Hi!, just introducing myself and newbie question

[Stan Dundee]

Hey everyone, so I don't know if I'm posting this in the right place, but it's my first post so want to say hi to everyone here

I'm sure this question has been asked a lot before, but couldn't find anything in the search function...

I'm a terrible dancer! and although I do want to be out on the dance floor with everyone else, I just don't feel comfortable out there. I try sometimes, but then just usually call it a day! ;)

Some lessons could definitely be beneficial to me. Now, I'm not looking to become a world class dancer here, just looking to learn some basic stuff at first. I have a lot of weddings coming up, and want to get out on that floor.

What kind of lessons do you recommend someone like me should take? Also, I want to keep it low key at first, do you recommend one on one lessons, or do I go for group lessons...? Thanks!

[dbk]

What kind of lessons do you recommend someone like me should take? Also, I want to keep it low key at first, do you recommend one on one lessons, or do I go for group lessons...? Thanks!

I definitely recommend group lessons. Group lessons are a great introduction to ballroom dancing, they're cost effective, and they also allow you to practice dancing with many different followers.

[nucat78]

I agree with DBK. Group lessons can expose you to a lot of different dances at a relatively low cost. I'd hold off on taking private lessons until you have a better idea of what you really want to learn and / or what dances you want to really concentrate on.

Privates can be very helpful though if you find yourself lost in a group lessons and need a little tutoring / push to get you up to speed.

Just FYI, group lessons here are $12 each versus $55-$65 for a private lesson.

[Stan Dundee]

figured group lessons are the way to go, will just be a little embarrasing at first! but guess I gotta learn

[Stan Dundee]

also, is ballroom dancing the way to go? most music played at weddings I go to don't really seem to be suited for ballroom dancing, maybe seems a little too "formal" for what I need. Right now I'm just looking to learn some basic things out there, just feel like my moves right now are kinda awkward, lol.

The slow dancing thing I'm ok with. While I may not be good, it's passable for now. Want to concentrate on the other stuff first.

[fascination]

actually, just about any song can be danced to with one type of ballroom dance or another, the real issue is whether or not anyone else is around to dance with who knows that!...but bear in mind that many ballroom studios also teach some of the populare club dances and you can ask about that when you call...also most local studios have their group schedules on an online calendar...good luck

[Gorme]

Wedding parties typically have very small dance floorspace. You can't move from the spot you start on. If you learn how to do the Swing, Hustle, and Nightclub 2-step, that should cover the breadth of songs played.

[nucat78]

I'll add American rumba - you can dance a rumba box step to a lot of songs. Bolero is good for slower songs and much nicer than the "clutch and shuffle like a penguin". And a basic LA-style salsa if they ever play salsa at your weddings.

[jennyisdancing]

also, is ballroom dancing the way to go? most music played at weddings I go to don't really seem to be suited for ballroom dancing, maybe seems a little too "formal" for what I need. Right now I'm just looking to learn some basic things out there, just feel like my moves right now are kinda awkward, lol.

The slow dancing thing I'm ok with. While I may not be good, it's passable for now. Want to concentrate on the other stuff first.

Welcome Stan! what kind of music do they play at the weddings you attend? And who will you be dancing with, i.e. do you have a regular partner, or are you looking to dance with whoever is out there? Keep in mind that even though you are leading (I assume you're a guy), your partner also needs to know what she is doing. So if you have a partner, she should attend dance lessons too.

I ditto Gorme's suggestions. Most wedding reception music would fit well - rock & oldies: swing; disco or house music: hustle; and slow pop ballads: nightclub 2-step.

Here is a link to a good thread about which dances to choose as a beginner. (http://www.dance-forums.com/showthread.php?t=14052)

In that thread, I did a lengthy post, listing popular songs that are played at weddings and which dance goes with each. (http://www.dance-forums.com/showpost.php?p=476986&postcount=40)

[Stan Dundee]

great info, thanks for being so helpful everyone.

jenny - what kind of music do they play? umm...you know, pretty standard stuff I guess. Lot of my friends are getting married now, and we're a pretty young crowd I suppose. There's a little mix of everything.

no regular partner, just dancing either with my date, and whoever is at the party.

[Stan Dundee]

another question. there are a ton of dance studios where I live. How do you recommend I go about choosing? Is there something I should be looking out for? thanks

[jennyisdancing]

great info, thanks for being so helpful everyone.

jenny - what kind of music do they play? umm...you know, pretty standard stuff I guess. Lot of my friends are getting married now, and we're a pretty young crowd I suppose. There's a little mix of everything.

no regular partner, just dancing either with my date, and whoever is at the party.

Stan - see my link above with the list of the songs played at weddings. If those are the kinds of songs you are hearing, then you'll have an idea of what dances to learn.

This is primarily a partner dancing forum, so I think most folks on here are assuming your question referred to learning some form of dance where you are in contact with your partner, i.e. hand hold or ballroom hold, as opposed to dancing apart.

But maybe you weren't asking about that? If you mainly want to know about dancing apart, that's another story. Hip-hop gets played at many weddings but it doesn't really lend itself to partner dancing, so for that, you could take hip-hop classes. And if you're asking about club style/grinding stuff, there are quite a few threads on this forum if you search for them.

[fascination]

we also have a sister site for non-partner dance, the name of which eludes me, that I am certain someone else will remember and chime in with eventually

[Indiana_Jay]

figured group lessons are the way to go, will just be a little embarrasing at first! but guess I gotta learn

Welcome to DF. You've already gotten excellent advice with which I agree. The only thing I can add is encouragement get over feeling embarrassed in class. Remember, in a beginner class, you are all beginners and pretty much everyone has the same worries and concerns you do (especially the guys, who, if they're like me, will be particularly worried about looking stupid or inept). No one expects a beginner to look great while he's learning! Just go, learn, and keep your eye on your goals.

[Indiana_Jay]

another question. there are a ton of dance studios where I live. How do you recommend I go about choosing? Is there something I should be looking out for? thanks

For starters, one that teaches dances that you'll be able to use in the situations you've mentioned, is convenient to get to and has a class when you're available to attend. It's a small enough investment that if you end up not being thrilled about a particular instructor or studio, you can try another one for your next class.

[Indiana_Jay]

we also have a sister site for non-partner dance, the name of which eludes me, that I am certain someone else will remember and chime in with eventually

http://www.danceforums.net/

but it's topics seem to be more focused on performance styles (ballet, tap, jazz, etc.) than on non-partner social styles.

-IJ

[QPO]

Welcome to DF. Hope you find a dance style that you feel comfortable with, then go for it!

[davedove]

figured group lessons are the way to go, will just be a little embarrasing at first! but guess I gotta learn

As someone who recently started lessons, I can tell you that most people there will be a little embarrassed. That's okay. Since you're a beginner, no one expects you to know what you're doing.

[dbk]

figured group lessons are the way to go, will just be a little embarrasing at first! but guess I gotta learn

Don't worry about being embarrassed. You'll do find. And anyway - everyone will be concentrating on their own dancing (and their own embarrassment), not you :)