Tips for Learning to Dance

©Joe Baker

Owner, The Dancestore Online

www.thedancestoreonline.com

(edited and used with permission)

D

on’t expect immediate competence. Fortunately, the skill of dancing is like the skill of tying a shoe: it’s a little tough at first, requiring thought and concentration, but after it’s “worked into” muscle memory, you don’t even have to think about it anymore. Please persevere through this period required to get the material “worked into” muscle memory. In my dance career, I almost aborted many moves and many patterns, thinking that I just could not get them. After trying several times, I’ve been able to get just about every pattern I’ve attempted. When I first started learning the “Charleston” steps in Lindy Hop Swing, I thought I’d never get them. Now, I don’t even think about these steps.

There’s an old saying among dance teachers: “It’s not what you do, it’s how you do it.” Even if you dance just a basic step, the most important thing is to make that step look really good. Specifically, dance it with good posture and good frame with your chin up and your shoulders back and low. Convey a look of complete confidence and don’t look at your feet. Step boldly with confidence rather than tentatively. In other words, dance in a grand, majestic manner. Even a simple box step waltz pattern, when danced majestically, will look great. Avoid looking like a scared, trapped animal. Truly, the secret to looking great lies in the details discussed above, not in the steps you choose. Never stop counting. Count to yourself as you dance. Remember the three most important things for successful partner dancing: dance frame, connection, and timing.

Teamwork!!!

Partner dancing requires teamwork and support among the participants. Before beginning, commit to maintaining respect for one another, full support, and commitment to teamwork. The endeavor needs to be viewed as a “we” instead as a “you and an I.” Avoid saying “you,” instead say “we.” Learning to dance can be frustrating enough without adding the stress of disrespectful behavior and “you” versus “I” attitudes. A spirit of “high fives” after every tiny accomplishment is the right approach.

I suggest having both partners count together out loud when practicing, I also suggest that the gentleman learn both the lady’s footwork as well as his own to assist in learning the right timing for leads.

Wrong Way Right Way

You are doing this wrong... Let’s try this again...

You can’t keep time to the music... Let’s count this together slowly.

You are not doing your footwork right... Let’s study this footwork...

You aren’t getting it... We need to practice this again...

Remember: high fives are in order after every little accomplishment!

Again, thank you and good luck.

Joe Baker

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