Desperate to learn how to dance

[robhargreaves]

Hi,

I havent got the confidence to dance when I am out and so I thought I would come here for some advice on how to learn. I am willing to go to classes if there are any locally.

When I was about 18 I went to a club and one of my family members said I danced stupidly! I have always got it in my mind I am doing something stupid and everyone is looking at me now when I dance. I go out regularly and cant even get myself to the dance floor.

Its keeping me to the sides of the dancefloor when I go out and my mates are dancing.

Thanks for your help.

Rob
:D

[Sagitta]

Welcome to df robhargreaves! Glad to have you with us. :D

There are quite a few threads on learning to dance, just starting out. Have you searched our forums using the search function to find these?

Meanwhile...

1. You definitely should take classes.
2. Those who put down others have an inferiority complex.
3. Most people are not looking at others, but are concerned with themselves and what other people are thinking about them.

In conclusion don't let what other people say influence your desire to learn and enjoy dance.

[Tasek]

First things first: Welcome to DF.

Probably best to start reading through some old threads first, should get you started. Also right now your question is a bit vague, we could be of more help if you could give some specifics: at what kind of places do you want do dance? what kind of music will you most likely be dancing to? solo dancing or partner dancing?


I'll second what sagitta said, and add my own:


1. You definitely should take classes.

Yep, and practice, even it's just alone at home with all the curtains closed and the doors locked


2. Those who put down others have an inferiority complex.

and you don't need their opinions


3. Most people are not looking at others, but are concerned with themselves and what other people are thinking about them.

Very true, and especially on a busy dancefloor, you'll just blend into the rest.


Everybody started sometime, just get started, practice and you'll get better,
even if you dance bad, you still get credit for trying, and it's better then not trying at all
just have fun, enjoy yourself (<------ that's the best hint I can give you!!)

[robhargreaves]

Thanks guys.

I like the idea of classes and I am going to go have a few.

In responce to what type of dancing I usually do, Its normally solo dancing in clubs with my mates. The music type is club trance, house music. Mainly stuff from the dance charts in the uk though.

What type of dancing course should I look for based on this?

Thanks Again

Rob

[Tasek]

Then you'll probably have to look into hip-hop or street dance type of classes. These kind of classes wil get you moving and teach you a good set of moves which you can use in such an environment.

Do take those classes as they'll certainly help, but remember that the two most important things are staying on beat and confidence, if you have those you can pretty much do anything you want and it'll look good.

And as far as the confidence is concerned, it will come in time as you practice, become more comfortable with your moves and your body, and once you find out that people aren't judging you. Oh, and sometimes a little 'liquid courage' can get you started on the confidence (but don't overdo it, falling down, even if done on beat, is not a good dance move)

[pygmalion]

Thanks guys.

I like the idea of classes and I am going to go have a few.

In responce to what type of dancing I usually do, Its normally solo dancing in clubs with my mates. The music type is club trance, house music. Mainly stuff from the dance charts in the uk though.

What type of dancing course should I look for based on this?

Thanks Again

Rob

I agree. Tasek and Sagitta are putting you on the right track, here, I think. Just wanted to add my two cents worth. First, welcome. 8) Second, anybody who tells you you're dancing "stupidly" has problems of their own. It has nothing to do with your dancing. Nobody in a trance/house music playing club has any time to watch you dance or evaluate you. They're just there to have fun, as you are. I think the best thing you can do for yourself is dance as much as you can, at home, in the car, wherever you are. That will help you become less self conscious. You don't have to learn a lot of steps. With the kind of dancing you want to do, the key is to relax. Just relax, and you'll be fine. :)