of a HUGE amount of weight. One day, in conversation with fiercely intellectual friend, discussing the difference between gross motor coordination and fine motor coordination, I said, "My gross motor coordination is terrible, but my fine is fine; I can play the piano but I can't dance." And then the light bulb moment: I've made so many other changes, why not try dancing?

The local ballroom dance studio had a tear-off flyer on the supermarket bulletin board, advertising a Monday night group class in Waltz & Cha-Cha. I tore off a number, made the call, walked through the door, and changed my life.

[fascination]

Well lets see, here in the netherlands, it is quite common than parents tell their children at the age of say 16, that they have to take a beginners course in ballroom/latin dancing.

Ofcourse my parents did also. At first, like any other 16 year old boy, I really didnt wanted to go, because dancing is for fools, it is stupid, why would i do that, it is old fashioned, bla bla bla, and that I just wanted to play soccer and hang out with friends....

Anyway after one year when the course was over, I sort of "stayed" around the dance school, and I actually liked it, but you wont tell your friends u like dancing, cause they will laugh at you. ( At least, thats the fealing you have)

So after a couple of years of social dance, I went to a competition which was near my house, and from that particular moment, i was completely in love with the competition stuff, the dresses, the suits, the athmosphere...

Now, whilst I am regretting I didnt start comp dancing earlier, you have to beat me off/from the floor, I am dancing both national and idsf amateurs comps every week, and it took control of my life....

Plus, now it is "cool" to say that I dance...excellent and welcome to df

[latingal]

Welcome to DF PersistantDancer, middy and robertje06!!

[old dog]

In my childhood there was no PBS and very little TV of any kind available. Somehow I knew dancing existed, but tried to avoid events where there was to be dancing.

When I was in 9th or 10th grade, a dance instructor came to our church youth group and did a very basic 45-minute lesson. The session went OK and I took some good notes and made some diagrams of step patterns (which I still have). However, I was much too shy and awkward at the time to allow myself to be in a position where dancing would be expected, and didn't see any need to pursue or put to use what little I'd learned. Forty years would pass before I decided that dancing might be a good thing for me to try.

When I was about 55 years old, my wife got interested in country line dancing. I eventually got tired of being home alone on many evenings, so reluctantly agreed to attend some dance events. Couldn't stand the music or the loud, smoky venues and many of the participants were not people I (nor my wife) cared to socialize with. But she really wanted to dance and to be out more with other folks. I stubbornly refused to do the line-dancing thing.

As sort of a compromise, we agreed to try some group ballroom dance classes at the local community college. I didn't think much would come of it and figured we'd be done after the end of a six-week course (if I could just last that long). That was 14 years ago and we haven't yet stopped dancing or learning.

A weekend without at least one (social) dance event seems 'empty' to us now. We often drive one or two hours to attend ballroom events. Two years ago we got rid of furniture and ripped out nice carpeting in order to install a dance floor in our home's lower level. (Yes, social dancers do practice.)

Our private lessons keep us challenged with new moves and improving our technique and we continue to be inspired by new-found friends -- a few of whom are dancing into their nineties. I doubt we last that long, but our dancing surely improves our chances of doing so. Our only regret is that we didn't take up dancing many years sooner.

[Scalar]

I started dancing ballroom when I turned 36, was interested in the Dancing with the stars show so I thought I would give it a try. So I'm almost three years in and I love it, I've met alot of very nice people and have many new friends because of dance. I especially love the smooth dances.

[canismajor41]

Our only regret is that we didn't take up dancing many years sooner.

Old Dog - that's my only regret too...

[middy]

I've always wondered about that...why don't more younger people start ballroom dancing? I mean, the college teams are pretty popular, but outside of that atmosphere, I only see people 35+ years old at studio social dances. Not that there's anything wrong with that, it's still a lot of fun dancing with everyone.

