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Learn How To Dance: 5 Ways

By Luzette Leave a Comment
Learn How To Dance

Image by Meredith James Johnstone via Flickr

Why Learn How To Dance

William Purkey galvanizes us to “Dance like no one is watching…” A ‘free-spirited’ person usually has the spunk to dance in public, others need the help of some intoxicating spirit.  A better option is dance instruction to feel confident with dance moves. You have the option to dance all you want in your living room, bedroom, hall or whatever space at home without worrying how comic your dance moves may be, but dancing in public is another story.

A guy who can get down on the dance floor at a party would surely captivate a girl’s attention. A loving dad would want to give his daughter, who is getting married, a memorable dance without looking hilarious or awkward to her wedding guests. A girl who feels graceful and confident on the dance floor would be the envy of all her friends.  So why wait for the occasion to spring up before learning your moves; learn how to dance now. It will spice up not just your social life, but your exercise regimen as well… or provide you with one, if you do not already have one to keep you in shape.

Ways To Learn How To Dance

1. Instructional Videos. If you are already fond of dancing to the beat of your newly downloaded dance beats at home, then you definitely have one foot on the dance floor. However, you will need more than your music downloads; you will have to equip your dancing session with an instructional dance video so that you will learn the right moves and discard the zany looking ones by watching and emulating the instructor on the video. The instructor can give you a lot of tips from these videos. The beauty in learning how to dance through an instructional video is that if you do not get the dance step right the first time, you can pause and replay it as you wish, without worrying over the hourly fees you will be paying. You can also learn how to dance whenever you want without following a certain class schedule.

2. One-on-One Instructor. If you have the desire to really learn, then go on and enroll in private dance lessons. You will have monopoly over your dance instructor and the class itself, since you are the only student. Like an instructional video, you can stop are ask your dance teacher to show a move again, hence, allowing you to proceed at your own pace. Your instructor can spot and correct wrong moves. You can ask questions and seek advice on how to address your particular dancing needs and concerns. This is the best way to learn how to dance.

3. Formal Group Dance Lessons. If you find the fees for private dance lessons way above your budget, then you can register for group dance lessons. You can find these lessons to suit your certain experience level, from the basic to the advanced; and age, from kids to adults. A group class offers the benefits of a real live instructor (you can ask questions) at a lower cost that private lessons.

4. Informal Group Dance Instruction. If you feel you would rather get in a more relaxed class, then you may well belong to an informal dance group. Classes are often offered before a dance at halls, clubs and studios in your community and night clubs. These classes often teach just a few basic moves.

5. Dance Friends. If you have friends who are good at dancing, why not hold a dancing party at home and ask the skilled to teach you some moves at the comforts and privacy of your home. When you master the moves and muster enough guts to show them to the world, then maybe you can go out dancing one night with these same friends, apply what you have learned and have fun.

Different people learn differently; some learn by themselves, while others would rather be with others to learn something. Learn how to dance through a method that appeals to you and your needs. Then get down and groove.

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Special-Needs Meets Ballroom Dance: Inspiration for ALL

By thedanceinstructor Leave a Comment

One of the benefits of Ballroom Dancing is improved balance, stability and coordination. That why more and more athletes (football, baseball, soccer, hockey, basketball, etc.) are adding dance to their training schedules – to get an edge on the fields and the courts where they play.

So what does that have to do with special-needs?

Everything!

If dance can help an athlete get better at a sport, it can help special-needs people improve balance moving around in their lives, it can improve coordination to allow them more freedom and confidence and can help their stability as they go about their day.

“Ballroom dancing improves balance, coordination and stability”

This is what one family in Orlando, FL found when their son, Matthew, joined a Ballroom Dance class for people with Down Syndrome. They commented that “the dance program was therapeutic for their son in improving his coordination and providing an outlet for his desire to perform.”

The eight-week class paired volunteers from the local USA Dance chapter with a person affected by Down Syndrome and ended with a wonderful performance.

Not only did the special-needs participants and their families love the program, so did the USA Dance volunteers. One volunteer said “I keep thinking about the special-needs class for the rest of the day. I feel like I have sunshine in my heart.”

Check for a program in your area, or get one started! It’ worthwhile for everyone!

 

Read the article from the Orlando Sentinel

 

 

Filed Under: Ballroom, Classes, Featured Articles, Information, Resources, Styles

KIDS LOOSING SOCIAL SKILLS: TRY BALLROOM

By thedanceinstructor Leave a Comment

Child At ComputerIn our fast paced, computer-dominant world, something has gotten lost – that something is connecting to the people around us.  What happened to chatting on the phone or stopping by?

Video games, tv screens and computer monitors dominate our world.  Interpersonal skills are being lost – with great consequences – as kids learn at their computers, text their friends and then retreat to tv at the end of the day.

Where do our young people learn interactive social skills and gain self-esteem in groups in today’s world?  A ballroom dance studio may hold the key.

“Ballroom dancing is all about connections,” says instructor, Lynzi Scholz “teaching youth ballroom inspires those very connections that are so endangered – along with an extensive list of other benefits like – learning to focus attention, improved confidence, physical fitness and more….”

