Every activity or hobby has its experts and its newcomers. Still, whether you are a veteran or a novice, preparation is always key, especially with a precise physical art like ballroom dancing. Fortunately, all dancers have accessibility to ballroom apparel online, so they may find ballroom dancewear to help them look their best and feel confident when they step onto the dance floor. But physical and mental preparation before and during dance classes will benefit any dancer, whether new to ballroom dance or a seasoned veteran. Let’s look at some best practices to guide you, from warming up before class to enjoying your time throughout the practice or lesson.
- Arrive Early. Not just on time, but early! Make sure you get to your dance class a few minutes before it starts. If you rush to class, you create a stressful environment for yourself. This chaotic tension causes muscles to become rigid, not relaxed. Allow yourself time to change into your ballroom dancewear and Latin ballroom shoes. Take a few moments to warm up, stretch, and mentally prepare yourself for the class. Arriving early is also an excellent opportunity to meet fellow dancers and become comfortable with potential dance partners.
- Come Prepared. Bring a bag with all of the necessary items you require for class. These things may include your attire, shoes, water bottle, towel, and anything else specified by your dance teacher. If you forget to bring your Latin ballroom shoes or something to drink, your enjoyment may be diminished.
- Stay Hydrated. As with any physical activity, ballroom dancing is demanding, so it is important to stay hydrated, especially during the hot summer months. Bring a water bottle to class and take small sips throughout the class to keep yourself refreshed and energized. Remember, if you feel thirsty, you could already be moving toward dehydration, so drinking water throughout your day, every day, is vital for good health.
- Focus, Listen, and Observe. Once in class, you can attend to nothing in any other part of your life, so center your attention on getting the most out of the ballroom dance class. Observe your instructor’s instructions and demonstrations as they cover the nuances and intricacies of each movement or step. Watching the other dancers in your class can also be helpful in learning and refining your own technique.
- Ask Questions. Do not hesitate or feel embarrassed about asking your dance instructor questions. They are there to help you become a ballroom dancer, so seek clarification on technique or steps if needed. Asking questions reveals your commitment to learning ballroom dance and can help improve your overall enjoyment and experience. Your questions also help other students who may have similar questions but may be too shy to ask.
- Practice Regularly. Consistent practice is key to improving your ballroom dancing skills. Remember the dance techniques and choreography you learned in class and practice them at home or in another practice space. Regular practice between ballroom dance classes will help you progress faster with whatever dance style you learn. Setting aside regular practice time will also help you to retain what you learned during that week's class.
- Be Open to Corrections and Modifications. Your dancing instructor is committed to helping you learn ballroom dance; therefore, their construction criticism and corrections are valuable as you grow as a dancer. Never take these comments personally, as they are never intended to bring you down. Instead, view these suggestions as opportunities for improvement. Every school room has a teacher, and every sport has a coach. Every ballroom dance class has an instructor there to help you succeed as a ballroom dancer.
- Supportive Environment. Of course, you are taking a ballroom dance class because of your own interest in this beautiful art form but thinking of it as a collaborative activity can be just as valuable. Foster a positive and supportive atmosphere in your class of other new and veteran dancers. Encourage and applaud your fellow dancers’ efforts. A friendly, inclusive environment will enhance the overall experience and make each class thatmuch more enjoyable.
- Take Care of Your Body. Ballroom dancing is physically demanding and challenging; therefore, it is vital that you take care of your body inside and out. This is obviously excellent advice for every day of our lives, but it can be especially important when you push yourself physically. Warm up properly, stretch regularly, and become aware of your body's limits. Because you are engaging in something new and exciting, you may feel the need to drive yourself a little harder. If you feel any pain or discomfort, inform your ballroom dance instructor and allow yourself time to rest and heal.
- Enjoy Yourself. This may be the best piece of advice. You have begun a new adventure with an art form rooted in beauty and energy. Remember to have fun, enjoy the process, engage with your instructor and fellow dancers, and allow yourself personal expression through movement. Embrace the joy and energy that ballroom dancing can bring to your body, mind, and soul, and let the dance fuel your passion as a dancer.
So, find a dance class, order some ballroom dance apparel online, including a pair of Latin ballroom dance shoes, and start moving, gliding, spinning, twirling, and making the most of your ballroom dance experience.