Is ballroom considered too stuffy when you're young? Or maybe for most people it's awkward to dance up close with a partner until you're mature enough to realize it doesn't have to be? Maybe it's a lack of younger guys? Cause with all the other dance genres, you don't need a partner, so there's a flux of young girls doing ballet/tap/jazz? What do you guys think?

[Benji]

I've always wondered about that...why don't more younger people start ballroom dancing? I mean, the college teams are pretty popular, but outside of that atmosphere, I only see people 35+ years old at studio social dances. Not that there's anything wrong with that, it's still a lot of fun dancing with everyone.

Is ballroom considered too stuffy when you're young? Or maybe for most people it's awkward to dance up close with a partner until you're mature enough to realize it doesn't have to be? Maybe it's a lack of younger guys? Cause with all the other dance genres, you don't need a partner, so there's a flux of young girls doing ballet/tap/jazz? What do you guys think?

I can actually answer that question for you. :p I started ballroom dancing cause this really cute brunette asked me if i wanted to dance with her on saturdays. Ofcourse being the "smart" guy as always I said yes before even asking her what kind of dancing. So I started ballroomdancing and never stopped. Even when the girl moved abroad for her studies I stayed here and kept dancing.
But here on the island, that's one of the more common ways how guys start dancing. It's because the culture here sees those kind of things as non-masculine that allot of guys don't dance...

[latingal]

Count me in as one of those who watched Ballroom on PBS. Took me many years to finally get in to a studio, but once I started there was no going back.

[and123]

Don't know the status of Phys Ed in the public schools these days, but suspect it's pretty sad, and wasn't so great even back when I was in grade school. Had some random square dancing classes during gym in grammar school (*ewwww* touching boys' hands! :rolleyes:), but that was it. Did some gymnastics for a few years, plus extremely basic ballet and jazz to complement that, but stopped when I was 12 or so. Like many here, I did not start ballroom until much later, though thought about it long before I actually got off my arse and did it.

[DancingShoes]

Used to enjoy "bop" in the 60's, we'd dance every weekend at National Guard Armory. Then Vietnam, school, kids, etc. Red & I always knew we wanted to learn dancing, just never did until a couple of years ago. Started taking private lessons and were hooked. We've competed a couple of times, show cases & such. We're having a great time. Dance people are the best! Most go out of their way to be kind and friendly. We have made tons of friends. My bride of 35yrs and I have found a new passion to share and renewed passion for each other. This is cool! Shoulda started sooner.

[AMeader]

I started ballroom when I was a freshman in college... I had quit the varsity swim team due to an injury and was looking for something completely new. I signed up for a ballroom course figuring it would be easy, not too much work, etc. Little did I know!

I spent six hours a day, 5 days a week learning intro American rhythm and smooth! I absolutely loved it! I came back a year later as the teaching-assistant for the course, and I am now close enough to my first instructor that I call him "Uncle L." I love dancing and I love the way it makes me feel. I have never been so happy in my life.

[tanya_the_dancer]

I've always wondered about that...why don't more younger people start ballroom dancing? I mean, the college teams are pretty popular, but outside of that atmosphere, I only see people 35+ years old at studio social dances. Not that there's anything wrong with that, it's still a lot of fun dancing with everyone.

Is ballroom considered too stuffy when you're young? Or maybe for most people it's awkward to dance up close with a partner until you're mature enough to realize it doesn't have to be? Maybe it's a lack of younger guys? Cause with all the other dance genres, you don't need a partner, so there's a flux of young girls doing ballet/tap/jazz? What do you guys think?

So you think 35+ is "older"? :) I missed that memo :) Can someone pass me my walker, please? :)

[etp777]

Not touching that one with a ten foot pole. :)

[latingal]

Not touching that one with a ten foot pole. :)

I always knew you were a smart guy etp! *grin*

[samina]

geez, some great pros are in the vicinity of 35...

[old dog]

geez, some great pros are in the vicinity of 35...

Some great social dancers are in the vicinity of twice that age! (Not necessarily referring to myself as far as 'greatness.')