Kids Learning Ballroom Dance

Kids Learning Ballroom Dance

Mad Hot Ballroom has inspired many youth ballroom programs across the country for those exact reasons – kids are craving an atmosphere that allows them, even encourages them, as well as teaches them – to step out and shine.

Dance is one of the most expressive ways we celebrate and communicate.  Losing basic relationship skills means we will lose an essential element of our culture.  Social dancing directly addresses the fundamental issues of mutual respect and self-esteem by putting them into practice. Our kids learn by doing.

Teaching dance is more than teaching dance steps.

The benefits of dance are endless – from physical health and wellbeing (kids learn to focus physical energy and increases health through the joy of movement) to building self-esteem and interactive social skills.

It’s obvious that due to the interactive nature of ballroom, it improves children’s confidence and ability to relate to others.  It inspires children to do well, to respect one another, to be proud.

Want to try it out for your kids?

Ballroom Dance for Kids:  Check your area for ballroom dance studios that offer youth programs, call your park district and request a program or even talk to your child’s school.  Programs such as ‘Dancing Classrooms’ are spreading across the country and a phone call from you might be what it needs to get started in your community.

Filed Under: Ballroom, Classes, Facts, For Children, Guide, Information, Instructor's Voice, Resources, Styles, Uncategorized

Dance Lesson 101: Practice with Purpose

By thedanceinstructor Leave a Comment

“Deliberate Practice” is NOT just for professional dancers.
Ballroom Foxtrot

Ballroom Competition

Dance is an odd sport because the judging is so subjective that knowing how and for what to train can be tough.  However there are certain skills you need to develop to have a shot at wining (or even being good!) no matter who is judging.

You have to have strong communication skills (see ‘Dance Lesson 102: Good Communication’), deep understanding of yourself, strong dance technique, terrific posture, good personality and confidence and a willingness to practice with your full attention.

Whether you are just starting out with your first latin dancing class, or are a star at your ballet school, deliberate, or, ‘focused practice’, will make the most out of your time and money!


Training “Smart”

Ballet school or Latin dance class will teach you the technique you need and sometimes will address the communication skills (you with your partner, you with the audience).  Class will teach you the importance of good posture, where to put your feet and hands, etc.  But, you have to put in the work. You need to train smart.

Let’s look at three people’s experiences – all of whom said they went swimming today.  One sits by the side tanning – dipping her feet in to cool off on occasion; one hangs out in the pool with friends playing games, floating on a raft; and the third swims 20 laps.

Only one of those people actually DID swim.

It’s not about the time we spend practicing, it’s about how we use that time and the actual practice that takes place.

Ballet Dance

Ballet Practice


Does Dance Practice Makes Perfect?

We’ve all heard the saying “Practice Makes Perfect”, but is it TRUE?.

NO!  Really, “Practice JUST Makes Permanent”.  Only “Purposeful Practice can Make Perfect” …or even make better. Here’s the real key:  we are NOT searching for perfection; we are striving for improvement!

Putting ATTENTION and INTENTION into your practice makes it different from going through the motions and creating bad, permanent habits.


Five Key Elements of Purposeful (Focused) Practice For Dancers

  • Schedule uninterrupted training time.
  • Identify one Objective for each training session.
  • Keep your one objective in mind as you practice, going back to it with each repetition.
  • Create a daily ‘performance journal’ where you keep notes, questions, observations, etc.
  • Make someone an accountability partner (your coach, your parent, your partner)


Is Your Practice Making You Perfect Better?

Take some time to think about how you are training.  What are your goals for yourself?  You spent money on your Latin Dance Class, or are invested in years of Ballet School.  Isn’t it worth the effort to get the most you can out of it?

Where is your current training schedule is taking you?  If you already have deliberate practice sessions give yourself a pat on the back and keep going!  If you are struggling with practice, get moving because ”winging it” under pressure seldom works!

Filed Under: Classes, Featured Articles, Guide

Getting the Most Out of Your Dance Instruction: How Often Should I Practice?

By thedanceinstructor Leave a Comment

So you’ve taken the plunge and are finally taking some dance lessons – but how do you make the most of them?

Argentine Tango Dancers

Dancers Practicing

Practice is a must.

Why spend money on group Tango, Salsa or Swing Dance lessons if you don’t make the time to practice what you are learning?

Dancing is body memory.

Did you notice that your brain understands exactly what your instructor wants from you but your body sometimes refuses to cooperate? That’s because our bodies move out of habit – and the new steps you are learning are not yet habit.

The only way to get comfortable with dance is to do it, over and over and over!  Repetition is the key to becoming a good dancer.

Of course, there are practice habits – and there are good practice habits that will get you to the goal you want.

Good Practice Habits:
  1. Take notes IMMEDIATELY after dancing class.  Making your brain translate what you’ve just learned into words on paper will help you learn and retain the information so you can practice what you’ve learned
  2. Take 10-15 minutes a day to review and walk (or dance) through what you’ve learned.  Use your notes to help you.  You will remember the steps, sequences and patterns, more quickly, with more accuracy and retain everything for longer if you schedule short regular practice intervals.
  3. Write down any questions or issues that come up and bring them back to you private lesson or class with you.  If you are having the problem, others probably are, too.  The instructor is there to help!

