Words of wisdom for a new ballroom dancer

[pygmalion]

Tasek brought this up in another post, and I think it's worth a little discussion, here. Many of us have made the transition from dance lessons or dance class to dancing in public with strangers. Mine was startling, to say the least. :shock: :oops: :lol:

What words of advice, if any, do you have for a newbie dancer just about to make the move to the "real world" of ballroom dance?

[Sagitta]

Go do it - the sooner the better!! You should have been out there a long time ago. You cannot dance until you can social dance. :)

[Sakura]

Tasek brought this up in another post, and I think it's worth a little discussion, here. Many of us have made the transition from dance lessons or dance class to dancing in public with strangers. Mine was startling, to say the least. :shock: :oops: :lol:

What words of advice, if any, do you have for a newbie dancer just about to make the move to the "real world" of ballroom dance?

*nods in agreement* Mine was a real eye-opener, to say the lest! :shock: :shock: It was at that Salsa workshop I'd been gushing about -- but it was the first time out of my private lessons I'd ever danced with anybody! =O_o= It was very interesting, I'll give it that.

Bring on the Advice!

Sakura Kitty :kitty:

[JohnK]

A couple observations from a "yearling" -

Those first few dances outside the lessons setting can be quite intimidating for a newbie, especially for guys. Just suck it up and get out there, it gets easier the more you dance, and remember that EVERYONE (even the prima donna's) on the dance floor has struggled up the old learning curve, and if they have any gentility at all, they will assist and encourage you. Though it doesn't feel like it right now, you will eventually surpass at least some in skill, but never forget the help you were given, and be prepared to always give it back to those "coming up" with / behind you. It takes a community to raise a dancer 8) .

The quickest way to improve as a dancer is to invest 20% of your time in lessons (small groups then privates if you can), and 80% of your time in practice (ie DANCING). Dance with a variety of partners to broaden your lead or follow skills. Something else that works well for me at least is practicing new steps / timing by myself for awhile to get it into "muscle memory". This then frees up brain cycles to concentrate on lead, technique, traffic, etc, etc with a partner.

Hope this doesn't sound sexist - a tip that probably works better for the guys - don't ignore the older ladies. In my own early stages, dancing with them yielded a lot more encouragement, a lot less attitude, and some great "pointers" compared to chasing down the local "hotties" with my beginner moves. Not that the hotties aren't fair game (or gracious) as well.

One last suggestion for the guys - don't "over-graze" the good graces of those better dancers who accept dances with you. Unless they suggest otherwise, dance with them only a few times per evening, with plenty of time in between. That way they won't bolt for the ladies room when they see you approach.

[Sagitta]

Or make/be friends with them. :)

[Sakura]

It takes a community to raise a dancer 8).

*smiles* I have a *really* old tee-shirt from the Church that we went to when we still lived in Tennesse that said the same thing except it had child instead of Dancer. ... I like "dancer" better. =^_~=

Sakura Kitty :kitty:

[ShyDancer]

1.Remember every last person that is out dancing on that floor from the men leading awesome figures to the ladies who are spining amd turning with precison, were all beginners like you. They went through exactly what you are now.

2. Everyone is NOT watching you.

3. I promise you that everyone out there will make at least one mistake during the dance...You wont notice it because they dont care, smile and keep going!


Im in a bit of a rush now, but Im sure I will have some more. I will come back soon if I think of any more.

[robin]

I agree with all of the above, go social dancing as soon as possible! I actually really enjoy dancing with beginners!

I'd add: Don't be shy to ask people for a dance, that goes for both male and female dancers. If you sit in the corner chatting to a friend it's possible that no-one will ask you for a dance all night! While some social dance scenes have the odd person who thinks they're too good to dance with a novice, the vast majority of dancers will be more than happy to!

Also, in dancing circles, dancing is how you get to know people. One of the great things about social dances is that it's very easy to get to know people in my experience, because you can just ask them for a dance, without your intentions being questioned or appearing rude...

Robin

[pygmalion]

There's a lot of very good advice, here. 8)