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Steps to Learn Ballroom Dancing

By Clarissa Leave a Comment
Learn Ballroom Dancing

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It is Easy to Learn Ballroom Dancing

The interest to learn ballroom dancing is rising again because of the popularity of TV shows that feature this style of dance. Thus, more people are trying to find out how they can start learning and some are even asking if it’s difficult and if anyone at any age can learn it. Contrary to what you think, ballroom dancing is easy to learn but it still entails dedication on your part.

Learn Ballroom Dancing by Following These Steps

The first step to learn ballroom dancing is to know that there are different types of this art. There are dances that are easy and there are dances that are difficult. If you’re just starting out, then do not insist on learning the paso doble, begin with Rumba, Foxtrot or Swing . These more popular dances will surely be played in a ball or event so you’d be sure that you will not remain seated for a long time. These are also the easier dance styles, you can learn them in no time. The next thing to think about after picking the dance you want, is to think why you want to learn ballroom dancing. If you are just doing this for social purposes, then you only need to learn few basic steps but if you’re doing this to compete then you have to prepare yourself for long hours of training and practice.

The next thing you need to do is to find a mentor. You could either look for a facility that offers Ballroom Dancing classes or you may also find a private lesson instructor. It is easy to find one, as long as you know what your budget can afford and what is most convenient for you. Remember that prices may vary as people charge according to their ability, meaning if you want learn ballroom dancing from a professional, you have to prepare to pay for a professional.

Important Steps to Learn Ballroom Dancing

The most important things that you need to do in order to learn ballroom dancing is to start. If you choose to learn in a class setting, go to every class so that you can get the most out of what you paid. Also, you must try to do some ‘homework’, ask your teacher for some music recommendations and then buy the songs and listen to them at home so that you can get the beat, count aloud and get the rhythm.

In addition to that, you have to practice. Go to the dances and meet the people in the advance classes and ask for their help. If it’s possible to practice with them, that’s a great resource!  Your learning does not have to start and end with your instructor’s lesson, if you are serious to learn ballroom dancing, you must be creative in terms of finding better and varying techniques.

Learn Ballroom Dancing Continuously

Lastly, you must remember that you have to keep on dancing. Attend social  functions to use (and show off) your dancing skills, dance at home, find a community that can help you and can dance with you.

To learn ballroom dancing is a continuous process, it does not stop once you learn the basics; it stops only when you lose the desire to learn, so, keep learning.

Filed Under: Ballroom, Styles Tagged With: ,

Learn to Ballroom Dance in Different Ways

By Clarissa Leave a Comment
Learn to Ballroom Dance

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Dancing is really a great way to express yourself. Through this art form, you can show others that you are happy, sad and even in love. But what is the best dance to express your love to another person? It is no other than ballroom dancing.

To learn to ballroom dance, especially with the person you love,  adds great depth and communication between and you and your partner.

The Rise of Interest to Learn to Ballroom Dance

Ballroom dancing is a kind of dance that involves two people. It’s long been common as a form of social dancing and it  is now becoming a popular sport with ‘dancesport’ (Ballroom Dancing competitions) being held in different countries. Because of this, a number of people aspire to learn to ballroom dance in order to gain recognition as being a ballroom dance champion.

If you are interested to learn to ballroom dance, you will discover that it is not difficult at all because even if you have to learn different kinds of dances, most have shared elements and patterns. Once you’ve learned how to dance one dance style, it’s very easy for you to learn the others.

Learn to Ballroom Dance: Learn the Different Styles First

To get an idea on how you can learn to ballroom dance, you must know the different styles that are available so you can get the drift and you’d be able to decide where to start and what might be your forte.

One of the first dance we imagine when we think of ballroom dancing styles is waltz. Social gatherings such as weddings and debut parties are often portrayed as having this kind of dance done by the newly-wed or celebrants. This is not what is really done, and Waltz is still a great first dance to learn since the most basic step of waltz is the box step, which is also the basic step of Rumba and used in Foxtrot.

Many people who are starting to learn to ballroom dance start with swing dancing. It is fairly easy and very practical.  It begins with a 6 count step and can be done to a wide variety of music. Another crowd favorite is the cha-cha, which has a catchy rhythm and fiery reputation.  It’s not the easiest of the ballroom dances to learn, but it you have the desire, you’ll get it!

There are many other types of ballroom dances including:  salsa, a Latin American dance; tango, the dance of passion; Rumba another simple Latin dance; Samba a Brazilian dance; and Jive an energetic dance – to name just a few.

