One easy reason people come to our studio is to gain agility and ease with social dancing.
And at this time of year – with holiday parties on the horizon and a Presidential Inauguration after the New Year – opportunities to dance in social settings abound.
For some, dancing in social settings is no big deal. They’ll comfortably take their place on the dance floor when the music plays. However, many others may slink away from the parquet, clinging to their cocktail with the hope that no one will ask them to fox trot, waltz or tango and discover their dance floor unease.
Dancing doesn’t have to be complicated. When we teach a class, we try to emulate the atmosphere of an actual event students might attend, putting them on the dance floor with a lot of people with music playing, so they can practice what they would do outside the studio.
Practice makes progress.
Offering a strong lead frame allows your partner to feel safe and comfortable. This is a simple skill, but it’s the most important one to nail down in practice. No one wants to be pushed or pulled across the floor, so taking time to learn easy techniques help people develop a fluid flow of connection.
Dance is like any interactive activity: communication is key, and partnerships become stronger over time.
Here are some easy Fred Astaire Dance Studio tips for navigating social dancing:
- It’s important for both men and women to express themselves when they want to dance with someone. Taking initiative and possessing an aura of self-confidence allows you to enjoy yourself more in social situations – on the dance floor and off. If you don’t feel confident, fake it until you make it!
- Social dancing has no set choreography. It is about making a connection with another person through rhythm. Focus on that and you’ll feel fine on the dance floor.
- In order to have an enjoyable experience, you have to have trust in yourself and your partner. Being considerate and showing respect goes a long way on the dance floor – and off!
- Always thank your partner for the dance at the end, smile and make eye contact.
- Don’t aim for perfection; shoot for fun. That way, you’re more likely to be satisfied with the outcome.