Dance – 2 tips for effective dance practice
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Dance – 2 tips for effective dance practice
The most common question I hear when people are thinking about starting dance is: 'Can you learn to dance if you have two left feet?' This question is very common, and it comes up a lot, especially when people are considering starting dance as adults. I come across this comment every year when we start beginner classes, and I get similar inquiries and emails.
Beginner's Tip for Dancing – This Is How You're Always on the Right Foot When Moving
Of course, learning something new is exciting, and we humans are afraid of making mistakes and embarrassing ourselves. But learning to dance is about daring to try and take steps towards better dancing.
Think about something you are already really good at. For example, are you good at drawing? Was your first drawing perfect? Or did you get good at it through repetition and practice?
The same goes for dancing. You can’t be a master at dancing on your first try. But practice will take you a long way!
Dance is based on walking – here's how to move properly on the dance floor
Dancing is basically walking. When you walk to the grocery store, you take a step with your right foot and then the next step with your left. Your movement is fluid and easy, and you don't have to think about it. The same goes for dancing. When you start dancing with your right foot, the next step is with your left foot, then right again, and left again. Simple, right?
Where Do Your Feet Usually Get Knotted During Dance? (And the Dance Tip That Will Save You)
When dancing is so simple, why do your feet sometimes get tangled and you step on your partner’s toes?
When you walk through the grocery store, you usually only move in one direction – forward. However, in dancing, you also take steps backward and to the side, which can be confusing if you’re not used to it.
Basic Waltz Steps – How to Avoid Dancing Mistakes
Let’s assume you’re starting out with the basic waltz steps. The man’s first step is forward on the right. The next step is to the left. Now comes the important part: bring your right foot next to the left and shift your weight to the right foot. This way, the next step will automatically be behind the left.
Try it yourself – bring your right foot next to the left, shift your weight to the right foot and see how natural it feels!
This way, you’ll master the basic waltz steps and enjoy dancing without tangles!
A Quick Review of Basic Dance Steps and Tips for Progression
"What did you learn from this post?"
Dance is based on walking: When you take a step on the right, it is followed by a step on the left. Dance steps are either forward, backward, sideways or together – that's it! Steps are not taken over, crossed, diagonally or in any other way. Period. The basic dance steps are simple and natural once you get used to them.
These basic tips will get you started and will help you with your dance practice. Remember that the beginning is always the most important step, and the right steps make the dance smoother!
The next challenges at the beginning of the dance are usually related to turning. That's why we have created a small free dance course where we will teach you turning techniques and other important dance tips. You can watch it HERE
The course has many more useful tips to help you develop as a dancer. It costs nothing and is the perfect way to take the next step on your dance journey!
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