Resources to Learn to Ballroom Dance

For those interested to learn the different styles of ballroom dancing, you can join a dance club. There are clubs that specialize in one of the dancing styles while there are also others that include all of them. Usually, for a minimal fee, you get a basic lesson followed by a DJed dance so you can dance the night away.

If a basic group lesson won’t give you the confidence to dance all night (as is the case for most people), head to a local dance studio where you can take ongoing class or work with a private instructor. This is best way to learn because the instructor is focused on you and making sure you are a confident dancer.

For some, buying a DVD or instructional video can help them tremendously.  It allows you to practice with a friend, a partner or even on your own. It’s best to use this to review or augment what you are learning in a class or from your instructor.  Just be sure to practice  so that you can gain your confidence and head out to dance in public.

Learn to Ballroom Dance by Putting Your Heart Into It

There is nothing that can stop you from learning ballroom dancing. You can find a lot of resources, especially with the technology now.

It does not matter which method you choose, what matters is that you put your heart into it and for sure you will learn to ballroom dance in no time.

 

Filed Under: Ballroom, Cha Cha Cha, Featured Articles, Information, rhumba, Salsa, Swing, Tango, Uncategorized, Waltz Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

How to Learn Ballroom Dance Moves The Easy Way

By Clarissa Leave a Comment
Learn Ballroom Dance

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While not everyone is interested to learn ballroom dance, anyone who is can surely learn it easily. This dance requires some dedication though, and you must be good at teamwork and enjoy moving your body! Timing, technique and patterns are all things you’ll learn along the way!

 

Why People Want to Learn Ballroom Dance

Ballroom dancing is generic term that refers to just about any partner dance, whether is being done at social functions, competitions or as entertainment. Some people want to be able to connect with another and move confidently to music, others want a fun way to stay in shape.  With the rising popularity of this dance, competition is becoming a more common reason that people start learning and there even are those that want to make it a career.

Learn to Ballroom Dance by Choosing a Specialization

To learn to ballroom dance, it’s best start with just one or two dances.  Within each dance there are many different ballroom dance moves, so learning more than one or two dances can become confusing.  There are some styles and particular dances that are more popular than others (usually seen on TV, movies, etc.):

Waltz. For some who start to learn to ballroom dance, Waltz is what they want.  It’s often portrayed as the dance used in social functions like weddings, debut and balls, although in today’s day and age, this is rarely the reality.  This dance is characterized by long, flowing movements with the dancers seeming to glide effortlessly across the floor.

Cha-cha. One of the tougher ballroom dances to do well, and VERY popular!  Latin hip movement makes this ballroom dancing style fun and sassy.

Tango. A sensual ballroom dance that seems to be one of the most fascinating of all ballroom dances.  Its Argentine Tango roots give it a flare that the other smooth dances lack.

Samba. A dance which started in Brazil and is popular among younger dancers. The ballroom version of Samba doesn’t resemble the Brazilian dance much, but it certainly has it’s roots there.

Rumba. One of the easiest and most practical of the ballroom dances.  Another sensual and romantic dance, and one that lays a great foundation for many other dances. It is also known as the “Grandfather of the Latin Dances”.

Swing. A dance with American roots, often danced to blues and jazz music. Swing has many social (non-competed) forms including Single Time Swing, the Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing and Shag, just to name a few.

Next Steps to Do to Learn to Ballroom Dance

After you have chosen a dance or two that you are interested in, you can now start to look for a way to learn ballroom dance.  The best way to learn will depend on what is convenient for you and your partner.

Ideally, going to a studio for classes, or to work with a private dance instructor, will give you a solid foundation and build your confidence in dancing. For others, practicing at home with a friend and with the help of an instructional video is a good way to get started. It really depends on your goals and how well you can learn from a video.

After deciding how you would learn ballroom dance, it is now time to practice. Be determined. Remove your inhibitions and make time.  Practice is what will give you confidence. Ask your studio/teacher for  music suggestions so you can listen to the rhythms, feel it and be get comfortable moving in time with your partner.

To learn ballroom dance requires only a simple desire; it allows you to connect with your partner, stay in shape and have fun! Get started TODAY!

Filed Under: Ballroom, Cha Cha Cha, rhumba, Styles, Swing, Tango, Waltz Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Dancing Really Does Keep You Young!

By thedanceinstructor Leave a Comment

100 Year Old Celebrates with a Dance

Floyd Crellin celebrated his 100th birthday in April of this year – and he celebrated with not one ballroom dance, but two!

