New To Ballroom

L

lennoc

New Member
Does anyone have any recommendations as to some self-study materials for use in the off-time in between private lessons for someone who is new to ballroom dance?

Also, I am extremely interested in competing. The only thing is....how on earth do people afford them? Sponsors? Any creative suggestions?
 
Welcome to DF lennoc!

What style do you dance? Or what dances are you learning? Knowing this will help people recommend study materials for you.
 
Ballroomdancers.com is a nice site that demonstrates all the bronze and silver level steps of virtually all the dances so that is a nice resource that is relatively inexpensive.

As far as competing goes, no sponsors for most pro am students. Some of the advanced ones can get a dress sponsor but that is about it. Competing can be as cheap as you want it or as expensive as you want it to be. Cheap: go to local minimatches at studios, wear costumes you find on ebay, do your own hair and makeup and enter just a few dances. Expensive: go to the big national comps that you have to travel to and stay at hotel, wear expensive costumes from top ballroom dress designers, get your hair and makeup done and dance in as many heats as you can. Either way you can have a great experience and alot of fun!
 
I have a couple of DVIDA manuals and several DVDs by different teachers. As posted here numerous times, they won't take the place of live instruction but I've found them to be a useful adjunct. Record your private lessons for review if your studio allows it.
 
From a cost standpoint, amateur-amateur competition tends to be rather less expensive than pro-am. Don't get me wrong, each form has its own set of plusses and minuses (a search will turn up lots of threads on the topic).
 
I did not see that in the OP profile.Well, then, as GGin states, you will probably progress much faster. You still have to learn ballroom... but you already know how to dance!
 
I think being a "professional ballet dancer" means you would have quite a few habits to break. But on the upside you would be very disciplined, so it kinda evens out...
 
Thank you everyone! To answer questions:
*Bronze level
*Learning everything (American) right now
*Planning to compete in both Smooth and Rhythm, my pro wants me to compete in Cabaret as well???
* Pro/am is my only option as of now.
* There is a very fast learning curve, and I do have some habits to break (tendu walks, etc.) but nothing major.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Dance Ads

Advertise on Dance Forums Reach dancers, teachers, studios, event organizers, and dance-friendly brands. View ad options
Back
Top