[middy]

I'm really sorry, I don't mean to sound ageist or imply anything of the sort!

Just comparing ballroom to other dance styles that seem to draw people in when they're young kids or teens, that's all. And when other people said they took years to take a lesson, I wondered if there was any connection.

Ballroom is awesome in that people of such a huge age range can enjoy it. ;)

[old dog]

I'm really sorry, I don't mean to sound ageist or imply anything of the sort!
Just comparing ballroom to other dance styles that seem to draw people in when they're young kids or teens, that's all. And when other people said they took years to take a lesson, I wondered if there was any connection.
Ballroom is awesome in that people of such a huge age range can enjoy it. ;)

oops. Please don't be offended by my post, middy. Sorry I didn't make it clear that I was responding only to samina's previous post and was actually intending mostly to suggest that you don't have to be a "pro" to be a "great dancer." (I put the bold emphasis in the wrong place.) I doubt samina intended to call you out for ageism either.

I let 40 years go by between my first dance lesson and the second. Too bad for me, but at least I have 15 years of the joy of dancing and no intentions of quitting any time soon. I'm certainly not offended by reference to my age -- I'm 68 and proud of it. I'm a social dancer -- and proud of it.

Your points are well taken, middy, and most of us would agree that there is an unfortunate lack of interest and/or participation in ballroom amongst the younger generations in this country. We need more discussion of this issue -- especially about what can be done to change this situation.

We thank you for your comments and hope to see more of your thoughts show up here in the DF.

[tanya_the_dancer]

I'm really sorry, I don't mean to sound ageist or imply anything of the sort!

Just comparing ballroom to other dance styles that seem to draw people in when they're young kids or teens, that's all. And when other people said they took years to take a lesson, I wondered if there was any connection.

Ballroom is awesome in that people of such a huge age range can enjoy it. ;)

Yeah well, I'm 36 (and I really don't like it when 35+ is considered older, that's something my son and his friends might say), but I personally find that there is an age gap in ballroom community. There are college kids who do their ballroom team thing, and then there are people who are old enough to have teenagers or grown kids. But there are not as many younger adults, because a lot of them are busy raising their families, I guess, or do not have disposable income yet to take lessons outside college community.

[samina]

Some great social dancers are in the vicinity of twice that age! (Not necessarily referring to myself as far as 'greatness.')

one of the best social dancers in my dancing experience was in his mid 90s. danced with the energy and sensitivity of a 30 yr old, and knew how to lead. i'll never forget him.

[Kromat]

Sometimes there's a problem, because most of us tend to stick
with people around our age, so many groups are left out.

I'm sure that most people, if they saw others their
own age, of course they would ask them first,
since they have probable more similar experiences
in life, then some in their 40s, 50s, or even 60+

Maybe when I'm older, my gap will not matter as
much, but for now, I usually stick to, up to 35, but
there have been times where I danced with older,
but when that happens, they approached me.

At social dances, lets just have fun, and not worry about
someones age, but If you too get along, and can dance.

[Benji]

When I read the posts of everyone in this topic I feel like a little kid butting in an adult conversation....While here on the island I am the oldest person taking classes and im only 22 O_o Big difference between the Caribbean and the rest of the world

[Dance808]

But there are not as many younger adults, because a lot of them are busy raising their families, I guess, or do not have disposable income yet to take lessons outside college community.

The money thing is a real problem for the college - 35 crowd. I'm 28, and started dancing a year ago, and 1) feel like I started WAY TOO LATE, and 2) have no idea how I'm going to afford this incredibly expensive habit as I launch my career. But, I'm creative, so I'm going to find a way! :)

It does make it challenging for me that few ppl in my age group are dancing. I don't mind being the youngest in the crowd in group classes/workshops/social dances, but I'm looking for a new partner (old partnership just ended - incidentally with someone 20 yrs my senior), and it's HARD to find men (or women that can lead) that are my age AND dancing at my level. They all either started when they were young and are champion level by now, or they won't start for another 10 years when their wives want to rekindle the relationship. Depressing!!!