Floyd is now at Goddard House, an assisted living facility, but that hasn’t slowed his dancing! After breaking his hip three years ago, his physical therapist used dancing as a way to engage him as part of rehabilitation. “She taught me to walk, and I taught her to dance,’’ the dapper Crellin told the crowd.

A crowd of family, friends, residents and staff at the facility celebrated the centenarian’s milestone with an event that also honored Crellin’s lifelong passion for ballroom dancing. Several professional ballroom dancers were brought in as entertainment, but the real show was Crellin himself.

He did an impromptu waltz with one of the dance professionals, and then performed a rehearsed routine with his physical therapist, Mary Keohane.

What has kept him not only physically healthy for 100 years, but young at heart?

Crellin credits dancing, “I love dancing and the people you meet,’’ he said.

Crellin began dancing at the age of 7 when he accompanied his mom to ballroom dance lessons after his father died.  He then continued to dance his entire life no matter where his job took him.

“And he’s a true gentleman, meticulous about his appearance and concerned about decorum, that people do things the right way, treat each other with respect,’’ says Crellin’s son. Manners and respect learned from a lifetime a ballroom dancing!

Crellin and his late wife, Elizabeth, danced informally while raising their children, and then began taking formal dance classes. “We were always trying to learn new steps,’’ he recalled.

Eventually, while working full time for Eastman Kodak, Crellin started his own dancing school in the basement of a friend’s store. After a dance exhibition at a department party, Floyd and his wife were asked to teach ballroom dance at Kodak, where co-workers called him “Twinkle Toes’’ because of his proclivity to dance in the elevators.

Crellin eventually retired to a community in Florida, where he continued to dance and teach. Now that he’s moved to the assisted living facility, Crellin doesn’t teach, but he still loves to dance!

Nancy Shapiro, Goddard’s executive director, said dance and movement therapy is particularly beneficial for older adults, providing not just the benefits of exercise, but enhanced cognitive skills, motivation, and memory.

“On an emotional level, it helps people feel more joyful and confident, and allows them to explore such issues as frustration and loss that may be too difficult to explore verbally,’’ said Shapiro.

Most people who break a hip at Crellin’s age spend the rest of their lives in a wheelchair, or at best using a walker. But Crellin was determined to walk on his own and according to his son, “his desire to dance inspired him.’’

Using dance for elderly patients can be especially effective therapy to increase balance and endurance as well as alleviate depression.

Filed Under: Ballroom, Cha Cha Cha, Featured Articles, For Adults, Information, Resources, rhumba, Salsa, Swing, Tango, Waltz

DEFY AGING: FIND A LOCAL BALLROOM DANCE CLASS

By thedanceinstructor Leave a Comment

 

7 reasons Ballroom Dancing helps defy the aging process.

Did you know that participating in a ballroom dance class can actually retard the aging process?  Here are 7 reasons that Ballroom Dancing helps defy the aging process.

 

1. HEART HEALTHY

It strengthens not only the heart, but the whole cardiovascular system and increases lung capacity. What a great way to get that ticker into shape… much better than running on a treadmill!

“Folks with heart failure who waltzed for 21 min., 3 times a week, increased their cardio-circulatory fitness more than those on cycles and treadmills.” (AARP Magazine May/Jun 2007)

 

2. PREVENT OSTEOPOROSIS & ARTHRITIS

As women age, a drop in estrogen causes a drop in the amount of calcium absorbed into bones. Women who dance maintain higher estrogen levels keeping therefore absorbing more calcium and keeping bones strong. Dance also keeps joints lubricated, which helps prevent arthritis.

 

3. BURN FAT.

Dance equals increased circulation, which burns calories while improving stamina. Ballroom dancing dance burns from 5 to 10 calories per minute depending on speed and intensity. For example, swing and mambo burn more calories than a slow waltz.

 

4. LOWER CHOLESTEROL.

It is important to measure both good and bad cholesterol levels to measure good health. Dancing aids in lipid control, which raises our HDL (good cholesterol), and lowers our LDL (bad cholesterol). Dancing also aids in blood sugar control, making it a great choice for diabetics.

 

5. FEND OFF ALZHEIMERS.

Stay fit AND improve memory. Ballroom dancing requires that the brain recall steps, routines and dance patterns which means it’s a great mental exercise. The big benefit is that increasing mental exercise keeps the mind young, quick, alert and open.

