UK Dance Beginner

[xx396]

Hi I wanted to try something new and that I can't even do a little bit so dance classes seemed a good idea :) I was wondering which dance styles are ideal for a complete beginner; I'm a 28M from Nottingham. I've only had a limited look around but Swing appeals to me; it just looks amazing fun. I think Salsa is popular but doesn't inspire me as much. I'd like something relatively easy for a complete novice, obviously fun, popular and where I'll meet lots of people my own age. Is there anything that stands out?

[elisedance]

I'm going to sneak in here and welcome you to DF xx396! I'm in Canada so can not help much with specifics in England (though I grew up near you just south of Leicester). Best thing to do when you are starting is try as much as possible before comitting to anything in particular. Its amazing how partner dance can grow on you - and often to be a major factor in your social life.

Good luck settling in on a dance choice and finidng a great place near Nottingham!

[TwelveDance]

Hi xx396,

There are lots of dance opportunities in and around Nottingham, including; Ballroon, Latin American, Ceroc, Salsa and Argentine Tango.

Check out the Yellow Pages or do a Google search for Dance Schools in Nottingham.

Try them out until you find the dance style you like.

Good Luck. Let us know how you get on.

regards

Malcolm

[DennisBeach]

A lot depends on were you intend to dance. If you know were you want to dance, learning the dances they do the most, would be best. The key to learning to dance is dancing, so it is important to learn dances you will have a lot of chances to dance.

[xx396]

Thanks for that start and welcome! I've done a little Googling already, there wasn't as much as I had hoped but maybe I'm expecting too much. Made me wonder if it was another thing I liked the look of that is much more popular in the US as with everything else I do!!

There is one swing class I've seen and a few salsa ones so they're even really in terms of one inspiring me more and the other being more popular. Is there one that would be considered easier and/or appeal to my age range more than the another?

[tangotime]

Thanks for that start and welcome! I've done a little Googling already, there wasn't as much as I had hoped but maybe I'm expecting too much. Made me wonder if it was another thing I liked the look of that is much more popular in the US as with everything else I do!!

There is one swing class I've seen and a few salsa ones so they're even really in terms of one inspiring me more and the other being more popular. Is there one that would be considered easier and/or appeal to my age range more than the another?



Why not try both ?-- salsa is by far , the most popular dance in the age set you mentioned ( world wide ) . Its also very addictive, and has numerous opportunities for use . .

I teach down south, but I understand that Jongluers in Nottingham has a lot to offer , class wise, in Salsa .

[xx396]

Well I think I have found what I will try first! Basically I just made the mistake of searching for the dances as I know their names, i.e. swing which isn't overly popular here with that name and the Lindy Hop. I thought what a shame that such a fun style of dancing died but it didn't, it just got tweaked and renamed :) After much more involved searching it seems that in the UK at least, todays dance of this style is Modern Jive. This is basically the same as Jive with less emphasis on footwork so that it appeals to beginners, and is hugely popular over here among all ages. One of the biggest franchises Ceroc mix a bit of Salsa into their variant too; I guess to attract even more people so this is what I'm going to try. Given that this was for fun, meeting people and learning partner dancing in the early stages, it sounds good to me!

[tangotime]

Well I think I have found what I will try first! Basically I just made the mistake of searching for the dances as I know their names, i.e. swing which isn't overly popular here with that name and the Lindy Hop. I thought what a shame that such a fun style of dancing died
:)




Actually there are " swing " clubs in many areas that dance R and R, so it hasnt " died " .Not sure about Nott.-- go to-- salsa/jive-- web site -- they list all the english venues .

[Joy In Motion]

Whether you are a beginner choosing your first dance to learn or an advanced dancer looking for another dance to conquer, the most important thing is interest and passion. Regardless of how big that dance community is in your area, you have to be attracted to the dance and interested in the music that inspires that dance. This will determine whether you maintain interest and keep learning and growing as a dancer. If the community is small in your area, perhaps you can contribute to its growth or travel outside of your community to pursue your passion further.

For example, I am a dance instructor in Anchorage, Alaska, where we have pretty decent Salsa and West Coast Swing communities. The Argentine Tango community is much smaller but very tight-knit and friendly. While at first glance it might not seem to offer as many weekly classes and opportunities for learning, the people in that community are very passionate about the music and the dance and many find other opportunities outside the Anchorage area for growth. I personally have been a part of all three of these communities and have found that passion for the dance as well as the passion of others within the community (especially the instructors) is what makes dance a rewarding experience.