[old dog]

When I read the posts of everyone in this topic I feel like a little kid butting in an adult conversation....While here on the island I am the oldest person taking classes and im only 22 O_o Big difference between the Caribbean and the rest of the world

Benji, you mention dance classes with mostly young participants. What are age ranges for persons attending social ballroom dance events (if there are any)?

Maybe most public dancing on your island is done with more traditional/folk type dances and music? I see in Wikipedia that "There is a very rich tradition of Antillean waltzes, mazurkas, danzas, tumbas and pasillos that are popular in Curaçao." I presume most of the music for the dancing in your classes is more like the music we use for ballroom dancing in the USA.

Just curious about how popular ballroom dancing is in Curacao compared to traditional/folk dancing and how this may relate to the ages of those who dance. You said in another post that young men tend to stay away from dancing because it is seen as "non-masculine." (This is ballroom dancing, right?)

By the way, you live on a beautiful island, Benji. We visited Curacao for one day last December while traveling on a cruise ship.

[old dog]

... I personally find that there is an age gap in ballroom community. There are college kids who do their ballroom team thing, and then there are people who are old enough to have teenagers or grown kids. But there are not as many younger adults, because a lot of them are busy raising their families... .

I too think raising young families makes ballroom dancing a lot more iffy.

Does anyone know if studios or other dance class venues ever offer child-care?

What about child-care during dance events? Would this type of service make any difference?

[tanya_the_dancer]

I too think raising young families makes ballroom dancing a lot more iffy.

Does anyone know if studios or other dance class venues ever offer child-care?

What about child-care during dance events? Would this type of service make any difference?

My son is a teenager now, so it does not matter. He is quite capable of staying home alone. When he was younger (like elementary school age), we would bring him to our lessons and he would wait with a gameboy or book. I see several people doing that sort of thing, with school age kids. Some parties also allow parents to bring well-behaved kids with them (although not all).

Although I don't think child care would make much difference. There is a very prevalent mindset among parents that they focus on their children and their activities so much that they do not engage into any regular activities of their own until their child-raising years are out of the way. Especially when they have more than one child.

[Kromat]

some kids start ballroom at around 6 years old, i think the best thing to do is to wait until
they're around elementary to start considering ballroom, and there is the possibility of
waiting on doing it on weekends, and just have friends or family take care of them
for an hour or 2, so there are lots of options.

Unless your going to compete, then financially it's not a problem, just finding
the time that works for yourself and your partner that is the hardiest part.

I wouldn't have been bothered to start, if it wasn't for my parents, so I have them to thank,
for considering trying it out the next year, when I thought I was more comfortable.

P.S. Unless your taking lots of private lessons, it's not as expensive when you stick to group classes.

Private lessons are mainly for people to perfect their technique and be more ready for
competitions, but I'm mainly doing it for social reasons, so I won't spend the money,
unless I feel like my schedule and finances are more accessible.

[Benji]

Benji, you mention dance classes with mostly young participants. What are age ranges for persons attending social ballroom dance events (if there are any)?

Maybe most public dancing on your island is done with more traditional/folk type dances and music? I see in Wikipedia that "There is a very rich tradition of Antillean waltzes, mazurkas, danzas, tumbas and pasillos that are popular in Curaçao." I presume most of the music for the dancing in your classes is more like the music we use for ballroom dancing in the USA.

Just curious about how popular ballroom dancing is in Curacao compared to traditional/folk dancing and how this may relate to the ages of those who dance. You said in another post that young men tend to stay away from dancing because it is seen as "non-masculine." (This is ballroom dancing, right?)

By the way, you live on a beautiful island, Benji. We visited Curacao for one day last December while traveling on a cruise ship.

That's the thing. We don't have social ballroom dance events. It's just 12 weeks of training and at the end of those 12 weeks a small presentation/show.

