How to Start Ballroom Dancing: Basic Preparations
Before you learn how to ballroom dance, there are a few basics that you need to address first.
Here are they:
1. Choose a specific ballroom dance that you want to learn.
Watch different dances and figure out which speaks to you the most.
Among the standard dance styles are foxtrot, tango, waltz, and rumba.
You can’t learn all of them at the beginning of your lesson, but mastering a few basic steps or core styles is necessary.
Leave complicated dances such as pasodoble and bolero in the advanced stage.
2. Identify Your Goals for Learning Ballroom Dancing
There are different reasons why people want to learn ballroom dancing.
Do you want to compete or enjoy a new hobby in social dancing?
Is it for a special dancing event that requires you to dance a particular style?
Always keep in mind your goals for dancing lessons and make them your motivation.
3. Enroll in a ballroom dance studio.
Do a quick survey of your area’s best and most reputable dance studios.
Private ballroom dance lessons are more expensive than lessons for a larger group.
Discuss your goals with a dance instructor so you will know how he can help you achieve them.
How to Ballroom Dance for Beginners
Enrolling in a ballroom dancing class is generally expensive, considering the instructor’s fee, hourly studio rate, and attire.
It is imperative to not rely only on your ballroom dancing class but to practice more at home too.
If you want to perform well on the first day of class, you should start learning the basic steps now.
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you jumpstart your ballroom dance lessons:
Step 1. Basic steps the box step.
The foundation of all ballroom dances is the box step.
It is basically done by moving your feet in a square.
With your feet together and the weight on the right foot, step a little forward with your left leg and place your weight on it.
Move your right foot forward by passing through the side of your left leg.
Your legs should have about a one-foot gap between your feet.
Then, bring your legs together by moving your left leg closer to your right leg. This is the first sequence.
The second sequence involves the same movement, only backward.
Place your weight on your left foot and move your right leg slightly in the back.
Then, shift your weight and return your left leg to the side.
Finally, move your right foot closer to your left leg to finish the square.
Performing a box step can be confusing initially, but practicing will help you get used to it.
Remember that it is always the outside leg that moves around the square you are trying to make.
Step 2. Continue your lessons by watching tutorial videos and articles at home.
If you are patient and gifted enough to learn through online resources, you will save a significant amount of money by skipping to enroll in a private ballroom dance class.
You can learn at home by yourself.
But then again, relying on videos and articles doesn’t replace the huge advantages in learning through a private ballroom dance instructor.
This is especially true for beginners and for people who don’t have experience in dancing.
Step 3. Be more familiar with the rhythm of ballroom music.
Play them in the background and listen even if you are not practicing.
This way, you will learn to pick up the steps easily and count the rhythm.
By listening, you can also imagine the movements associated with the music.
Step 4. Attend the practice sessions at the dance studio you are enrolled in.
Many dance studios hold practice sessions outside the dance class.
In sessions like these, you will have more opportunities to learn and ask for help from more experienced ballroom dancers.
Step 5. Look for a dance partner who you can practice outside the class.
One of your friends may happen to be a ballroom dancer as well.
You might be able to convince him/her of your new-found passion.
Even though you both might have a huge height or body size difference, you can adjust your movements.
Ballroom dancing involves movements of polish, grace, and courtesy.
To be a good ballroom dancing partner, you should dance at the same level as your partner.
Avoid doing advanced stances. The dance should be fun and enjoyable for both of you.
Step 6. Dance in public.
Even after your first lesson, you can practice your steps in social events.
Learning at least a few movements can already set you to have a great time dancing in public.
Beginners and advanced ballroom dancers will definitely help you improve your steps.
You will improve and have fun if you don’t say no to dancing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Learning Ballroom Dance
As a beginner, it is important to avoid the common mistakes most dancers commit so you won’t develop them as habits.
Here are the mistakes that beginners tend to make during a ballroom dancing class:
- Looking down
- Having weak arms and back
- Having tensed shoulders
- Making huge steps
- Feeling frustrated
It is also important to consider the kind of attire that you are going to wear in a ballroom dance class.
This ensures you feel comfortable and move freely without worrying that your shoes get left behind.
You also don’t want to pull down your shirt or feel too warm while you dance.
Be comfortable so you can focus entirely on the dance lesson.
It is performed and enjoyed worldwide because of its entertainment and competitive aspects.
Many secretly wish to learn ballroom dance but worry that it might be too difficult.
