Intro:
So you want to dance but you don't know where to start. Or you've learned a little dance somewhere (school, church, friend, beginner lesson, etc) and want to be able dance at a dance, but don't know how to get from here to there. First, don't worry, every dancer knows exactly what you're going through. In fact, even veteran dancers get nervous and feel self conscious when they dance with better dancers.
I want to learn and maybe dance once or twice if I'm feeling good. Where do I start?
We recommend Huy Huyhn's Tuesday lesson at the UAH University Fitness Center. Visit the UAH University Fitness Center Venue Page for directions/pictures. Huy is absolutely ready to teach brand new beginners, beginners who have danced but aren't yet comfortable enough to dance socially, and dancers who have danced other dances at every class. He also expects the entire age range from high school students to retired dancers.
(Please note, we try to keep the most current beginner lesson up-to-date here, however the calendar will always be the most up-to-date information.
If Tuesday night doesn't work for you, there are regular lessons Wednesday and Thursday as well. Visit our Calendar to find out about these other lessons. There are even more regular lessons in the regional cities such as Nashville and Birmingham.
Also, before almost every HSDS dance, we have a 1 hour beginner class that is free with the dance. The class is designed to teach someone who has never danced enough to make it through a complete dance and have fun! It's the quick start guide.
Is there an easier way?
It doesn't get much easier, but there are a few options. You can look for beginner workshops which are spaced throughout the year in the south east. They offer a chance to travel as well as a crash course in dancing, normally 4 to 8 classes in the span of a weekend.
Additionally, you can take private lessons which are the quickest way to learn and the best way to avoid bad habits. You can email Tabitha who will help you find the best instructor to suit you.
So what should I know when I come?
1. The second hardest thing about dancing is going to the beginner class and then going back a few times even though it feels boring at first, feels overwhelming, or it looks like everyone else in the class knows what they're doing and you don't. The fact is that the week before, they probably were thinking the same thing you are. Until you get fairly good, EVERY dancer that is better than you will look incredible. They may not even be better than you. they may just know a move you don't.
2. The hardest thing about dancing is going to your first social dance and actually dancing. This is even harder for leads (guys) than follows (girls). Follows worry that they won't understand what the lead wants them to do and when they don't do it he(/she) will get mad at them. The fact is any good lead will lead things the follow is comfortable with. If he doesn't, it's the LEAD's fault! The other worry is that they won't be asked. There's a secret to it though. Stand up. Stand near the floor. Tap your feet to the music. Look around for a lead. Follows who look like they want to dance ALWAYS get asked before the follow sitting at the back of the room, away from the floor, talking to friends. (See the Dance Etiquette Page for more.)
Leads, I'll be honest. It's harder for you. Not only do you have to dance, you have to come up with moves at the same time you're leading. Doing two things at once isn't easy. Especially when you're not comfortable with either one AT ALL. Unfortunately, there's no secret to this one. Just start simple. On any given night, I rarely remember more than 5 or 6 moves. However, if you smile and enjoy yourself, even if you dance the basic and maybe a few turns, your partner and you will both have a fun time. Thats whats important. And once you've done it 2 or 3 times, it starts getting a lot easier quickly.
We recommend you wear shoes with little or no heel and a leather, suede, or hard plastic soul if you can. A hard, non-marking rubber will do as well. Try and avoid tennis shoes, sandals, or other shoes that will either stick to the floor or leave your feet.
Wow, thats a lot....
I know. I'm always a bit wordy. But, if you remember nothing else, please remember that dancing is about having fun. I knew a teacher who, before asking the class to practice something, always said, "And remember, have fun!" As long as you think more about enjoying yourself than about exactly where you put your foot, both you and your partner will have a good time. No matter how bad or good you are, you are not going to give your partner the best dance of their life. However, you can give them a fun dance.
and Smile! :-)
updated 01/04/12
