183 people want to...

learn how to ballroom dance


 

How to learn how to ballroom dance by VintageRhapsody

"Lots of hard work, rewarding, and fun."

How I did it: Disclaimer: I am a trained Dancesport dancer, which means that I dance competitively and focus heavily on technique. I still have a LONG way to go.

I joined my college ballroom team, and went to as many lessons as possible. You pay dues per semester, but it's never more than $100 at my school (varies school to school) - and if you are taking at least 2 lessons each week and practicing for free with the dues, then it is already worth it for four months!

After I danced for a year, I started having serious dance partners (if you work hard in dance and keep practicing in a studio, you will find a partner), after which we started taking private dance lessons. I did simple steps over and over again, focusing on the correct way to do them while looking good on the dance floor. I stretched and stretched, and opened up the movement of different parts of my body (never knew I had lats!). I cross trained with yoga and more classical dance forms. I loved every moment of it, even if I was frustrated with my partner or myself.

I competed, and my placements got significantly better over a short span of time.

Lessons & tips:

  • Dance is a very expensive sport. Ballroom is especially expensive.
  • Talk to team members or dancers who are better than you to show you simple steps or make a small correction. They love to help!
  • Watching dance videos can be super inspirational
  • Before you blame your partner, think about what you can do better
  • Different dance coaches will say different things. Listen to all of them, and do what each coach says. In the end, go with what you feel works for you the best.
  • No matter how little time or space you have, you can always practice something.

Resources:

  • Slavik and Karina's Latin DVDs
  • Youtube
  • Other people
  • Tanning lotions like Loreal Sublime (no joke!)
  • Humility


 

Mar 29, 12:07AM PDT | 0 comments


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    Entries

    ifitfeelsgooddoit is keeping high hopes for the future

    at least somewhat 4 months ago

    I just want to know basics, just for fun so if I ever end up at a fancy dance somehow I won’t be lost.
    Plus its way cooler looking than the having sex standing in a bunch of people they call dancing these days. Why not go to a strip club, you can dance like that and get paid.

    Jul 06, 07:54PM PDT | 0 comments


    C_A_N is one shy from 43 things

    Untitled 11 months ago

    Any guy who tells a girl he can Ballroom dance and actually can would be amazing, that would be me, I’m amazing once I learn to dance.

    Nov 21, 2008, 09:38PM PST | 0 comments


    aoede9

    Meetup! 15 months ago

    I joined a Meetup group in my area for swing dancing. Went to the Friday Night Swing Club last night for live music and lessons. It was great! I also learned how to foxtrot.

    Jul 26, 2008, 06:40AM PDT | 0 comments


    lizduell life is going good! ;)

    Untitled 15 months ago

    i lvoe watching this season so you think you can dace. it amazes me some of the things people are able to do and i wish i could just do one little part of what theyre capable of!

    Jul 18, 2008, 11:31AM PDT | 1 cheer | 0 comments


    solagratia111 is blessed. :)

    just one more thing. 16 months ago

    there’s a studio pretty close to where i live. and every now and then, it calls out to me…

    there’s just one more thing:

    i need a partner. :)

    Jul 02, 2008, 12:17PM PDT | 1 comment


    lizduell life is going good! ;)

    Untitled 19 months ago

    ive got a dvd on how to ballroom dance but need a dance partner to learn with me or someone to teach me. id love to be able to do this and for someone to be shocked by my ability.

    Apr 02, 2008, 05:29AM PDT | 0 comments


    SimplyCate

    One, Two, Cha Cha Cha 20 months ago

    I did it for like 6 months.
    And it was fantastic.
    I want to learn again.

    Feb 22, 2008, 01:35PM PST | 0 comments


    dorkasaurusrex is looking for places to learn aerial tissu in NC

    It's starting! 21 months ago

    I just started at university and they have a ballroom dancing club. I’ve only gone twice so far but I’m definitely gonna keep going every week so long as it’s going! They actually had a trip last night to a latin dance club but I wasn’t able to go because I was ushering Phantom Of The Opera. Next time though…

    Feb 17, 2008, 08:08AM PST | 0 comments


    SingingLady32

    Roll back the rug... 2 years ago

    I’ve always loved dancing and I learn new dances pretty quickly. I want to learn ballroom dancing. Ya, the ChaCha, the Tango, the Waltz, the whole bit. I’ve always found it very romantic, elegant and exciting. If ballroom classes weren’t so stinking expensive, I’d be all over this one like white on rice.

    Feb 15, 2007, 03:14PM PST | 0 comments


    SocialMasquerade is alright, about to embark on an adventure or epic proportions :]

    Untitled 2 years ago

    I’ve been dancing at a studio for years, but they don’t give ballroom dancing lessons. I really want to dance with a partner. I can’t wait!

    Feb 09, 2007, 11:27PM PST | 0 comments


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