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?
HSDS teacher Tabitha Bassett teaches a beginner swing class every Tuesday at the University of Alabama, Huntsville (UAH) fitness center at the corner of John Wright Dr. and Holmes Ave. It's $10 for a day pass, ($50/month for a membership). Come in, go to the right towards the pool, turn left down the hall and the ball room is on the right. She expects 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. We also expect the entire age range from high school students to retired dancers. You can learn more by emailing tabitha or looking on our Calendar.

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. It's the quick start guide.

And there are many more classes, the UAH Dance Club sponsors weekly lessons on Thursdays. There are Monday classes in Birmingham. And if you are looking for classes other than swing, there are ballroom classes at the UAH fitness center Monday, Tuesday at Roller Time sponsored by the dance club of Huntsville, and multiple others. You can mail swing@huntsvilleswingdance.org and we'd be happy to point you to just the right lesson.

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. Tabitha as well as multiple teachers in Huntsville offer private lessons which are the quickest way to learn and the best way to avoid bad habits.

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, 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.

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! :-)