| Learning to dance is fun and it is easy. In a sense it is | | | | number of websites have a dance studio locator, so |
| like learning a new language, a language in which | | | | that you can find studios local to you. |
| moods and emotions are expressed in movement; a | | | | In addition these sites have lots of free instructional |
| language of rhythm, grace and harmony. It is new, | | | | material. |
| but in a very real sense it is the oldest language in | | | | Check out a few different dance studios. Most dance |
| the world, for dancing is the oldest form of art. | | | | studios will offer group and private lessons. Look for |
| Dancing is a wholesome, natural outlet for the | | | | studios offering a mixture of the two. How many |
| emotions. It develops grace and poise, timing and | | | | teachers do they have? Do they have an |
| balance. Men take pride in their ability to lead their | | | | introductory offer? |
| partners with assurance and poise. Ladies enjoy the | | | | You may also find ballroom dance classes at local |
| ability to follow their partners smoothly, expertly and | | | | colleges and many city or county recreational |
| correctly. The ability to dance develops personality, | | | | departments include ballroom dance classes. Some |
| and above all-it is fun. | | | | organizations such as the YWCA, Community |
| Taking dance lessons is a great way to improve your | | | | Centers, Elks or Moose Lodges offer dance lessons |
| confidence, it is a way to get fit and did I mention | | | | to their members and guests. |
| they're fun? | | | | 5. Find out about the different dance styles before |
| And It's Easier Than You Think... | | | | you start lessons and see which ones you want to |
| 1. Do you want to, learn to dance professionally, learn | | | | learn. Plus you'll be more knowledgeable about the |
| to dance for pleasure? It is important to know what | | | | style and rhythm of the different dances before you |
| you want to achieve before you start. | | | | start classes. |
| Perhaps you want to learn to get fit, for a social | | | | Don't forget to get my free book that covers the |
| occasion or to meet new friends. Plus if you know | | | | basics of ballroom dancing, details at the end of |
| what you want to get out of it this helps your | | | | these tips. |
| instructor. | | | | 6. Do you need a partner to start ballroom dancing? |
| Lots of people start with social dancing. Social dancing | | | | No. Lots of classes accept singles. If you already |
| classes are great places to learn ballroom dancing. A | | | | have a partner then you can have fun learning |
| small percentage of social dancers later find that their | | | | together. |
| love of dance compels them to become competitive | | | | 7. Should you have private lessons or group classes? |
| dancers. Social dances normally start with a one-hour | | | | This depends on your preference and your budget. |
| dance lesson and it is normally possible to find weekly | | | | As a beginner you may prefer the privacy of |
| group dance lessons especially for beginners. | | | | individual tuition and certainly you will learn quicker, |
| 2. If you want to find out what is involved in dancing | | | | they can also be useful if you have missed some |
| before you commit to lessons, or there are no good | | | | group classes and do not want to get left behind or |
| teachers locally, consider a dance video. You can | | | | you feel that you need extra tuition. However when |
| watch it at your leisure, plus watch it as many times | | | | starting out consider the social aspect of group |
| as you like to aid learning. A good video will help you | | | | learning which most people find stimulating, challenging |
| practice once you start lessons. | | | | and lots of fun. Group classes are also less expensive. |
| 3. Dancing provides great social benefits but also | | | | 8. There are no special clothes for social dancing, |
| participating in ballroom dancing on a regular basis will | | | | except that they need to be comfortable and give |
| produce significant mental and physical health benefits. | | | | you freedom to move. However for learning |
| Dancing is a great stress reliever. It builds confidence, | | | | professional ballroom dancing you may find that |
| alertness and good attitude. It also has been proven | | | | exercise clothing is more appropriate, ask your |
| to have a great physical benefit as it physically tones | | | | instructor if you are unsure. When choosing shoes |
| the whole body in enjoyable exercise. | | | | think about not only appearance but also comfort, |
| Dancing can be a fun way to lose weight and get | | | | support and protection. |
| into shape. Just check out the potential for burning | | | | 9. Selecting your instructor is an important decision |
| calories - Burn 309 calories with just one hour of | | | | and you want to ensure that your instructor has |
| Ballet, Tap or Freestyle, 290 calories with Country | | | | professional qualifications. Obtain a copy of their |
| Line Dancing or Swing and 193 calories with the | | | | resume for professional examinations and their |
| Waltz. | | | | experience in teaching beginners. The United States |
| 4. When choosing a dance studio you want to | | | | Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association will be able to |
| choose one that is conveniently located to your | | | | advise you further. |
| home or work place. If you can get there easier you | | | | 10. Finally, just in case you didn't get the message |
| will keep going and repetition is the key to quick | | | | before - have fun! Learning a new skill can and should |
| learning. Not sure if you want to learn? Some | | | | be fun, that way you'll stick at it and before you |
| nightclubs or studios hold introductory lessons. A | | | | know where you are you have mastered it! |