Dancing at original speed
- Thread starter teotjunk
- Start date
In most cases, the best way to learn things is to do them. And in this case, dancing with a partner, to music, at speed will do wonders for your dancing. Social dances are the perfect time to do that. You can certainly benefit from time spent practicing on your own, but if it were me, I wouldn't sacrifice time with a partner to do it.
Of course like mjnemeth pointed out, I'm assuming we're talking about ballroom dancing? Or at least partner dancing? If not, disregard all previous information.
Of course like mjnemeth pointed out, I'm assuming we're talking about ballroom dancing? Or at least partner dancing? If not, disregard all previous information.
Sagitta
Well-Known Member
How much slower is your practice dancing compared to what you find socially? Socially I typically find that there is a range of tempos. You might be able to do the slower songs, or the slowest ones.
If you give an idea of what sort of dancing you are talking about that would be helpful.
If you give an idea of what sort of dancing you are talking about that would be helpful.
GGinrhinestones
Well-Known Member
I took private lessons (and even went to my first competition) for a full 5-6 months before I ever started going to dance socials. I just wasn't comfortable enough in my dancing until then. However, that said, if you're just starting out I would say that while practicing on your own is certainly important, practicing with a partner - any partner - is vital. If you can't afford regular private lessons with your teacher, do as much social dancing as you can - whether in group classes or socials. No one expects your technique to be perfect - or even close to it - if you're just starting. The most important thing is to get used to dancing with someone else.
It depends on how far along you are - if you can get through the steps, lead (or follow?) well enough, but some technique breaks down, I'd say it's time to attend social dances. No one is sitting around with a clipboard scoring your technique, you'll be able to practice connection, and eventually you'll find your technique coming back to you.
Slowing the music down is fine, but you should spend at least some time at each practice dancing to full speed music... there's no other way to train your muscles to do the technique (which you're perfecting by going slow) to full speed.
You might consider finding a practice partner, too, so you can practice dancing with someone to fully speed without the pressure of a social event - messing up is expected, because you're practicing and doing things out of your comfort level.
Slowing the music down is fine, but you should spend at least some time at each practice dancing to full speed music... there's no other way to train your muscles to do the technique (which you're perfecting by going slow) to full speed.
You might consider finding a practice partner, too, so you can practice dancing with someone to fully speed without the pressure of a social event - messing up is expected, because you're practicing and doing things out of your comfort level.