Is there any hope for me???

T

turtle

New Member
I realize there's already a lot of beginner advice out there... but I don't really fall into the same category as most. I am in college, and I don't have the money or a regular time that I could take dance lessons. I've been too shy all my life to try and dance, and darn it, I'm ready to get out and have some fun. Is there any hope for me... I mean, besides watching BET with my dorm room door locked :? , trying to imitate what those guys do, I have no idea how I'm supposed to learn anything. I'm not trying to be a great dancer or anything, basically I want to be able to get on the dance floor and not look stupid.

In case you're wondering, I have rhythm, and I'm not a total spaz... :lol:
 
Hi Turtle, welcome to the forums. Unfortunately, the best way to dance is with other people. :D I suggest a couple of options. How do you feel about just grabbing a couple of friends and just go out dancing? :banana: If you go out with friends, it may be a little easier than going alone. If you're just too shy to do that and depending on your dance interest, invest in a couple of videos to work up your courage a little. Any other suggestions? Oh, what are your dance interest by the way?
 
There always is hope, until you are dead in the ground with a foot or more of earth over your head!!

Welcome to DF turtle!! :D This question of yours is a really vague one. If you could provide more specifics I'll be glad to help you out.

Are you a leader or follower? Are we talking about partnered dancing or non-partnered? What dancing style are we talking about? For instance, in non-partnered dancing there is reggae, hip-hop, r&b, clogging, line dancing..... For partnered dancing there is zydeco/cajun, zouk, salsa, swing, waltz, cha-cha, mambo, merengue, fox-trot, american tango, contra, square and round dancing, argentine tango, ce-roc...
 
Welcome Turtle! I love your avatar!!! The very brave Spaceman Spiff!

Yes there is hope! I used to be painfully shy and would not ever dance in public. now dancing is a major part of my life.

Some things to keep in mind:

1. You don't look as awkward dancing as you feel you do. (I'm sure of this because you said you have rhythm.)

2. Going out and just doing it might be one of the best ways to get over your nerves and do it.

3. if you have a friend who you feel comfortable with, who can dance, then maybe ask them over for an afternoon of dancing so you could learn some stuff.

4. If you can find a cheap instructor in your area, consider going in for a few lessons. I know you said you're in college and can't afford to take lessons. But if there's a will there's a way.

:D
 
What year are you in College and what college do you go to? Most colleges have a requirement for at least one or two physical activities classes as a degree requirement. So what not kill 2 birds with one stone. Every college I've ever been too offered ballroom and or social dance classes. AT the university of Arizonia the students actuall do there final and midterms for salsa at a salsa club. (sorry just an aside that I thought was cool). Like I said, besides fullfilling a probable degree requirement you'll have a great opportunity to meet other on campus, also if you've already fulfilled the pe part of the degree reqs, most campuses have intermural dance clubs as well that offer different levels of instruction for free or very low cost as well.
 
dragon3085 said:
Most colleges have a requirement for at least one or two physical activities classes as a degree requirement.
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They do??? I'll be finishing up my Ph.D. in the next year or so and I've never heard of anything like this. High schools, yes, but colleges? :? :shock: :?
 
Maybe its a texas thing but I know for my undergrad degree I had to have 2 or 3 one hour pe courses. I'm sure grad school is different but I was thinking undergrad. Now things might changed to in the past 4 or 5 years since I got out.

SDsalsaguy said:
dragon3085 said:
Most colleges have a requirement for at least one or two physical activities classes as a degree requirement.
Click to expand...
They do??? I'll be finishing up my Ph.D. in the next year or so and I've never heard of anything like this. High schools, yes, but colleges? :? :shock: :?
Click to expand...

:?
 
My undergrad was this way... ony required three units but at least one of those units had to come from a sit in a classroom type PE classes (take a health or nutrition course and you're done)

That's where I learned Tai Chi
 
Turtle - I'll add another welcome to the list - I do hope you pursue dancing! There's lots of great advice here from many levels of dancers. As a relative newcomer myself I know exactly where you are coming from, it can be tough in the beginning but the rewards are definitely worth it. :)

Do check for dance clubs, intermural or rec sports at your college as dragon suggested. Most colleges have these, that's how I learned Lindy Hop, and it was only 25 dollars for an entire semester of once a week classes. Helluva deal if you ask me, and the instructors were really good. :)

Swing Kitten - what style of tai chi did you learn? I didn't know you ever studied it. :wink:

SD - If you're memory is lapsing, you're just getting old. :P
 
scorpionguy said:
Swing Kitten - what style of tai chi did you learn? I didn't know you ever studied it. :wink:
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Yang Short Form --- I know I've mentioned this before :P


and SD... it's most likely that your undergrad had a similar requirement-- sorry pal!
 
Swing Kitten said:
Yang Short Form --- I know I've mentioned this before
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Oh I know you have dearie, but its so very sexy to hear you say it again. :kissme:

SDSalsaguy said:
You better hope not SG... I've only got a couple of years on you after all!
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Believe me, its already happening! Hmm, how old are you by the way? I'm going to turn 30 this year...ugh...so I'll have to continue to work on not growing up. :wink: :banana: :tongue:
 
Swing Kitten said:
scorpionguy said:
Swing Kitten - what style of tai chi did you learn? I didn't know you ever studied it. :wink:
Click to expand...

Yang Short Form --- I know I've mentioned this before :P


and SD... it's most likely that your undergrad had a similar requirement-- sorry pal!
Click to expand...

You know, my undergrad didn't have that requirement, just so you know! SD you are probably right and didn't have it for a requirement.

:P (sticking my tongue out at swing kitten)
 
SDsalsaguy said:
Hmmm...

You think that maybe mine did too and it is just such a distant memmory that I've forgot? :shock: :?
Click to expand...

My undergraduate university had a PE requirement, but I didn't know about dancing then, so don't know if it was an option.

The university where I got my masters has a PE requirement for undergraduates, and they offer a 1 credit social dance course as one way to fulfill that requirement.

Kevin
 
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