To avoid confusion with other dances, know that ballroom dance is an umbrella term for different styles of traditional dancing, which include cha-cha, Rumba, waltz, and foxtrot.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ)
How to do ballroom dancing for beginners?
For beginners, learning ballroom dancing can be a rewarding experience with the following steps:
1. Find a dance studio or online resources: Look for local dance studios offering beginner classes or explore online tutorials and instructional videos.
2. Choose a dance style: Decide which ballroom dance style interests you the most, such as waltz, foxtrot, salsa, or cha-cha.
3. Start with basics: Learn your dance style’s fundamental steps, footwork, and posture.
4. Practice regularly: Dedicate time to practice the steps and movements at home or during open dance sessions.
5. Attend classes or workshops: Join beginner-level dance classes or workshops to receive professional guidance and feedback.
6. Focus on partner connection: If possible, practice with a dance partner to work on lead-follow dynamics.
7. Attend social dances: Participate in social dances to practice your skills in a friendly and supportive environment.
8. Be patient and have fun: Ballroom dancing is a journey, so be patient with yourself and enjoy the process of learning and improving your dance skills.
What’s the easiest ballroom dance?
The easiest ballroom dance for beginners is often considered to be the Foxtrot. Known for its smooth and simple movements, the Foxtrot is characterized by a slow-quick-quick rhythm pattern.
Its basic steps are relatively easy to learn, making it accessible to those with little to no dance experience. The dance exudes a sense of elegance and grace, and it is often chosen as a beginner-friendly dance due to its straightforward nature.
As dancers gain confidence and proficiency in the Foxtrot, they can explore other more complex ballroom dance styles at their own pace.
What age is too late to start ballroom?
There is no age that is too late to start ballroom dancing. People of all ages can enjoy and benefit from learning ballroom dance. It’s never too late to begin, whether you’re in your teens, 20s, 50s, or beyond.
Ballroom dance offers numerous physical, mental, and social advantages, regardless of when you start. It’s a welcoming and inclusive activity that allows individuals to express themselves through movement and connect with others.
So, no matter your age, if you have a passion for dance and a desire to learn, go ahead and embrace the joy of ballroom dancing.
What is Ballroom Dance?
Ballroom dance is a graceful and elegant style of partner dancing characterized by precise footwork, coordinated movements, and synchronized patterns.
It originated in the 19th century as a social dance performed in grand ballrooms and has evolved into a competitive sport and a popular form of entertainment. Ballroom dance includes various styles, such as waltz, tango, foxtrot, and cha-cha.
Each dance has unique music, rhythm, and technique, but all share the essence of connection and communication between the dance partners. Ballroom dance showcases artistry, creativity, and the joy of dancing together with a partner.
5 responses to “How to Ballroom Dance: An Introduction for Beginners”
I love this tutorial! Dancing is so fun and you are absolutely right, goal setting is so important when it comes to anything. I love your posture tips also. I always want to look down at my feet to make sure I’m moving them right and it never works out.
Thanks Rob, I’m glad you got value… Yes, posture is super important, an align back will always keep you young and confident.
Thanks for sharing,
Jonathan
Wow, this is a superb introduction to Ballroom Dancing.
Best of all it explains ballroom dancing in simple terms ideal for somebody just starting out.
This great website takes us through the process of how to begin ballroom dancing. Gives just the right amount of information to entice the reader in making the decision to take lessons. After reading the post I feel like I should get started with lessons immediately. The idea of getting a partner to practice with is a good one. When I started learning ballroom dancing many years ago, having a partner would have helped tremendously in my initial learning. It was all the practice that made the difference. Love all the information, particularity the details of all the different types of dances that fall under the heading of ballroom dancing. Dances like the cha-cha, rumba, waltz, and foxtrot, these all being ballroom dances. This has given me a better appreciation of just how much is actually involved in ballroom dancing. This is a great introduction to the world of Ballroom Dancing.
This is really awesome. I like dancing and I sometimes try to learn a few moves by watching videos on you tube. That always turn out into freestylying as I always fall out of the routine.
I am quite interested in learning ballroom dancing. It seems fun and simple to follow. Those common mistakes you shared can be very discouraging as I have experienced most if not all of them. However, I have learnt that you can’t be too impatient when learning to dance, it is important to try and be as relaxed and flexible as you possibly can to get some great results.
Dancing is such a great way to workout out and keep fit. Thanks for sharing.
Hey Brenda! You are right dancing is a great way to workout and staying fit and the best part its soooo fun!!… Thank you for sharing your mind with us 🙂