And you were right. The music we use is indeed the more like the music they use in the USA. Ballroom dancing is gaining more popularity than traditional/folk dancing with the younger people, but in general the younger people aren't really interested in those type of dancing.

Actually all types of dancing except for hip-hop, breakdancing and that sort of stuff are being seen as non-masculine. We have a macho-culture here as I like to call it. Even I as a 22 year old can't tell my dad that I want to do classic ballet without getting a disapproving look and a "you're crazy" comment. That's the way things are here:p

If you really want to enjoy the island you should stay here for 2/3 weeks.

[QPO]

My daughter was having some lessons at her school, for her graduation and I did not want to go to a franchise chain as I did not want to tie myself to contracts. So I managed to track down the teacher that came to their school. I could not believe how many people were at the venue when we got there and it was a very social affair. We have moved on since then as we wanted to learn more and more styling which the others there do not want. that was nearly four years ago and never looked back. we have now done three c=local comps and one interstate comp and have had a hoot.

[Hammurabi]

i have always love watching other people dancing when i was a kid, and when every girl went and did ballet, i asked my parents too, but my parents think that any curriculum activities are a waste of time, every min should be spend on books and refuse to let me have any lessons.

i didnt end up to be particularly smart, and always resented that i was never given the chance to try out things that i would love to do and other kids were doing e.g. dancing, sports, camping etc.

after university i got my first real job, but the hours were all over the place so i didnt get to do anything, then when i watched dancing with the stars again a few years back, i was thinking oh how i wish i know how to dance, but again, was put it on the back burner for one reason or another, then one day, i was talking to a friend about this, and he said he has always wanted to learn ballroom but never got a chance too and have no one to go with. So i said, well, how about we go together and learn!

well, we were hooked since then, despite some frustrating times, it actually also brought out friendship to another level. Its fun, we love it, and i am so glad that finally i have a chance to learn to dance, even i still think i am crap at it lol!

[canismajor41]

Hammurabi - your story is what movies are made of :-)

[Oldgeezer]

I don't know if this subject has been covered? If so I apologise.

I was just thinking about what got me started into dancing and wondered what was the catalyst for other people.

Mine was a little unusual but there must be others "I hope!"

I was going around with the usual gang of reprobates, trying to find something to occupy our time, we did and I ended up being tied by my ankles with a thick rope and then suspended upside down from the branch of a tree 10ft up in the air.

It was at this time that I decided "If I survived" to take my elder brother's offer of going to dance classes with him and his gang of friends from school.

[Phil Owl]

Nice to hear that most of you were inspired by PBS.
I still watch that, it's vary inspiring.

Dancing with the Stars and " So you think you can dance? " are also great shows
to help pave the way for people to try and experiment with Ballroom dancing.

For me, it was repeated exposure to Dance Fever that inspired me to take lessons back in the 80's, and I started watching the ballroom competitions on PBS after that. :D First one I watched had Ron Montez and Liz Curtis (the 1988 edition I think) doing this smoking hot Cha-Cha that just inspired me to get better :mrgreen:

[loftycat]

When I was in university I ended up joining a ballroom dance club which was fairly popular and a couple of friends who had joined a year before also recommended it. I'm not sure what the main reason was but I was looking for a fun social activity and I wanted to take up something new and different. Among other things I had no clue how to dance, my posture was bad, I was looking for some exercise, I was the only guy in my immediate family and probably even my grandmother could out-dance me!! (ok maybe I'm exagerating but it still would have been close) Anyways like your typical guy I was too shy to consider taking up dancing before but now I had the perfect opportunity to learn in a very friendly environment.

Little by little I got more comfortable and confident and I've been dancing and loving it ever since. :)

[flashdance]

The film 'flashdance' and the fact I kept dancing in my parent's front room ruining their carpet and flying over the couch.

I just snapped one day after a friend encouraged me to go dancing... I went to watch and the rest is history :cool: