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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.
