19 year old guy, how do I get started dancing???? Seriously I'm lost....
- Thread starter Jmclvn18
- Start date
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Br0nze
Active Member
Welcome to the forums, J. Glad to see another guy joining the world of dance. There are many things I want to say to you as a male dancer, and as a new dancer, that it's all kind of coming together into one big thought and nothing too coherent is coming out, so I'll try my best and hope for the best with it.
Before you do the things below, find out as much as you can about the different styles of dance and what they require, as well as where they are taught in your area. After you've familiaraized yourself with the dance styles (Ballroom, Modern, Social, etc) you can better decide which style is for you (although it seems you already have, which is cool, too) and then prepare adequately for the first lesson.
Although, in the simplest of terms what you do as a beginning dancer is find a studio (and a coach), a partner (if needed) and then you get busy.
The findings do not have to be necessarily in that order.
In slightly more complex terms, you have to ask yourself several questions, some of which are "Why do I want to dance?" and "Which style is for me?" Do you want to compete or dance socially? Are you going to commit or just ---- around with it? (No disrespect intended, just saying)
When you've answered the questions and made a decision, purchase the necessary "equipment:" for Latin, Latin Shoes, for Standard (Smooth) shoes w/o a heel, and a pair of practice pants. Also, ask yourself which subset of Latin -- International or American Rhythm (that being Rumba, Samba, Cha Cha or Salsa, Merengue, Bachata) -- or all of the above?
Find out if there are studios around you, and what style they teach -- American, International, only Social Dances, Hip Hop, Ballet, etc? How much do classes cost, and how must do private lessons cost? Will you have to purchase packages, or can you pay per lesson?
After you've found a studio for yourself, it's academic. You take lessons, listen to your coach(es) and practice, practice, practice.
And if you aren't already doing so, start running/jogging more and do Yoga. It'll help with the stretching and conditioning if you should ever find yourself in a competition setting, dancing Heats back to back (to back to back to back).
Before you do the things below, find out as much as you can about the different styles of dance and what they require, as well as where they are taught in your area. After you've familiaraized yourself with the dance styles (Ballroom, Modern, Social, etc) you can better decide which style is for you (although it seems you already have, which is cool, too) and then prepare adequately for the first lesson.
Although, in the simplest of terms what you do as a beginning dancer is find a studio (and a coach), a partner (if needed) and then you get busy.
The findings do not have to be necessarily in that order.
In slightly more complex terms, you have to ask yourself several questions, some of which are "Why do I want to dance?" and "Which style is for me?" Do you want to compete or dance socially? Are you going to commit or just ---- around with it? (No disrespect intended, just saying)
When you've answered the questions and made a decision, purchase the necessary "equipment:" for Latin, Latin Shoes, for Standard (Smooth) shoes w/o a heel, and a pair of practice pants. Also, ask yourself which subset of Latin -- International or American Rhythm (that being Rumba, Samba, Cha Cha or Salsa, Merengue, Bachata) -- or all of the above?
Find out if there are studios around you, and what style they teach -- American, International, only Social Dances, Hip Hop, Ballet, etc? How much do classes cost, and how must do private lessons cost? Will you have to purchase packages, or can you pay per lesson?
After you've found a studio for yourself, it's academic. You take lessons, listen to your coach(es) and practice, practice, practice.
And if you aren't already doing so, start running/jogging more and do Yoga. It'll help with the stretching and conditioning if you should ever find yourself in a competition setting, dancing Heats back to back (to back to back to back).
Welcome to DF Jmclvn18!
To elaborate what Br0nze said here are some ways to find a studio:
Google: ballroom dance <insert your town here>
or: dancesport <insert your town here>
or: hip-hop dance <insert your town here>
Yellow pages: Go to the dance section, if they have hip-hop or ballroom in the title that would be a good sign. If not call them anyway, ask if they teach hip-hop or latin, if they don't ask if they know of any studios that do (they probably do and will have some good suggestions)
Go to: usistd.org, find what teachers are registered near you.
(For competitive latin dancing)
Go to: dancesportseries.com, find a comp near you, find out how did well and what studio they are at (this one will take much longer and is much more involved)
Good luck, getting started is the hardest part (so just get out there and do it!). And as latingal said keep asking questions, people here are really friendly and helpful (IMO)
To elaborate what Br0nze said here are some ways to find a studio:
Google: ballroom dance <insert your town here>
or: dancesport <insert your town here>
or: hip-hop dance <insert your town here>
Yellow pages: Go to the dance section, if they have hip-hop or ballroom in the title that would be a good sign. If not call them anyway, ask if they teach hip-hop or latin, if they don't ask if they know of any studios that do (they probably do and will have some good suggestions)
Go to: usistd.org, find what teachers are registered near you.
(For competitive latin dancing)
Go to: dancesportseries.com, find a comp near you, find out how did well and what studio they are at (this one will take much longer and is much more involved)
Good luck, getting started is the hardest part (so just get out there and do it!). And as latingal said keep asking questions, people here are really friendly and helpful (IMO)
jennyisdancing
Active Member
And if, by Latin, you are referring to salsa, you can try this site too:
http://www.salsaforums.com/
Best of luck!
http://www.salsaforums.com/
Best of luck!