Learning to dance provides you with social skills that last a lifetime and allows you to feel at ease in any situation where there is music and dancing.
Once you decide that now is the time to learn how to dance, you may wonder which style is best to start with and which style will allow you to comfortably immerse yourself into the fun world of dance.
At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, we’ll be happy to assist you in making choices, but here are some points to consider as you get ready to put your best foot forward.
Are you really and truly a beginner with very little experience in classic ballroom dancing? If so, you may well want to begin by learning the foxtrot.
It’s a classic, the one that epitomized Fred Astaire’s flair when he danced with Ginger Rogers. It will take you back in time to big-band music; it’s a little bit slower than some dances and it can take you all over the dance floor (hence it being known as a traveling dance). It’s danced to a 4/4 time, which also makes it easy to feel. How did it get its name? Many say it came from its originator Harry Fox, a vaudeville actor, in 1914.
The waltz is also a classic with a long history. Waltzes dance to a 3/4 musical beat, which makes it different than the foxtrot. The waltz is notable for its smooth movements and grace. Many dances have roots in the waltz, which is best known musically for the 3/4 time signature and its step, slide, step motion. You can hear it in your head: “one, two, three, one, two, three, one, two, three.”
Want something a little faster paced? There’s nothing quite like the cha-cha, or cha-cha-cha as it is often called. The name signifies the syncopated feel of this Latin step that has such a distinctive look. Again, it’s an easy beat to dance to (4/4 time). It derives from Cuban rhythms, but in dance competitions and clubs it leans more toward Latin Rock. It really only has five basic steps and most of the movement derives from hip action. You can learn this dance quickly and enjoy it everywhere.
Lovers of Latin dance who want to take it a bit slower will enjoy the rumba. Again, hip movement is key to this romantic dance that is based on a pattern of quick-quick-slow.
Want to start with one that is easily learned and fun? Paso Doble has but two basic steps and a distinct Spanish inflection that lends itself to a bit of improvisation as well.
You’re thinking tango? There are many dances that are easier to learn than something as complex as the tango. As in anything, it’s a matter of putting one foot in front of the other and learning through the high-quality ballroom dance instruction for which Fred Astaire Dance Studios are known. You will dance the tango one day, but beginners are best served by starting at the beginning. Let the basics come first.
Call or visit Fred Astaire Dance Studios today. Check out the many group dance classes and the private dance lessons from our extraordinary ballroom Dance Instructors. Learn about the FADS Trophy System, that rewards your progress through a variety of levels.
Dance is fun, you don’t need a partner and it can be very easy to learn! Stop by and see. You might never want to leave!