 

6. IMPROVE BALANCE & COORDINATION.

Ballroom dancing requires balancing in a number of positions. This strengthens the stabilizer muscles, while protecting the core and preventing injury in everyday activities. Dancing also aids in coordination and helps strengthen reflexes. It is a great way to keep the central nervous system in tip-top shape by improving the body-mind connection.

 

7. MAKE ENDORPHINS.

Dance elevates endorphin levels, which creates a good mood. This heals both stress and depression — two of the immune system’s biggest enemies! It also helps establish self-confidence and self-discipline AND improves the harmony between mind and body. End result: well-being.

 

Filed Under: Ballroom, Facts, Fitness, For Adults, Guide, Information, Resources, Salsa, Styles, Swing, Waltz

You’re Too Old to Learn to Ballroom Dance

By thedanceinstructor 1 Comment

 

I own a ballroom dance studio in the south suburbs of Chicago and I’m tired of hearing, “I’m too old to start ballroom dancing”.

Whenever I hear that, I picture the 92 year-old gentleman that lost his wife and decided he had to learn to dance to impress his ‘new’ lady friend that goes to Willowbrook Ballroom each week. He does private lessons every week after his water aerobics class across the street.

And then my mind wanders to the 73 year-old woman that comes to Salsa classes every Thursday night, without her husband, because she’s always wanted to learn. Her husband wasn’t interested, so she never pursued it. When she turned 70, she decided it was time for her to start, whether he wanted to come or not.

I think back to an 80 year old young man that had never danced before and ended up competing after a few years of lessons (at age 84). There wasn’t enough competition for him in his age group, so he decided to compete against the 70 year-olds. He kicked their behinds!

Ballroom Dance is for EVERY age!

And then the couple in their 80s that met at a widowers social group and got married the year before. She was a dancer, he was not. They came to group lessons and did occasional privates so he could learn to twirl her around the dance floor. The 30 somethings at the studio would regularly stop and say how they hoped they looked that good someday.

Why weren’t any of those people ‘too old’ to learn Ballroom Dancing? What made it possible for them?

Their attitude.

A positive attitude is what allowed them to start a new skill and reap all the benefits of it… regardless of their physical age. Ah yes, the good old positive attitude. We’ve all heard that – and its TRUE!

Is there an actual age after which you can’t learn salsa or swing or foxtrot?

Absolutely not!

A friend told me, “you will see it once you believe it.”

The one thing that each of my students had was that they believed they could do it.  Age doesn’t matter. Thoughts about your age do matter.

Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but you’re telling yourself a story about why you can’t (I’m too old, too busy, too uncoordinated, etc.)? Ditch the story. It’s just a story, it’s not the truth.

The truth is that you can do anything you put your mind to – ballroom dancing included.

It’s time to live you life, no matter your age – don’t let yourself, or anyone else tell you that you ‘can’t’ – for any reason.

It’s true, age is mind over matter… if you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter!

The benefits of Ballroom dancing as you age FAR outweigh any fears that might linger in your mind… consider the study that ballroom dancing is the only physical activity proven to slow, (and reverse) the effects dementia as you age!   (Read the Article)

Filed Under: Ballroom, Featured Articles, Guide, Information, Instructor's Voice, Resources, Salsa, Styles, Swing

“Dancing With the Stars is Like Sex”

By thedanceinstructor Leave a Comment

…at least according to Kendra Wilkinson on People TV. In the interview, Kendra compares her first dance on Dancing With the Stars to sex and says that she’s much more comfortable now that she knows what to expect (in the ballroom).

Really? Ballroom Dancing = Sex.

Since most of us won’t ever end up on Dancing With the Stars, this is a fun insight. Although, it seems like it gives us less insight into the show than it does into Kendra herself!

It’s actually quite obvious the connection between ballroom dancing and sex… many studies have shown that men who dance are more attractive to women then men who don’t.

Ballroom dancing is all about the connection between two people

– all the dances have their own personality – and all of them revolve around one thing – two people connecting and moving together as one.

But wait, we digress. Kendra is married, there’s no extra marital sex going on!

All she was REALLY comparing was … well … sex and Dancing With the Stars. Hummm.

Kendra’s husband, football player, Hank Baskett is actually fully supportive of Kendra and told Louis VanAmstel (Kendra’s ballroom dance partner) to push her. It’s obvious he wants her to do well!

This past Monday night, VanAmstel took on the role of ‘hubby’ in a romantic, sexy story the two of them put on the dance floor – it was a love story – and it obviously worked!

 

 

Filed Under: Ballroom, Styles, Uncategorized
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