What do I do first? What about…
Here’s the first thing to remember; Every single person that dances, had to learn how! Next is that everyone learns differently and at a different pace! So the biggest thing to learn is to be patient (with yourself and partner) and know that you will get it if you keep practicing!
While there seems to be a hundred questions, here’s the simplest way to keep you on track:
First learn the steps. This is direction and movement of the body and feet: forward, back, side or diagonally and the number of steps in each direction. Don’t worry about learning arm styling or Latin motion at this point.
Next learn the timing. Some dances are slow, quick, quick such as Rumba, Bolero, Mambo, Salsa, Silver Foxtrot and Nightclub 2 step. Other dances have syncopated steps such as Swing, Cha Cha and Samba. Fit the steps to the timing.
Learn how to lead or follow depending on which you are. This is the nonverbal communication part of dance. The lead needs to learn what “subtle” movements he needs to provide that causes the follow to turn, open up, step back or swivel. This is the opposite of “man handling” in which the lead is forceful and uses strong pressure and arms to get the follow to move. The follow needs to learn to feel the lead’s lead through the connection of hands and a good frame. This is the opposite of follows not maintaining a good frame and having what is called having noodle arms, making it difficult for the lead to lead.
Part of the follow learning to feel the lead also involves not watching the feet and trying to guess what the lead is going to do. Learning to move with a human being connected to you may feel awkward initially, but exhilarating later as you learn to communicate through the partnership connection and move in response to the music as a unit.
Contact The Dancing Duo about Private or Group lessons! We’ll help accelerate your learning and ensure you don’t learn bad habits!