| Like so many things in life, you get out of | | | | expert and let them teach you. When the |
| ballroom dancing lessons what you put into | | | | instructor demonstrates a new pattern or |
| them. Simply showing up at your lessons is | | | | concept, let them finish it before you |
| not enough. The time and energy you spend | | | | attempt it. If you do not understand |
| between lessons as well as during the actual | | | | something, speak up. Chances are, others in |
| lesson will can make a great difference in | | | | the class did not understand it either. When |
| the results you achieve. Following are some | | | | the instructor asks questions, answer. This |
| tips on how to maximize your dance lesson | | | | allows you to be more actively engaged in the |
| experience. By approaching your lessons in a | | | | learning process. |
| consistent, well thought-out manner, you will | | | | |
| progress quickly towards your ballroom | | | | After each class, it is a good idea to take |
| dancing goals. If you have invested your | | | | down notes of what was covered in that class. |
| time, energy and money in ballroom dance | | | | |
| lessons, it is worthwhile to take steps to | | | | Doing this immediately after you finish, when |
| maximize your outcome. | | | | everything is still fresh in your mind, can |
| | | | be a valuable tool to progressing towards |
| Before you even begin your dance lessons, you | | | | your goals. |
| should spend some quality time considering | | | | |
| what it is you want to get out of them. By | | | | The time you spend between classes can be as |
| having clear goals, you can then work towards | | | | valuable as the time during class. In |
| achieving them. Too many people come into | | | | addition to going over your notes, you can |
| dance lessons without having given much | | | | use time between classes to practice on your |
| thought towards what it is they really want | | | | own. It does not require very much space. |
| to get out of them. Your dance goals should | | | | Simply practice a sequence using smaller |
| be formed with your instructor. Letting him | | | | steps. Even visualizing the steps will be |
| or her know what you are trying to accomplish | | | | helpful later. You could use the time while |
| will enable them to provide you with the | | | | you are standing in line at the grocery store |
| instruction you need. | | | | to run through a sequence of steps. Much of |
| | | | the time that is lost in each dance lesson is |
| When your lessons begin, it is important that | | | | spent re-learning what was taught the week |
| you have the right mindset for each and every | | | | before and forgotten. It is up to the |
| lesson. You should be well rested and | | | | students to minimize this. |
| focused for your lessons. Coming in tired | | | | |
| and distracted will not make for a positive | | | | Another way to take advantage of the time |
| learning experience. You need to take good | | | | between classes is to listen to your dance |
| care of your body if you want to dance, | | | | music. By listening to the music you dance |
| because it is a physical activity. You also | | | | to regularly, you will develop a better sense |
| need to be able to put aside any problems of | | | | of its rhythm. In turn, you will be able to |
| the day and focus on the task at hand. | | | | dance better. When you listen to it, pay |
| Maintaining that focus and concentrating | | | | attention to the beats. Count them out and |
| throughout the lesson can be a large | | | | visualize yourself moving to beats. |
| determining factor in your achieving your | | | | |
| goals. | | | | As your dancing improves you may want to |
| | | | expand on your dance program. Taking |
| It is a good idea to come to your dance | | | | different classes with different instructors |
| lessons at least fifteen minutes early. This | | | | can help you grow and expand. Additionally, |
| will allow you to get yourself focused, warm | | | | private lessons give a level of personalized |
| up and practice some of last week's steps | | | | attention that cannot be achieved in group |
| before the lesson starts. By the time the | | | | lessons. Apart from other kinds of lessons, |
| lesson begins, you will be fully prepared and | | | | most dance schools offer a weekly dance |
| ready to make the most of it. | | | | session for all their students. This is a |
| | | | great way to practice and is also a good |
| As you progress in your dance lessons, it is | | | | opportunity to dance with other partners. |
| important not to get ahead of yourself too | | | | |
| quickly. The best dancers keep their minds | | | | It is up to you to make the most of your |
| open to new information and know that there | | | | ballroom dance lessons with clear goals, the |
| are always things they can learn to do | | | | right mindset and practice. |
| better. Remember that your instructor is an | | | | |