Ballroom Dance Tips

Practice makes perfect

Well, maybe not “perfect” but it sure helps the memory out. Even going through what you learned in class – for 5 minutes when you get home – makes a big difference in remembering for the following week’s lesson or social dance. How often is it said “well we can’t seem to find the time together to practice during the week with our busy schedules”. Well, “practice yourself.”

It’s amazing how going over pivot turns by yourself or thinking about where you prep to lead a turn really improves your own dancing. Even if you just practice in the elevator on the way up to your office; or as Kelly does – “even in the cereal isle at the grocery store“.

Then in class you can practice together. And secondly, attend some dances, if you don’t already, that’s where you can have fun socially with everyone from your group class plus get some floor time in. Who cares if you mess up, that’s why everyone else is there too, for the practice!

Helpful Hints for Couples

At Arthur Murray, we specialize in teaching couples to dance. Teaching couples requires special care. Our teachers are trained to make learning fun and easy, and you can help by remembering the following:

• Let your teacher do the teaching. This means avoid finding fault with each other that can be distracting.

• It’s not how many steps you know; it’s how you execute them. (You always notice good dancers by how they move, not by how many steps they do.) Learning too many steps too soon results in bad habits and frustration with not being able to execute them properly.

• In teaching couples, we have learned that men typically progress slower because they have more to do and tend to be more analytical or mechanical. Women on the other hand, feel movement quicker. So ladies please remember to be patient and not expect too much too soon.

• It’s important to keep your lessons close together and use them in conjunction with group classes, practice and party sessions. This will aid you in making speedy progress and gain confidence in your dancing in a shorter period of time.

• Communicate with your teacher so that he or she will know what to teach you and the way you like to be taught. The more we know about your needs, the better we can plan your lessons now and prepare your future programs.

Single? No dance partner?

Dancing can still be a lot of fun and your ticket to that special someone!

What Have You Been Missing Lately?

Group Classes are an important part of your dance program. The more frequently you attend group, the faster you will see your dancing improve.

• Classes reinforce what you learn in your private lessons.

• Classes allow for practice in leading and following a variety of partners.

• Classes are good for extra practice in order to turn conscious thoughts of movement into natural muscle memory.

• Many students learn new dances (not currently in their program).

• Classes may introduce variations to your favorite dances.

• Classes enable you to meet other students.

• Classes provide experience for crowded dance floor conditions.

• Class lessons are always fun!