So when I tell people I am a professional dancer, I’m usually met with the response “That’s brilliant, I wish I could dance.” And that very quickly prompts me to answer “you should.” Which is then followed by statements like “No, I can’t dance” or “I’ve got two left feet.”
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Therefore, I am here to present the argument, I believe that everybody can dance…with a little guidance
As you’re all probably aware, I’ve just gotten started with a new season of Dancing with the Stars which involves, turning a none dancing celebrity into the next Ginger Rogers (all being well), in 11 weeks.
Just walk with rhythm
One thing that I like to point out is that ballroom and latin is a very natural style to dance, its been danced in many different settings by many different people. Most of the time if you step on your right foot your next step will be on the left foot which come to think about it is awfully similar to walking, wouldn’t you agree?
Now I know there is obviously a lot more to it than just walking but the reason I make this point is that one of the most common things that people do when learning steps is, panic and try to step with the same foot they have just used.
So if your one of these people, think of it as just walking to music, left, right, then left again, then right again, and so on…. (no toe heel swivels just yet please 😜)
Listen to the music
The next thing I find to be a common issue is dancing to the music. Everybody can dance WITH the music, take the end of every wedding party for example. But what we really need to do is dance TO the music. Almost all pieces of music we dance to have a rhythm, or a beat that we latch on to, lock it in and follow it throughout the dance.
This is being on time.
Each dance has its own timing and it can be tricky for beginners to learn however, the earlier you practice hearing the timing and dancing basic steps the quicker it will become second nature. The goal is to not have to think about being on time at all, we just dance.
Don’t hesitate
An obvious thing that ballroom and latin requires is to dance with a partner. A lot of the time we are perfectly fine dancing on are own, the steps are all correct, we are on time with the music. Then suddenly as soon as we have to partner someone it all goes wrong… In my experience, there is a few common reasons.
The first is that the other person is dancing something similar to you but not exactly the same. For example you may start by stepping backwards on your right but your partner starts forward on their left. Because you are looking at them you get confused and PANIC or hesitate, then you proceed to try and step on the same foot you’ve just taken a step with… as I mentioned before.
Top tip. In the beginning… make a choice. Don’t hesitate as this will throw your timing off. Even if its wrong your partner may lead you, or you will lead your partner to get back in sync.
Which brings me to my next point, being led or leading.
Let’s be clear
As a male, we need to be very clear when we lead the lady, often thinking two steps ahead. We have to give a signal with plenty of time for the lady to follow. To paraphrase goldilocks “not too early, not too late but just right” (you get what I mean.)
Again the biggest enemy here is hesitation, even if we are wrong the best thing to do is commit as with any luck the lady will follow. Obviously this isn’t a trend we would want to continue but still its good to be confident with the decision.
For the lady, don’t resist the lead the man is giving. if the man lifts his left arm (your right) to signal an under arm turn, and your stood on your right foot. The most natural way to turn is under the arm towards the right.
Enjoy!
Lastly, enjoy yourself. It’s very easy to get frustrated if something keeps going wrong but the more stressed you are the worse it will get. Remember to enjoy the dance and stay relaxed, this will avoid any unnecessary tension and most of the time after a couple of tries it will work out!
Again this all take’s practice and is merely just quick pointers if you’ve never danced before. As you learn more and more, you’ll find that dancing ballroom and latin is a project for life… but its a worthwhile one, trust me.
Oh and if your new years resolution is to learn how to dance… do it!
Chat to you in the next one.
Stephen
Can’t think of a better way to enjoy oneself than dancing with you or watching you dance!!! Both equally thrilling ! 🤗🎉😍