anyone into dancing ,and especially tap and ballroom dancing>?

Question

best where to start ,and how to learn different dance styles ?

Answer 1

I love ballroom dancing but I'm afraid the name is somewhat misleading! I'd prefer it to be called "social dancing" because we're learning the swing, swing hustle, salsa, waltz, rumba, tango, cha-cha. My 1-hour classes started off with 3 dances at the basic level and after 6 weeks, everyone was more or less able to get out on the dance floor and do 3 dances. My classes run 6-weeks each and we learn 2 dances per session plus salsa at each level.
Start with Arthur Murray or similar dance studios.

Answer 2

Arthur Murray may or may not be the best place in your area to learn but more than likely it's the most expensive and they require a contact. Check out a local chapter in the USA Dance network first. Attend a dance and ask around. Don;t get locked in for anymore that a few lessons at a time. Link to USA Dance below.

As for tap there are usually a bunch of Ballet, Tap & Jazz studios in the phone book. Visit and watch before signing up.

Answer 3

I would recommend ballroom dancing because it is something that you can use when you go out. They teach dances like swing, salsa, cha cha all of which can be used in social situations.

For ballroom dancing find studios in your area and try different teachers. You need a teacher you are comfortable with and that makes you feel good. Private lessons are the best supplimented with group classes.

I would avoid the franchise studios like Fred Astaire or Arthur Murray, they make you sign a contract and pay for lessons in advance. I have seen many people get in over their heads at Freds.

At the independent studios you usually pay as you go. I give my teacher a check at the end of each week.

Use the sites below to look for studios in your area or check your local yellow pages.

Answer 4

I have much more knowledge about the ballroom community than the tap dance community; so, I will start there. The best introduction you can get to ballroom without spending loads of money to decide what you want is to watch a ballroom showcase or something similar. You might want to learn cha cha, swing, rumba, tango (international and Argentine), salsa, and waltz all at once, but you should start with one particular style to begin with. Not only will it help you keep each dance straight in your mind, but if you are good at one dance, you can usually use most of the basics to transfer to another dance.

For me, I started doing east coast swing then moved to lindyhop before I took a few years off from all kinds of dance. When I started to do west coast swing, many of the moves and timing were just slightly different which made my progress faster. The partner connection and timing is easily transferred to classic ballroom styles like tango and waltz. This was also all achieved through one-hour group classes and social dancing. When I started taking private lessons, I had many problem areas to work on, but I was able to smooth them out faster than someone who just decided to pick up dancing at that very moment.

I am not saying my way was the best. If I had the money to start with private lessons, I would have, but group lessons are where most of us start. Usually, most studios will offer them for $5-$10 for a one hour group lesson. Sometimes, you can also find them at churches, bars, or a park and rec center. Usually, a quick call will tell you what these places have available. For private lessons I would attend social dances and look around to see whose style you like. Many times the best dancers are teachers or can direct you to someone who is. It is also better than blindly going into a studio because there is no intention to sell you lessons or give you to a teacher who has only been teaching dance for 2 months (it isn't always that way since many of my friends are instructors, but it does happen).

For tap dance, it is relatively the same except you should attend performances and talk to the teachers. Most don't mind a total beginner coming in to get their feet wet and will even let you watch a few of their lessons. Find someone who can teach you want you want to know but also offer constructive criticism to drive you to improve. Friendliness does not always translate to good instruction and a teacher who pushes you to do your best without the niceties isn't necessarily bad either.

Answer 5

I started ballroom dancing in march 2006. I've learned some latin dances (cha-cha, rumba, samba, merengue, salsa/mambo, bachata) and smooth dances (american style tango, waltz and fox trot). I gradually learn new moves and improve my technique with time. I'm with an Arthur Murray studio. The teachers are good, though it's pretty expensive, but I'm serious about it. I see myself doing it for years to come.

Basically, you should visit different studios and compare prices. Also, test teachers to see which style of teaching you prefer. If you're serious about dancing, you should also buy yourself some dancing shoes.

Answer 6

I watch Dancing with the Stars and theres always a commerical for Arthur Murray Dance Studios, thats the place to learn if you are serious about different styles of dance...

Answer 7

i did ballroom dance because of the fact that first grade, senior in intense college now. I enjoyed it, and that i nevertheless do, yet I had to offer up because of the fact there werent any adult men, and that i began out to truly like swimming. i competed in latin ballroom, so i understand the uncomplicated 5 dances, plus some others and a few folklore dances besides... i pass over it too, and that i plan to at last come back into it, once I can come across a guy prepared to do this...

Answer 8

for tap lessons, any dance school can start you with the basics and then move you on up or you can try a community college. the one in my area, raleigh nc, offers classes. costs will vary, so do your research...

Answer 9

Do you know anybody taking lessons? If you can go to a studio with an established student, you can get a good idea of what's what, and perhaps finagle a freebie.

Answer 10

kinda into ballet and country also some hip-hop