A Guide to Dance for Beginners

A Guide to Dance for Beginners How Do You Start Learning How to Dance? ChaptersWhat Will My First Dance Class Be Like?Can You Learn to Dance at Any Age?Why Learn to Dance?What Equipment Do You Need to Get Started with Dancing?“Sport mightn’t make you live until you’re older, but it will make you live as if you were younger.” - AnonymousA lot of people are deciding to take up dancing as a sporting activity. It’s a great way to unwind and express your creativity on the dance floor. So if you’ve decided that you want to learn how to dance, here’s how to get started.From the ideal age, to dance equipment and choreography, etc., this is what you need to know about dance instruction. SeamDance Teacher 4.96 (24) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JamieDance Teacher 5.00 (6) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErickaDance Teacher 5.00 (1) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamuelDance Teacher 5.00 (4) £100/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FlavioDance Teacher 5.00 (7) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HakimDance Teacher 5.00 (5) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HannaDance Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ClareDance Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat Will My First Dance Class Be Like?While each person will have their own style, people aren’t necessarily born with dancing skills. This is why a lot of people opt to get dance classes london.So what will dance classes be like?Dance classes will follow a particular rhythm depending on the dance styles being taught (salsa, waltz, merengue, tango, hip hop, breakdancing, ballet, tap, etc.).Warming up is usually the first thing you’ll do. Your instructor will want you to do a few warm-up exercises to make sure that your body’s ready to dance. You’ll also have to do several stretches to help you avoid injury.  Warming up makes sure that your muscles are ready to move.Once you’ve warmed up, you can start dancing. You will be gradually taught each step an d then probably hear some music so you can practise them.You’ll probably do a few stretches and a cooldown at the end of the lesson to make sure you don’t have as many aches and pains the following day.Before you do any dancing, make sure you're warmed up. (Source: silviarita)Your first lesson will probably also follow this common structure. However, you may notice a few differences during your first ever lesson.The tutor will probably explain what the whole course entails.Most dance steps can take a while to learn and the tutor will probably explain the most common ones before you even start learning them.  Your first private tutorial will probably also act as a taster session, too.You may then need to commit to several months of tutoring. You should, therefore, make sure that you ask all the right questions so you know exactly what you’re paying for.Can You Learn to Dance at Any Age?This is a question that we get asked a lot before students decide to enrol on a dance course or opt for private tutorials. In fact, many people think that adults aren’t flexible enough to learn how to dance and that kids should start as soon as they can if they want to become a dancer when they grow up.  However, this isn’t necessarily true.It’s not just children who can start learning how to dance. Adults, no matter how old they are, can also start learning how to dance with very few problems regardless of the style they’re learning.The most important thing to know is that you’ll have to commit some time to it, which can be difficult for those who already have busy schedules. Private tutorials are often the best solution to this as you can agree upon a schedule that works for you.There's no age limit when it comes to learning how to dance. (Source: bones64)It’s important to have self-confidence. Your self-confidence is more important than your age which should be a relief for some beginners.There’s nothing stopping you taking up lessons in Zumba, salsa, jazz dancing, bachata, tango, ballroom dance, Latin dance, contemporary dance, hip-hop, oriental dance, rock, etc.On the other hand, young dancers can’t get dance lessons too early. Young children’s bones are still forming and their joints are still quite fragile. They can still get introductions to dance and classes in dance for beginners, though.As a beginner, they’ll learn how to develop motor skills and to move their body.  These types of lessons are offered by numerous establishments including dance schools, community centres, and private tutors.  It’s a great way for children to gain self-confidence.To work out the best age for your child to start dancing, you should ask the child. Only they can really decide whether they want to learn to dance or not. If they don’t want to, it’ll be very hard for them to make any progress and move to an intermediate or advanced level.Additionally, you should make sure that children are having fun when they dance. A children's dance wor kshop should be energetic and different to dancing lessons adults get. However, adults still need to enjoy themselves, too, but they can tolerate more serious moments like working on their posture and flexibility since they can rationalise the long-term benefits.Why Learn to Dance?Are you looking for reasons to learn to dance?There are plenty of good reasons for learning to dance.  You can’t start learning to dance if you’re not motivated. Like all leisure activities, dancing has to be seen as something you want to do. Everyone can find their own reasons for doing it.Some people choose to learn to dance in order to have fun.  Just like music and painting classes, dance lessons are great for unwinding and disconnecting at the end of a stressful day while you listen to music you like.Dancing can make you more flexible. (Source: Pexels)Learning to dance is great for your mental wellbeing. It’s important to have extracurricular activities and hobbies.  A dance lesson is a great wa y to add a few hours of exercise to your weekly schedule. A lot of people forget just how important exercise if for their physical and mental well-being.Since some people are more artistic than they are sporty, dancing is a great mix of the two. It allows you to exercise without really noticing how much exercise you’re doing because of how much you’re enjoying yourself.Getting group dance classes are also a great way to make friends. If you move to a new town, for example, finding a new hobby is great for making new friends.Why not head on a night out with your new friends for a bit of a dance?Dancing is great for bringing people together. Have you fallen in love?A few dance lessons could help you meet the love of your life. If you’ve already found your soul-mate, it could also be a great opportunity to get ready for your wedding day and dancing is great for reducing stress, improving self-confidence, memory, and creativity, as well as for losing weight.It doesn’t matter whi ch style of dancing you’re doing! You can start dancing with a private dance teacher, work on your footwork with a choreographer in a dance studio, or go to a school of dance where you can find a reputable teacher who teaches a variety of styles.What Equipment Do You Need to Get Started with Dancing?Whether you’re doing a dance course, ballet lessons, or private tutorials, you’ll need to buy some equipment for learning to dance. It won’t cost you an arm and a leg.You need to choose the right clothing. They need to be appropriate for the type of dancing you’re doing. You need well-fitted clothes rather than loose-fitting clothes. The latter may hinder your movement.  You can wear a leotard and leggings. This rule applies to a lot of different types of sporting activities.The shoes or slippers you get will depend on the style you're learning. (Source: indy0333)You also need to get a bag to carry all your dance accessories. It’s quite easy to find these in sports stores and online. You can also check car boot sales if you’re on a budget.  It might be worth asking your friends to borrow appropriate clothes if you know any dancers.Of course, the type of dancing your doing will affect what you wear. You can't wear a ballgown for belly dancing workshops or heels for choreographed dance fitness classes.The best way to work out what you need to wear is by asking your tutor. Your dance instructor should be familiar with the various styles of dance and the appropriate clothing.They’ll be able to give you suggestions for clothes as well as shoes and accessories. While you mightn't think it, it's important that the clothing you wear makes you feel confident, too. It's very difficult to dance if you feel self-conscious about what you're wearing.Your clothing will also vary depending on whether you’re doing a wedding dance, hip hop dance, Argentine tango, or swing dance routine. Some styles, like ballroom dancing, require women to dance in a long dress and heels.  This is great for shoppers since it does mean you also have the opportunity to buy new accessories, too.The main reason to dance is to enjoy yourself. Of course, you’ll want to learn the dance moves, too!