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How to Ballroom Dance  
HOW TO 

Tags: Ballroom Dancing, Dance, Artistic Expression

Ballroom dancing can be a fun hobby whether you do it once a month or once a week. Here is how you can learn how to ballroom dance.

1.	Unlike most types of partner dancing, ballroom involves multiple styles. While you don't need to learn all of them you will need to learn a few core styles at first. Complicated dances such as the Bolero and paso doble can be picked up later, but if you want to go out dancing and not be stuck in a chair the whole night you'll need to know east coast swing, cha-cha, tango, waltz, and fox trot.
2.	Decide what you want to dance for. Do you want to do social dancing or do you want to compete? If it's the latter you'll need to supplement classes with private lessons. Do you want to go out each weekend or do you just need to look good at a wedding? A specific type of event might require that you learn only a few styles but you'll want to learn them in depth. You'll be better prepared for a night of casual social dancing if you learn basic steps for a number of dance styles(you will pick up more moves as you go out dancing, practice and the basics become familiar).
3.	To find a teacher and a school, try the phone directory or a quick Google search for "ballroom dance [name of your city]". Contact one or more of the schools and tell them what your goals are for ballroom dancing. You want to find a good fit: Some schools, for example, specialize in competitive dancing, while others focus on helping first-time dancers gain the experience (and courage!) to brave the ballroom dance floor at their next wedding invitation.
4.	Prices will vary. You will want to be sure the school and your teacher are worth what you're paying. Group classes will generally be less expensive than private lessons, while the best specialized and personalized coaching for competitive ballroom dance can be a hundred times more expensive. The best ways to see if your dance lessons are worth it are to:
5.	(a) be sure you know what you want, and that your needs match your instructors' expertise and methods.
6.	(b) talk to the other students and see how long they've been at the studio (as a rule, experienced dancers won't stay long at overpriced dance classes) and
7.	(c) visit one or more dance classes. Many dance studios will offer potential students a free or low-cost initial lesson that will allow you to more easily find a good match between the studio and your goals.
8.	Go to class. This may seem obvious but I'm constantly amazed at how often people skip class. It doesn't matter how good a teacher or dance studio is, every time you miss a class, you won't benefit. If you find that a particular class time tends to cause scheduling conflicts, find another time in which you will be able to consistently attend.
9.	Listen to ballroom music. Ask your teacher for a list of songs in the rhythm you're working on. Buy them as mp3s and listen to them in the background. You might also find some musical collections selected specifically for a particular dance.
10.	Pick out the dance rhythm and count it aloud as the music plays. Many beginning dancers benefit from first clapping the beat with the music. Yet also as you listen, visualize the dancers moving to the music. Feel the style of the dance, in addition to its rhythm.
11.	Practice. Most studios have practice sessions outside of lessons. Go. Don't be afraid to ask more experienced dancers for help.
12.	Dance! You're in this to learn how to dance so go dancing. Even after your first lesson you can "dance" in your mind as you listen to the music or even try some steps in a safe corner. If you learn two moves a lesson then by your third lesson you know six moves. That's enough to go dancing and look like you truly belong on the dance floor.

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