Teaching tomorrow

I forgot to post that I taught Samba at the Sac Ballroom Society dance last week...now all two of my readers missed it! Ah, well. Tomorrow I'm teaching Deborah's classes at The Ballroom. Hope to see you there!

Free online dance lessons!

I have started posting some dance steps on my Associated Content page. Please check them out! They're just basics, but if you are just learning to ballroom dance, you may find them useful.

Get out on the floor!

I want to clarify something I said about dancing beyond your ability, and my observations in other people. I analyze dancers because I am a teacher and it is what I am trained to do. Keep in mind that: A. most people don't do this. They watch the good dancers and B. if you are a beginner, most people will glance at you, think "beginners, good for them for getting out there! Looks like they're having a good time!" or something like that. Most people will not stare at or judge beginners who are just trying to get out there and practice. So, don't let shyness stop you from getting out on the dance floor and practicing your dancing!

Ballroom dancing takes a lot of practice, and if you don't practice between lessons it will take you much longer to learn. Besides, what good is taking dance lessons if you never go out and dance? Try to go to your local studio's dances at least once per month to practice, see other dancers and get some inspiration and socialize.

Don't try so hard!

My rant for today is not to try so hard in your dancing. I don't mean not to try to do your best, or try to get better...but don't try so hard to dance well that you are taking away from the smoothness and rhythm. Dancing can get very stilted and unnatural, and that is no fun to watch or do.

I also see people who dance as if they are better than they actually are. I know that sounds harsh, but it is true. I know a woman who just loves to point her toes and do graceful arm movements, but she does them all at the wrong times, and they don't fit the dance or the music. She's so wrapped up in how pretty she thinks she dances, she's distracted and disconnected from her partner. Therefore, he cannot lead her as well as he would like--and who is that fun for? Well, her. But ballroom dancing is not just about the girl, is it?

Focus first on the lead and follow, then the technique, then arm styling. The focus should always be on the absolute basics. Without the basics, the dance falls apart.

Students I love

Tonight I started teaching a new couple in private lessons. They have been dancing for a while but want to improve their technique and styling as well as learn steps. These people are my favorite type of student. Not because they are fantastic dancers--they need some work. The reason I like them is because they KNOW they need work. They have made a commitment to improving. They take lessons and practice. They ask good questions and take notes. The man made sure he knew the lady's part so he could help her--but that also helps him to lead her correctly. They were attentive and didn't argue. Perfect! I'm really looking forward to teaching this couple.