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Question: I have a couple of questions on ballroom dancing classes!?
Hi, I'm taking my first ballroom dancing classes this summer!. My training is primarily ballet!. Please answer as many as possible:
-What to expect in my first class!?
-What I need to know for my first class!?
-What I need to bring to my first class (such as shoes)!?
-Branching off of what I need to bring, what brands do you suggest and why!?
-Is there anything I need to know before going to class (such as the six positions of the feet in ballet, anything that every ballroom dancer knows)!?
-Is there anything else I should know before going to class!?
Thanks so much!.??Www@QuestionHome@Com
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
- Expect to find it unusual, especially if you are not used to partner dancing!. It may feel a little uncomfortable at first but that soon disappears once the enjoyment kicks in!. also don't expect to find it easy, no matter how easy it can look on the TV!
- I don't think you will need to know anything if you are starting a beginner class!. The teacher will assume that you all have very little knowledge and will start with very basic steps!.
- It is probably not wise to invest in specialist ballroom shoes at the beginning (unless you're dancing on a sprung floor and outdoor shoes are not allowed - check with your studio first!) but I find that a pair of heels (2-3 inches) with a buckle strap across definitely help!. You can dance in flats of course but it's more difficult to get the right movement!. Some girls like to wear skirts for dance but I'm happy to dance in my jeans too!
- If you do decide to buy specialist shoes it might be worth asking your teacher for advice as you'll need to know whether to buy ballroom, latin or both!
- I don't think anyone would expect you to know the six positons of the feet and I'm not sure they would come up in a ballroom class too much - I've not heard them mentioned since I gave up ballet!.
- I think you need not worry!. You're clearly keen!. If you want to do some background reading on basic steps that might help, or check out some videos on youtube!. If you're in the UK, Anton Du Beke's book is the clearest I have come across, also Darren Gough's book give a nice overview of all the latin and ballroom dances!.
Good luck!Www@QuestionHome@Com
In your first class I expect they will teach you how to hold your partner and keep your "frame" between you and your partner!.
for your first class you should know that anything worthwhile takes practice!.
You should bring leather or suede bottom shoes and note cards for making notes!.
The "fifth position" is used in ballroom dancing as well as arm positions for styling!.
Partner dancing is different from most other styles of dance because it requires effort from both parties to be considerate and respectful of their partner and to keep mentally and physically in tune with them as well!. It is quite different from when you are dancing with a group or by yourself!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
-the basic hold and perhaps a really basic dance move such as the waltz step!.
- Nothing
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes but no specialised equipment
- I dont know this im afraid
- You definatly don't need to know any other styles of dance--- just how to walk!!!
- NOTHING and try not to worry so much --- classes are there to teach so just enjoy it!!!Www@QuestionHome@Com
You don'[t need to KNOW anything!.!.!.classes are there to teach, not test prior knowledge!.
You will need to dress nicely (no jeans or t-shirts, cut offs, etc) and wear leather soled shoes if you have them!.
Most ballroom classes start with the proper hold or dance position, then how to start moving in it, then go to the steps!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
You don't need to know anything!.
In your first class, your teacher will probably talk about the structure of the music, teach you about the counts, teach you the proper dance hold (keep in mind that follower sets the distance in the partnership, not the leader)!.
As far as dance shoes - eventually you will need to buy ballroom shoes, but you can use any dress shoes for your fist class, as long as they have closed backs and won't slide off your feet when you go backwards!. It is recommended that shoes you wear don't have a rubber sole, cause the sticky sole like in sneakers will stick to the floor and won't let you move properly!.
As far as brands of ballroom shoes - that depends on how serious this class is and how long will you be doing ballroom!. Is it a social class or a dancesport class!? For a serious dancesport class I'd recommend Supadance, International or Dance Naturals!. They are more expensive, but they are properly balanced, have a reliable metal shank (don't buy shoes without metal shank for ballroom), they have sufficient but not excessive cushioning and they won't fall apart as quickly!. If you're a guy there may be other good brands for you that I'm not aware of!. If you're a lady - buy heel protectors together with your shoes!. Heel wear out very quickly!.Www@QuestionHome@Com