Learning to dance

Wine_of_the_World

I want to be able to dance – nothing fancy – not interested in being able to do the tango or the salsa or anything like that. I want to be able to dance for a little while without feeling totally self-conscious and looking ridiculous:o. At the moment I dread social situations where dancing might be involved.


I have previously assumed that dancing was either something you can or cannot do. But I someone on here mentioned something about learning to dance, so it must be possible? But I have no idea where to start?!

Katiehound

Go for it!
I learned to dance reluctantly just over a year ago on a cruise thinking that I had 2 left feet! However after a few days I could see that it was a great deal of fun and addictive....oh, and I didn't have 2 left feet after all!
I have a problem in that there is nowhere round here to practise because you need a partner! (to even learn)

Here is one website you might search:
http://www.dancesport.uk.com/studios/index.htm

Look in your local paper to see if there are classes locally
Ask in the local library
Google "dance classes" and the chances are something local will appear

If all else fails go on a cruise- some have dance classes every sea day

Wine_of_the_World

Thanks for the link - I'm not sure I have the confidence (yet) to join a class. I would be far too self conscious! Although they do private lessons so that may be an option for the future.

I really just want to be able to dance in social type situations like weddings etc, but did you find learning a particular dance style like helped your dancing skills in general? Do you know which style would be best to learn for that kind of thing?

spidystrider

Is it couples dancing that you want to do or are you just looking to get up and dance amongst a group? I also lack the confidence to just get up and join in. I have recently been looking for exercises to do to keep fit and have noticed that there are lots of dance classes on Fitness TV, which is available on Sky. You could learn loads of moves, have fun and get your body in shape, all in the comfort of your own home.

Katiehound

If you dance on your own you can bop around! For that you might like to try Zumba- fun but very energetic.

If you are thinking of dancing with a partner then probably the most useful dance would be the social foxtrot as you can do it to any 4/4 rhythm. There are loads of clips on You tube- just google.

Next one is probably the waltz- not as easy

And for some fun the cha cha cha (fast), or the rumba (slow)

I think you might be able to watch the you tube clips, listen to the rhythm and then try it out for yourself with the clip! Dance around your kitchen!

If you are really concentrating and enjoying yourself too there isn't time to be self conscious. I never realised that learning on a cruise I was part of the entertainment until people commented on my progress....... that was quite encouraging.

It really is fun

flea72

I agree that exercise classes based around dance, would be a good start as you can usually hide in the crowd and you're not the centre of attention (instructors also don't pinpoint your mistakes, as it's more about the cardio aspect, rather than style)

So Zumba or street dance. It's also relaxed and fun and most groups go out socially too, to put their 'routines' into practise lol