“Any kind of dancing is better than no dancing at all.” - Lynda Barr
Many people are choosing to take up dancing as a physical activity. It's on the dance floor where you can really unwind and express your creativity. So if you’ve decided that you would like to learn how to dance, here’s how you can get started.
From the ideal age to the benefits and equipment you'll need, this is all you need to know about dance for beginners.
What to Expect During my First Dance Class?
Like playing a musical instrument or painting, people aren’t necessarily born with dancing skills.
This is why many people choose to get dance classes Melbourne.
So what will dance classes be like?
First of all, it depends on what type of dance is being taught (salsa, waltz, merengue, tango, hip hop, breakdancing, ballet, tap, etc.) Each dance class will have its own particular rhythm.
You’ll start off by stretching and warming up. Stretching will help you to avoid any injuries during the class. Your instructor will also take you through a few warm-up exercises to ensure that your body’s ready to dance. Warming up gets your muscles ready to move.
After you’ve warmed up, you can begin dancing. You will be taught several steps of a choreography, one by one, and then practice the series of steps all together to music.
At the end of the lesson, you’ll do a cool down and some more stretching. This will help reduce any aches and pains the next day.
Most of your lessons will likely follow this structure. However, there may be a few differences during your first ever lesson.
The tutor will likely explain what you’re going to learn during the course. Your tutor will probably explain the most common dance steps before you begin learning them. Your first private tutorial is almost like a taster session.
Learning dances can long time. So you may need to be able to commit to several months of tutoring. Therefore, ensure that you ask all the right questions in your first lesson so you know exactly what you’ll be paying for.
Discover our different online dance classes here!
What's the Ideal Age to Learn to Dance?
You might have reservations about deciding to enrol in a dance course or opt for private tutorials due to your age. In fact, lots of people think that adults aren’t flexible enough to learn how to dance and that if you want to be a dancer, you need to start learning as a child. However, this isn’t necessarily true.
Learning how to dance is not only limited to children. Adults, no matter their age, can also learn how to dance relatively easily.
The most important thing to consider is that you’ll have to commit some time to it, which can be hard for those who already have busy schedules. Private tutorials are a good solution for this as you can agree upon a schedule that works for you.
Find dance classes near me on Superprof.
All you need is some self-confidence. As a beginner, having confidence in yourself is more important than your age. And learning how to dance will only increase your self-confidence.
So, as you can see, there’s nothing stopping you from taking lessons in Zumba, salsa, jazz, bachata, tango, ballroom, Latin, contemporary, hip-hop, oriental, rock, and more.
On the other hand, if you would like your child to learn how to dance, ensure that they don’t start lessons too early. Young children’s bones are still forming and their joints can be quite fragile.
But once they are old enough, they could get an introduction to dance and dance classes for beginners that are suitable for children.
As a beginner, they’ll learn how to move their body and develop motor skills. Lessons are offered by various establishments including dance schools, community centres, and private tutors. It’s also a great way for children to develop self-confidence from a young age.
If you’re trying to decide whether to enrol your child or not, you should ask them. Only they can really choose whether they want to learn to dance or not.
Of course, they might not know whether or not they want to dance until they try it, so they could try the first lesson and decide. If they don’t want to learn how to dance, it’ll be very difficult for them to make any progress and move to an intermediate or advanced level.
Finally, you should ensure that children are having fun when they dance. A children's dance workshop should be energetic and different to dancing lessons for adults. Of course, adults still need to enjoy themselves, too, but they can tolerate more serious moments like working on their posture and flexibility, as they can rationalise the long-term benefits.
What are the Benefits of Learning to Dance?
Are you looking for a reason to learn how to dance?
There are many good reasons for learning to dance. And you need to be motivated if you want to learn how to dance. Like all leisure activities, dancing has to be something you want to do. But everyone can find a reason for doing it.
Some people decide to learn to dance in order to have fun. Just like music and painting classes, dance lessons can help you unwind and disconnect at the end of a busy or stressful day.
Learning to dance is great for your mental well-being. We all know it’s important to have extracurricular activities and hobbies outside of school or work. And a dance lesson can also add a few hours of exercise to your weekly schedule. Many people forget just how important exercise is for both their physical and mental well-being.
Some people are more creative or artistic than they are sporty, and dancing is the perfect combination of the two. You can exercise without really noticing how much exercise you’re doing because you’re enjoying yourself so much.
Group dance classes are also a great way to meet people. If you move to a new city, for example, a hobby like dancing can help you make friends.
Why not have a night out with your new friends and go dancing?
Dancing can really bring people together.
Are you single?
A few dance lessons could help you meet the love of your life.
If you’ve already found your soulmate, it could also be a great opportunity to prepare for your wedding day. Dancing can also reduce stress, improve self-confidence and memory, and help you lose weight.
It doesn’t matter which style of dancing you’ve chosen! You can start dancing with a private dance teacher, practise your footwork with a choreographer in a dance studio, or go to a dance school where you can find a reputable teacher who teaches a range of styles.
What Equipment Do You Require to Start Dancing?
Whether you’re doing a dance course, ballet lessons, or private tutorials, you’ll need to buy some equipment for your classes. But don’t worry, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
First of all, you need to choose the right clothing, the appropriateness of which will depend on what type of dancing you’re doing. For example, well-fitted clothing is more suitable for jazz and ballet than loose-fitting clothing, which is more commonly worn for hip-hop.
As a beginner, loose-fitting clothing may hinder your movement. You could wear a leotard for ballet, and leggings and a tight-fitting top for jazz and contemporary. Of course, if you’re doing tap, you’ll need a pair of tap shoes!
You will also need a bag to carry all your dance clothes and accessories. You can find these easily in sports stores and online. You could also check second-hand stores or garage sales if you’re on a budget. If you know any dancers, it might be worth asking them if you could borrow some appropriate clothing.
Again, the type of dancing you’re doing will determine what you wear. It’s safe to say that you can't wear a ballgown for belly dancing workshops or heels for dance fitness classes.
The best way to figure out what to wear is by asking your tutor. Your dance instructor will know the appropriate clothing for the style of dance that they teach
They’ll be able to offer suggestions for clothes, shoes and accessories. Don’t underestimate the importance of choosing clothing that makes you feel confident. It will be very hard to dance if you feel self-conscious about what you're wearing.
Your clothes will vary depending on whether you’re doing a wedding dance, hip hop, Argentinian tango, or swing dance routine. For some styles, like ballroom dancing, women have to dance in a long dress and heels. This is perfect for shoppers as it means you also have the opportunity to buy some new clothes and accessories for yourself.
The number one reason to dance is to have fun and enjoy yourself. Of course, you’ll learn a few dance moves, too!
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