Subject: Ballroom Dancing
You Can Do This!
One great way to begin your ballroom dancing adventure is to begin with Foxtrot or Waltz before moving into the more difficult dances. Another great method for learning is by using the interrelated system. This is a way of learning where the same basic patterns can be used for a variety of dances.
Most studios offer private lessons, group classes and practice parties. A balanced combination of all three will give you the quickest and best results, but if you are unsure of making the investment and want to start slowly, I recommend group classes to get your feet wet. Most studios offer a discount if you sign up for more than one class at a time. For example, the By Your Side Dance Studio in West Los Angeles offers ten group classes for $130 which is $2 less per class than when you purchase individual classes for $15 each. (byyoursidedancestudio.com)
Group Classes Group Classes are an important addition to your private instruction. They give you the opportunity to dance with a variety of partners, develop good dance habits, and meet other students in the studio. In Group Classes we emphasize technique, style, and variation of patterns.
Private Lessons provide personalized instruction so you can learn the dance techniques that help you achieve your goals in dancing.
Practice Parties provide the necessary environment for practicing what you have learned while strengthening your leading and following skills by dancing with a variety of partners.
What to wear…..
As far as clothing, wear whatever is comfortable and gives you freedom of movement. Men should wear leather sole shoes and ladies should wear a low heel that will stay securely on her feet.
Once you are hooked, and it will most likely happen, a great place to purchase dance shoes is Worldtone Dance Shoes located at 2138 Westwood Blvd in Los Angeles, CA. (www.worldtonedance.com)
Most studios offer opportunities for you to showcase what you have learned through annual Showcases. For example, USA Dance-LA (www.usadancela.org) holds an annual showcase around September or October of every year. Surrounding studios invite their students to perform choreographed dance routines just like what you see on Dancing with the Stars! The students typically wear costumes and dance with their instructor or another student.
On a larger scale, dance organizations hold a variety of dance competitions throughout the world for students and professionals who wish to travel and compete. One of my favorite dance competions is the Emerald Ball (www.emeraldball.com) which is organized by Wayne and Donna Eng.
Whether you wish to dance a little or a lot, there is a perfect place for you in the ballroom dancing world. Anyone can ballroom dance!
