10 Tips for Dance Beginners
It is never too late to learn.
The hardest step is usually the first one – choosing to walk through our Dance Studio doors. But the wonderful thing about social Ballroom, Latin & Rhythm dancing is that you can become a great dancer at any age! Whether you're a teenager about to leap into the social salsa dance scene; middle-aged and searching for a hobby, or close to retirement – the best time to learn is right now!
We all start with two left feet.
It's an expression used across the ages, and we can confirm it's 100% accurate! Whenever you start something new, it's completely normal to feel a little awkward and a little clumsy. But, if you can put one foot in front of the other – you can learn how to dance! Your first dance moves will be based on natural walking actions, so don't be worried about not having any natural dancing ability. Learning with Arthur Murray Crows Nest, you'll walk in and dance out!
No musical background? No problems.
You don't need to play a musical instrument or read sheet music to learn how to dance. Simply having a love of listening to all types of music, of any genre, is all that's required. As you progress in your dance journey, you'll learn how to hear and feel the beats in the music and how to coordinate your feet and body to move as one.
Learn like no one is watching.
Moving your body in front of other people for the first time can certainly seem daunting. And, it's natural for beginners to feel self-conscious, especially if you're not an extrovert. But introverts fear not!! Everyone at our Dance Studio, no matter how long they've been dancing for – started as a beginner. At Arthur Murray Crows Nest, you'll find yourself surrounded by a supportive and encouraging community of people of all ages and backgrounds who understand the journey you're embarking on. You'll soon discover that those dancers you admire so much and who make it look "so easy" all shared the same challenges as you as a new student.
Be patient.
Mastering patience is probably the most important tip we can give you!! Be patient with yourself and the learning process. Just because your dance teacher shows you a new step, move or technique, doesn't mean you have to remember it immediately. Learning takes time. It's a process with a couple of steps forward and sometimes a step back. And no matter how long you've been dancing, learning is something that never stops. It's a process that's constantly evolving.
Muscle memory is the key.
Dancing stimulates the same part of the brain as complex puzzles and learning a foreign language. The brain is a muscle, and it takes time for muscle memory to understand how the body is moving, and how to internalise those new movements so that it eventually becomes natural. Most new students say that it takes about 4 to 8 lessons for the basics to sink in. As the catchphrase goes, it won't happen overnight... but it WILL happen!!
"There are no mistakes in life, only lessons".
Making mistakes is all part of the learning process. As with any new skill, you've gotta get it wrong to get it right! As you train your brain and body to work together, every mistake you make brings you closer to feeling more comfortable and confident with your movements.
Practice, practice, practice.
At Arthur Murray Crows Nest, your dance program comes with many different and engaging ways for you to practice in between your private lessons:
• Weekly fun Group Classes at your level;
• Friday night dance parties;
• Open use of the Studio to practice any time you like.
But we know that life is life, and sometimes finding time in your busy day can be challenging. Try and set aside 10-minutes in your day and revisit a step or technique; we promise you'll reap the rewards, physically and mentally. Consistency is always the key to successful progress.
Never (ever) compare your progress with someone else.
It can be an easy trap to fall into, but it's possibly the most detrimental thing a dancer can do. We all learn differently and at a different pace, so it's important to respect your journey and that you're improving at your own individual pace. Learning to dance, after all, is a journey, not a sprint to the finish line. The real reward is the fun we have along the way and all the wonderful memories we make.
Have fun!
Always remember that dancing and learning how to dance is about having fun. Try not to take yourself too seriously and if all else fails, smile and remember why you were initially drawn to dance. Every step you take on the dancefloor is getting you closer to your personal goals.
If you’re ready to take your first step, book in for your first free dance class at Arthur Murray Crows Nest today!