When you first start learning to dance, there are a lot of things that can seem overwhelming. There are so many different dance styles, dance moves, and techniques to choose from! From ballroom dancing, salsa dancing, hip hop, and more; how do you know where to start?
In this blog post, our dance experts at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Durham, NC will help guide you through the first steps in learning to dance. Whether you are interested in taking dance classes with a dance instructor or prefer watching dance videos at home we’ve got your back. We will discuss what to expect when starting out, and how to get prepared for your dance classes. Let’s get started!
What to Expect When Learning to Dance?
When it comes to understanding the body movements of a specific dance form, there are a few things that are important to keep in mind.
Everyone Learns at Their Own Pace.
Some people may pick up the steps to certain dance styles quickly, while others may need more time. Learning dance is less about your dancing ability and more about your excitement to start dancing. Everyone starts somewhere and every body has to tackle the nerves of the first few dance lessons. Be patient with yourself and don’t get discouraged if you don’t feel like you’re progressing as quickly as others.
There Will be Trial and Error Involved
No matter how many dance videos you force yourself to watch before hitting the dance floor, you will still make mistakes, but that’s okay! While watching videos can help you identify basic positions or beef up your muscle memory there is nothing that replaces the experience you get from having dance instructor aiding your to learn how to dance in an actual class. They’ll know the best dance style for your skillset and help you feel confident. The most important thing to remember as you learn to dance is to start practicing and keep pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone.
Learning to Dance Can Be Challenging
Dancing is a great way to get exercise, relieve stress, and express yourself. Overall, it can be challenging at times, but the rewards are worth it!
Now that we’ve discussed what to expect when hitting the. dance floor, let’s talk about how to get prepared for your dance classes.
How to Be Prepared for Your Dance Lesson
Now that we’ve discussed what to expect as you learn dance, let’s talk about how to get prepared for your dancing journey.
Choose the Right Type of Dance Class for You
If you are unsure of which dance style you want to learn, try taking a few different classes before deciding which dance moves speak the most to you. This will help you get a feel for the different styles and find the one that is the best fit for you.
Wear the Right Clothing and Shoes
For your first few dance lessons, it is important to wear comfortable clothing that you can move around in. You should also avoid wearing loose jewelry or anything that could get caught on your clothing or another dancers during partner dancing. As for shoes, most dance studios will require dancers to wear ballet slippers, jazz shoes, or character shoes to match the specific dance moves needed. If you are unsure of what type of shoe to buy, ask your dance instructor for recommendations.
Stay Hydrated and Eat a Light Meal
It is important to stay hydrated before and during your dance class. Drink plenty of water so that you can avoid cramping or feeling dizzy. While a ballroom dance may feel less intense than hip hop or ballet dancing it does not mean your body will not be working to burn calories. We also recommend eating a light meal beforehand, so that you have enough energy to get through the class without feeling hungry.
Arrive Early and Relax
Getting to your dance class a few minutes early will help you avoid feeling rushed and stressed before your lesson. You can also get to know other dancers and their favorite dance moves! Then once you’re in the dance studio, take a few deep breaths and try to relax. Imagine yourself in your very own dance video, it should be fun!
Get Started Dancing Today!
We hope this blog post has helped to guide you through the first steps in learning to dance and you feel ready to tackle some basic moves. Just remember as you learn dance to go at your own pace, have fun, and be prepared for your classes. Before you know it, you’ll be dancing like a pro and helping others learn to dance!
If you enjoyed this blog post, be sure to check out our other blog posts on dance or sign up for a class here! We cover topics such as choosing the right dance studio, dance tips, the history of ballroom dance, our favorite contemporary dance routines, and how to practice dance moves at home. Thanks for reading!