Often people get busy with their lives and don’t make the time until the night before their next class.  Then they try to fit in an hour of practice.  That invariably turns into an hour of frustration and ‘trying’ to remember, and often culminates in an argument.

Do yourself, and your partner a favor.  Practice in short bursts with more frequency!  You’ll enjoy your lessons, dancing and your partner a whole lot more!

Filed Under: Classes, Facts, For Adults, For Beginners, Information, Resources, Salsa, Swing, Tango

Ballroom Dance: What’s All the Fuss?

By thedanceinstructor Leave a Comment

There are very few classic ballrooms left in USA– Willowbrook Ballroom in the south suburbs of Chicago is one of them.  Every Sunday, hundreds of people gather to twirl around the floor.  It’s a sight to see!

In England, Bob and Betty just retired after 60 years – of dancing.  The whole city came out to celebrate, and tears were shed.  Bob, 80 years old, and Betty, 79 years old fell in love with each other, and with dance – postponing their marriage for 6 years because they spent all their extra money on dancing lessons.

What is the ‘Ballroom Dance’ allure?

Ballroom Dancers from Another Era

Bob and Betty spent a lifetime teaching everything from Swing and Salsa dancing to more classic ballroom dances like Waltz and Foxtrot.  They became an institution, teaching 5 year olds and 75 year olds alike.

Bob and Betty found SIX decades of joy – not only their own joy, but they brought joy to others by sharing this unique expression of life:  Ballroom Dance.  To move in sync with another, inspired by the music, there is nothing like it.

After years of dance lessons of their own, Bob and Betty began competing and then decided to turn professional.  They wanted to share the love they found with as many people as possible – and that’s certainly a goal they accomplished.

A New Era of Dance!

Shows like Dancing With The Stars have brought Ballroom Dance back into people livings rooms.  In Bob and Betty’s youth, most everyone learned to waltz, foxtrot and cha cha!

People want to reconnect and ballroom dance is the perfect venue.  This great form of expression is also a healthy, fun way to exercise, it teaches manners, good posture and how to interact with people, PLUS it challenges the brain and it’s a confidence builder!

It’s time to find a ballroom near you today!
Filed Under: Classes, Information, Resources

Get off the Treadmill! Go Swing Dancing!

By thedanceinstructor Leave a Comment

Burn 800 caloroies/hour with Swing Dancing

It’s time to revitalize your workout routine and get off the treadmill!  Exercise can be fun and exciting.  It doesn’t have to mean dragging yourself to the gym, lifting weights or getting on the elliptical for an hour!  Instead of doing the same old boring routine, try couples dancing at your local ballroom studio, park district or recreation center!

From burning calories to socializing with friends, dancing offers a huge number of physical health benefits (in addition to mental and emotional benefits not mentioned here)!

Calories:

Looking to burn a few calories.  Dancing burns as many calories as riding a bicycle, walking, or even swimming.  A simple half hour of sustained dancing can burn between 200 and 400 calories!  (The ballroom is looking more appealing by the minute!)

Cardiovascular conditioning:

Regular exercise can lead to a slower heart rate, lower blood pressure and an improved cholesterol profile (see Medical Essay, June 1991). 30 to 40 minutes of continuous activity three to four times a week is usually recommended.

Taking a class probably won’t provide all the conditioning you need, but it can help. Remember, how vigorously you dance, how long you dance continuously and how regularly you do dance are all factors in conditioning. Once you have a few moves under your belt, hit the dance floor to show off what you’ve learned and get all the bonus health benefits.

Strong bones:

Side-to-side movements have been shown to strengthen your weight bearing bones (tibia, fibula and femur) and can help prevent or slow loss of bone mass (osteoporosis).  Most ballroom dances incorporate side-to-side movements and all of them help with coordination!  All the Swing dances use side-to-side movements – give one a whirl!

Rehabilitation:

Most people recovering from heart or knee surgery, have ‘movement’ assigned as a part of their rehabilitation.  Dancing is a positive alternative to walking, aerobic dance, jogging – or anything else that gets repetitive.

Sociability:

Since Swing (as well as ALL the ballroom dances) contains a social element that solitary fitness endeavors don’t, it gives people an opportunity to develop strong social ties.  Those ties contribute to self-esteem and a positive outlook; both of which are integral parts of healthier, longer lives.

The health benefits of anything depends on how much ‘oomph’ that’s put into it.   The same is true with dance.  Different types of dance require varying amount of energy.  East Coast Swing and Lindy Hop require more energy than most swing dances – but any ballroom dance will get you moving, accruing health benefits and providing joyful exercise.

If you are new to exercise, or using dance for rehabilitation, ease into the pace and know your limits!  Get to know what to expect and what you can and can’t do.  Be sure to breaks throughout the evening so that dancing will be a lifelong enjoyable form of exercise.

Filed Under: Classes, Facts, For Adults, For Beginners, For Men, For Women, Guide, Resources, Styles, Swing
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