Dancing is not only pleasurable, it is also very physical. So come to class wearing comfortable clothing that will not hamper your movements. Shoes with smooth soles are easiest to dance in. Please avoid boots, sneakers, shoes with wooden or crepe soles, platforms or shoes that have no or little heel support.

     Like any sport, ballroom dancing has rules, and you may be surprised by how much thinking is involved. Dancing requires both mental and physical learning.   Taking notes is an important way of helping you remember what you have learned. Being able to describe what you are learning will speed your progress, help you practice, improve communication on the dance floor, and lessen disputes when you practice.   If you need assistance, please ask.

     Dancing involves communicating with your partner. One goal of these sessions is to teach you how to move together as a synchronized team. As in any team sport, each person has a specific position to play. In dancing, men learn how to lead and women learn how to follow.

     In your beginner session, you will start with the basics that will make you comfortable moving around the floor. You will learn the difference between Smooth, Latin and Rhythm dancing, Frame (proper dance position), Line of Dance (counter clockwise direction of movement around the floor), Timing (which dance to do when the music begins), and Footwork (placing the foot correctly on the floor). You will also learn a variety of patterns in the five major dances Foxtrot, Swing, Waltz, Rumba and Cha-cha.

       If you expect to be successful at ballroom dancing, you must make time to practice every week. Repetition of steps and other dance technique will help make it second-nature to you. When you are comfortable with your part, and your body knows automatically what to do, it will be easier to enjoy the dance experience, music and your partner.

      So, find a place to review what you learned in your last class. You can rehearse with or without a partner. To review, you don’t even need to play music. But if you would like music to make your practice sessions easier, we sell inexpensive ballroom CD’s.

     Another way to practice is to go out dancing. As part of this class, you will be invited to a “class outing”, so you can experience the social aspects of dancing. We offer a practice session on Friday evenings at the Jazzercise in Manchester, NH from 7:30-9:30pm and Hood Middle School in Derry for a nominal fee of $5.00 per person. All are welcome to practice.   The New Hampshire Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association (www.NHABDA.com) sponsors monthly Saturday evening dances in southern New Hampshire, along with dance seminars to further your dance curriculum. We will update you on monthly dances.

     Please remember everyone learns in different ways and at different speeds. It is not unusual for partners to remember steps differently or to advance at different times.   Patience with your partner and classmates is very important. If you do not understand something, please speak up. Chances are someone else is having the same problem you are having. Private lessons are available if you are really stuck on a particular dance or move.

     Ballroom dancing is an ever evolving sport and art that can provide you with a lifetime of enjoyment. You can take as many or as few lessons as you want, for as long as you want.   Enjoy your classes and have fun!