You’ve signed up for ballroom dance lessons, and you’re excited to glide across the floor with grace and confidence. You might think showing up is enough, but to get the most out of your lessons, you need a plan. Partnering with your instructor to create a roadmap for your dance journey will maximize your progress, keep you motivated, and ensure every lesson is purposeful.
Here’s why having a plan with your instructor is a game-changer for your ballroom dance lessons.
1. Goals make your lessons more effective
Showing up without a clear goal can lead to scattered progress. Your instructor might cover different topics each week, which can be fun, but it can also prevent you from mastering specific skills. By defining your goals, you create a clear focus for each lesson, leading to faster and more noticeable improvement.
- Be SMART about your goals. Ask your instructor to help you set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound). For example, instead of just wanting to “get better,” set a goal to “master the basic footwork for the Waltz in three months”.
- Create short-term and long-term goals. Break down your big picture into smaller, manageable milestones. This helps both you and your instructor track your progress and celebrate your successes along the way.
2. Personalized lessons for your learning style
Everyone learns differently. Some people are visual learners who benefit from watching and mimicking, while others are kinesthetic learners who need to feel the movement. A plan allows your instructor to tailor their teaching style to your specific needs.
- Identify your strengths and challenges. Talk to your instructor about what comes naturally to you and where you struggle. If you’re a quick study on turns but have trouble with rhythm, your instructor can dedicate more time to musicality.
- Customize your learning. Do you want to learn choreography for an event, or are you focused on building a strong technical foundation? The more your instructor knows about what you want, the more they can personalize your lessons.
3. Increased motivation and accountability
Progress is a powerful motivator. When you can see how far you’ve come, you’re more likely to stay committed. A plan provides the structure and benchmarks you need to keep going.
- Track your progress. A plan provides a way to measure and celebrate your accomplishments. Use a simple practice log or video yourself to see your improvement over time.
- Share your goals. Telling your instructor and a dance friend about your goals can hold you accountable. Their encouragement and support can make a huge difference, especially on days when you feel stuck.
4. Overcoming a dancing plateau
We all face plateaus in our learning journey. When you feel like you’ve stopped improving, a well-defined plan can be your guide out of the rut.
- Revisit your plan. When you feel stuck, talk to your instructor about the plan. They can help you identify the areas where you need more focus and suggest different drills or exercises to break through the plateau.
- Focus on the fundamentals. Sometimes, the key to moving past a plateau is to go back to the basics. A structured plan ensures you revisit fundamental skills, which often provides the breakthrough you need.
5. Efficient use of your time and money
Ballroom dance lessons are an investment in yourself. A plan ensures you get the maximum return on that investment by using every minute of your lesson time wisely.
- Structure your lessons. A planned lesson has a clear beginning, middle, and end, ensuring you cover everything you need to in the allotted time.
- Prepare for each lesson. Knowing what you and your instructor will focus on allows you to come prepared, both mentally and physically. You can even practice specific skills beforehand to make the most of your time.
Ultimately, your dance journey should be a joyful and rewarding experience. By taking the time to plan with your instructor, you can ensure that each lesson brings you one step closer to achieving your dreams on the dance floor.