If you’ve decided you want to try something new where you can meet people, get some exercise, and have fun, you should come along and try a ballroom class.
There are many benefits to learning how to ballroom dance such as stimulating your brain, burning fat, gaining flexibility, conditioning, muscle toning, and did we mention having fun?!
Attending your first dance lesson can be scary. Don’t let fear and anxiety prohibit you. At Empower we would love to give you more information about what to expect in ballroom dance lessons so you aren’t fearfully thinking the worst.
What to expect?
Our lessons are an hour long, within the hour you will learn the very basic steps of one ballroom dance and one Latin dance, an no don’t believe that after one lesson you will be dancing like dancers do on strictly. We like to stick to the basics on your first lesson so you feel you can learn with out getting overwhelmed.
Our instructors will start the class by introducing the dances you are going to be learning. First your instructors will take you through your dance steps with the leaders on one side of the room and followers on the other so that you can grasp the step pattern before trying them with a partner. This enables you to see the step patterns clearly and get your own balance before partnering up as it. An feel completely different when your partner is in front of you.
If you don’t get the steps first time, don’t worry about it, have a laugh with your partner about it, and try again. Everyone in the class is in the same boat learning right from the beginning together. Everyone has their own pace of learning so never compare yourself to others in the class, your journey is your own.
Our instructors are on hand to help you with any questions or queries.
What to wear?
We always advise clients to dress for comfort when taking ballroom dance lessons, both in your clothing and in your shoes. For shoes, keep to a low heel so you won’t twist an ankle. Avoid backless shoes and open-toed shoes. Clothing should be loose-fitting that doesn’t restrict your movements.
What to bring?
You only need to bring yourself with an open mind. However, it’s fine if you would like to bring water for hydration and a towel in case you get sweaty.
Ask questions
Don’t be shy about speaking up. If you have a question or feel any discomfort, feel free to talk to your instructor. The instructor is there to create an environment where you can learn. It is a space where you can have your questions answered and experience no judgments.
Also, why not for a laugh ask Kelly what the capital of Outer Mongolia is…1
Move your feet and enjoy the experience
It’s essential to participate fully in the dance class. This is the way you learn! Even though the steps may feel awkward at first, you are in a safe place to make mistakes. Just jump into it!
Embrace Mistakes
When you’re learning a new skill, it takes practice to be better. So, embrace your mistakes. Don’t get frustrated or upset. Enjoy the process and experience
Have fun!
So, have we mentioned that ballroom dancing is fun? Let yourself be in that space and let go of any tendencies to be a perfectionist. Enjoy meeting people and learning something new.
1It is actually Uulanbataar