dancing lessons collection
How can I inexpensively become a better ballroom dancer?
I’ve just completed a 15 week (one-semester), 50 minute per session, twice a week college class in Beginning Ballroom Dancing, and while I enjoy it a lot, I’ve not received good feedback from my instructor regarding my dancing.
Telling me that I’m not dancing well (with no specifics) is not leading me to a specific action plan on how to dance better in the future, so I thought I should ask here and see what responses I can get that I can use to become a better ballroom dancer.
I already plan on re-enrolling under another instructor during the summer term, perhaps at a different college.
I’m living off of savings and financial aid, so professional private lessons are not affordable at this time.
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about 6 months ago
Maybe you could practice with someone from your dance class, someone whom you think dances well and who could give you good feedback.
about 6 months ago
really listen to the music, and practice
about 6 months ago
Practice parties of course. You get the opportunity to feel the different styles of leading that gentlemen have. I now teach/compete professionally and have only spent $20.00 all together EVER on lessons. I did it by joining a rigorous training class that a studio was putting on in order to find new istructors. If you train to go pro and make it… you lose your amateur status. Which can be a drawback, if you’re looking to compete and want to start at the lower level stuff. If you don’t care to compete so early with dancing, take a training class.
about 6 months ago
Talk to the instructor and ask for specific feedback. Go out dancing and dance with the better dancers, ask them for tips, and when you take the next class ask if the instructor would be willing to meet with you outside of class for some extra help, and ask questions in class if you need to.
about 6 months ago
Okay. I definitely know where you are at right now. My standards are not at all like most people since most people are satisfied with just being a good social dancer.
It depends what you want to do with your dancing. Do you want to be a good social dancer? Do you want to be a good collegiate competitor? Do you want to become top amateur in the US after years of training?
It really all depends.
How to become a good social dancer: Go to consistent social dances that include a lesson with the cover. These only cost $5-10. Flatter the instructor and ask a lot of lessons. Flattery is good at ALL levels. You will get the most out of your money. Over time you will improve.
How to become a good collegiate competition dancer: Take advantage of your college classes. Only two schools in the nation have ballroom dance in their curriculum. Feel lucky that you even have this option. Most often, other schools only have clubs and have to pay for membership. Ask your instructor a lot of questions. Milk him/her for as much information possible. If this is not enough, find a dance partner to split costs for lessons. One private lesson a week is typically $40-$100+. If a lesson is $40 a week that only means $20 for you and your partner. Cut back on buying clothes, eating out, drinking, or any other luxuries. Become a bargain shopper. Budget. Budget. Budget. Also, see if there are any clubs at school bringing in professionals. Usually, costs are cut during lessons. Your coach should be encouraging. Consider other teachers at your school if your teacher does not give you enough feedback, or badger the hell out of him/her for more information.
Not having a trust fund is very difficult in dance. I have been told that I need 2 million dollars and a flat in London in order to succeed in such a sport. Though that’s what many people do to achieve their dancesport goals, there are other paths.
Consistency, good practice ethic, and asking a lot of questions are ways to get the most out of your money, whether you’re in a group lesson or a private lesson.
There was a response about going pro. If you want to be a great dancer, do not go pro after not having solid basics and a complete understanding of body movement. Also, I’ve heard that it’s not good to go pro at a franchised chain. They pay teachers on commission. It burns people out of dance. Teachers at independent studios appear to make more money. The best people who turn pro actually competed amateur for a number of years. Essentially, it is up to you.
I have provided you with video of a good collegiate dancer and world class competetive amateurs. Enjoy.