Ballroom dancing question?

Question

Okay , this may seem like a silly question, but I really don't know , so I am going to ask.
My husband and I have been thinking about taking ballroom dancing lessons. I think it would be a lot of fun. The thing I am concerned about is our height difference. I have observed a class and all of the couples in the class were pretty well matched in height. Anytime I have seen ballroom dancing on television, the couples always seem pretty well matched in heiht. My husband is 6'4" and I am 5'2 1/2". Is this generally a problem when trying to learn or is it easily overcome. It just seems to me that this would make things a bit more difficult and awkward? Any advice??

Answer 1

Hi, Worshipful Heart

For the purposes of competition, it is easier if you are matched in height. For the purposes of dancing for fun, the height difference is not that important. You won't even notice it your first year of dancing. It also depends on the style that you pick - there are 4 styles: International Latin (ChaCha, Samba, Jive, Rumba, Paso Doble), Americal Rhythm (ChaCha, Mambo, Bolero, Rumba, East Coast Swing ), International Standard (Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Tango, Vienneese Waltz) and American Smooth (Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Vienneese Waltz).

The height difference (when the guy is taller) is not important even for Professional competition in International Latin or American Rhytm. You will have little to no trouble with those two styles. In fact, my teachers are like that - he's 6'4 and she's 5'4. They dance Latin professionally. Your husband might have to take smaller steps in Latin/Rhythm, but that's not hard. Your most difficult style will be Standard because it is always danced in closed frame, when your right knee goes in between your partner's knees. It will require you to learn dancing correctly, you won't get away with mistakes that "matched" couples get away with. Like, if he is backweighted (common mistake) you will end up sitting on his leg when he takes a step forward. If he is correctly poised it won't happen. Pretty much, you will have a little bit of extra trouble because of that, but not terribly so. Watch out for your back when dancing Standard/Smooth - ladies who are significanly shorter than their partner tend to bend over backwards. That's bad for your lower back, make sure you are keeping your lower back straight.

Whatever you do - do NOT get higher heels than you are comfortable with. Gaining a half of an inch or even a full inch won't do much for adjusting the height differentce, but it will be way harder on your feet and on your dancing in general.

Start taking classes and see how it goes. I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Answer 2

a million. For ballroom dancing you elect classes and practice. no longer many human beings (no longer in problem-free words teemagers) are waiting, keen or prepared to attempt this. 2. For ballroom dancing you elect a particular, tremendous position (no longer crowded golf equipment) and those aren't any more very effortless or that trouble-free to locate. 3. at the same time as dancing maximum folk opt to have interesting and sense good even with the way they offer the impact of being at the same time as they dance, their position or type. In end, ballroom dancing isn't so available to do... and do not get me incorrect ... I actual love ballroom dancing !

Answer 3

It is a bit awkward, and you'll likely never win Blackpool with that big a difference. So what? I've known quite a few pro's in the 6'4" range, and they manage with their shorter students quite well. There was a foot's difference in my height and that of my ex-wife, and height was the least of our problems. Go have fun, and don't hog your husband. It won't be long before you know the difference, dancing with different partners, and it'll be great for you when you do dance together.

Answer 4

It might be a little uncomfortable in standard dances, and keeping up with a tall guy isn't always the easiest thing, but otherwise, there isn't a problem with a height difference between partners. My partner's about a foot taller than me, and we manage just fine, he takes slightly smaller steps, i take slightly longer, and I've never really noticed dancing with him being any more difficult than dancing with guys closer to my height.

Answer 5

i have work with all size from short men with tall women the man leads some if he is short he can change from trying to put his arm over her head he can turn her from the waist.i know guys that weights 300lb with partners that1s 135 lb