“Dance is the hidden language of the soul.” - Martha Graham
Dancing is gaining popularity both as an art form and as a form of exercise. No matter whether its ballet, Cuban salsa, hip hop, dancehall, pasodoble, bachata, cha cha, oriental, or Zumba, anyone can learn to dance.
To help you take your first steps, here’s what you can expect from your first dance lesson.
Meet Your Dance Teacher and Classmates
The first dance lesson can be stressful for anyone if you’ve never danced before. From ballet to ballroom, different styles of dance have different ways of doing things and your dance instructor will teach you different things.
Regardless, the first hour of a lesson is usually similar no matter the style (salsa, Argentinian tango, breakdancing, Zumba, pole dancing, cha cha, mambo, capoeira, boogie-woogie, Irish dancing, etc.).
Remember that many schools offer a free lesson for students to give them a taste of the dance education they'll receive, and many of the tutors on Superprof offer the first hour of tutoring free too.
Learning to dance can be achieved in a number of ways too (there are lessons for beginners, intermediates, advanced, you can learn at a dance school or dance studio, etc.)
What do you think is the ideal age to start dancing?
In terms of the format, the students will typically arrive at least 5 to 10 minutes before the lesson. For the first lesson, this is the perfect time to meet the other students in your class before you start learning routines with them.
Before your instructor teaches you anything, they'll likely begin by introducing themselves. They might tell you about their experience, qualifications, and background in dance, which you’ll become more familiar with over the course of your lessons.
They will also explain the rules you need to abide by in class. While modern dance classes might not be as strict as ballet dance training, you'll still find that there will be some rules to follow, no matter whether you're in a dance studio, private lesson, or dance school.
The teacher might also use this time to talk to each student to ascertain why they’re learning to dance and their expectations for the course. You might be there to get ready for your wedding day, to unwind after work, or to become a dancer, etc. A good dance teacher will adapt their instruction to suit their students' needs.
Take advantage of this time to explain to your teacher what you expect from them and yourself, and ask any questions you might have.
If you’re taking lessons, the teacher will likely outline the milestones throughout the year, when the holidays are, and if there’s an end-of-year performance. They will also likely tell you what are the goals they expect you to accomplish.
Whether you’re doing dancehall, merengue, tap, swing, or country, your very first lesson will likely take things easy.
Find dance classes Melbourne on Superprof.
Warm Up: Taking Your First Steps
Dancing is both an artistic and physical activity. That means you need to prepare your body before you start working out.
To do that, you should start by stretching and warming up.
Prepare Your Joints
You need to do some stretches before you begin. In ballet, for example, you’ll be working towards being able to do the splits whereas, in breakdancing, you’ll be focusing on your wrists. Each dance style will have certain areas upon which you need to focus.
It’s crucial to prepare your whole body and in particular, your joints, Your joints are vital as you can’t get into certain positions without them.
In your first lesson, the instructor will teach their students how to loosen up their joints in preparing to dance. This step can take time but it’s extremely important for avoiding injury.
Warm Up Your Muscles
To avoid any pulls or tears, you need to ensure that you’ve warmed up your muscles.
There are numerous exercises you can do to warm up your legs, arms, and the rest of your body. You need to ensure that your muscles are adequately warmed up before you start dancing. This part of the lesson often takes approximately 5 minutes.
Look for various dance classes online.
Not only does warming up prepare your body for physical activity, it can also prepare you mentally. Warming up can help you relax before you begin your lesson.
Your dance teacher might utilise barre, pilates, or other activities while warming up.
Don’t be afraid to tell your teacher if you struggle with any of these. While warming up will become second nature over time, it can be hard in the beginning.
Dancing has both mental and physical benefits.
Learn More About Dancing
Your first dance lesson is your first foray into the world of dancing. It will assist you in learning more about dancing itself.
You can also learn more about dancing in your daily life. You don’t necessarily require a dance school near me to learn a few steps so you can show off in a club or bar. However, dance lessons can assist you in learning essential dance techniques.
You don’t necessarily need to know all the steps to learn how to dance. However, dance lessons can assist you in perfecting your technique.
Your first lesson is a perfect opportunity to discover more about what dance lessons are like and to see if you get along well with your tutor.
This is the exact reason why many private tutors offer free tutoring for the first hour. It allows both tutors and students to see if they’re the right fit for each other before committing to anything.
In your first lesson, the tutor will begin slowly by teaching the student some simple steps. The student will learn these steps and then perform them in time with the music. You’ll have the chance to perfect your coordination in later lessons.
What you learn also depends on the duration of each session. If your lessons last two hours, you’ll have more of an opportunity to learn full routines. You’ll finish each class with stretches and a cooldown.
Cool Down: Finishing the Lesson
Whether you’re doing private tutorials, a private dance class, lessons at a dance school, or group dance classes london with a private tutor, your lesson will typically end with stretches and a cool down.
Stretches assist the student in coming to a gentle stop in their physical activity. Stretches will also make you feel better the following day. You shouldn’t just suddenly stop physical activity; you have to slow down and stretch numerous parts of the body.
Some tutors might play calming music to assist their students in relaxing at the end of a session.
This part of the lesson will last between 5 and 10 minutes. In your very first lesson, the tutor will likely spend some extra time demonstrating to the students exactly how to stretch and cool down.
Remember to stay hydrated and drink fluids during and after each lesson. Learning how to dance takes time and effort. Regardless of whether you’re in a dance school, studio, or private lesson, you must do your stretches.
It doesn’t matter which style of dance you’re learning (bachata, Oriental, African, contemporary, Kizomba, the Waltz, modern, rumba, flamenco, etc.).
Arrive at your lesson ready! Find out which dance accessories are a must have.
Be Prepared for Your First Dance Lesson
You might not be sure what to wear to your first dance lesson. You could always contact your teacher before your first lesson so you know exactly what to wear. But if you are unable to do this, here are a few tips.
Choose Your Outfit
What should I wear?
Many people ask themselves this question prior to their first dance lesson.
When it comes to dancing, you need to be able to move around. Your clothes must be flexible and comfortable. It goes without saying that you shouldn’t wear jeans to your first lesson.
Leggings are very practical as if you wear wide-leg pants you might catch your feet and trip over.
Some might wear harem pants. Personally, we wouldn’t recommend this as they’re harder to move around in. Of course, it all comes down to personal preference so give it a go and see what you think!
You could wear a singlet top or a wrap-over top. Save yourself some time by getting changed before you arrive to class.
But don’t worry, most dance schools and studios will have changing rooms if you’re not able to.
Get Your Bag Prepared
When you’re going to dance classes you won’t need that many accessories. But you could bring a bag with a bottle of water to keep yourself hydrated and clothes to change into after the class.
Now check out this complete guide to dancing for beginners...
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