Tips To Becoming a Confident Social Dancer

As you may have already discovered, just because you technically know how to dance, doesn't mean that you can do so with confidence. In fact, sadly, many people who have taken dance lessons, never make it to a live floor to actually put what they have learned into action. Now, if your reason for taking social dance lessons was to stay in your living room or kitchen and dance there, then all may be well. But, most people try Country, Latin or Swing dances for other reasons, like expanding their social circles, finding someone special, or to get off the couch and be around others with similar interests. Regardless of why you began dancing, you can ultimately (sooner rather than later) dance with confidence by following this advice...

1. Start Small: When you're new to dance, a very important element to acclimating yourself to a dance venue outside of the comfort of the studio where you are taking lessons, is to simply watch for the first few times that you go out. Watching will give you an idea of the quality of dancers and whether you want to try and fit into that crowd or not. For example, there are several Country dance bars here in Arizona that attract very wild dancers. They are often doing tricks, lifts or flips that let you know they are not mindful of others. This may not be a place where you choose to try your Two Step or Country Swing dancing out for the first time.

If you find a place that you like, start with one dance and keep it simple. Less is always more until your first success. From there, feel free to layer on one new move each dance until your confidence rises over time. This is not a one-night deal. Stick to it. The results will come.

Another good idea when you are heading out dancing for the first few times is to find a night that may be slower. Less people equals less confusion and need for strong navigation skills. Once you begin to feel comfortable, you can begin going out on busier nights and build from there.

Lastly, request a song that you know when you are ready to get out on the dance floor. This will bring you back to the studio that you are taking lessons from, which should hopefully ease your mind and relax you.

2. Be Realistic: Remind yourself of what you know, and forget about what you can't remember. It's not a big deal to do the basics over and over again until your confidence rises. Repeating the same dance moves actually helps to solidify them and allows to succeed on your first night out without any added pressure.

If you're lucky enough to know someone who is also learning to social Ballroom dance, you may want to head out dancing together. Better yet, practice for an hour together at home first, then give your dancing a shot. Having a buddy is a great way to enter new territory.

3. Go Out Often: At first you may be shy and nervous, but that will wear off after you frequent the same dance venue multiple times. First, you'll begin to see familiar faces. That is reassuring as well as great way to meet new friends. If you're looking for a potential dance partner, going to the same place often will also be a sign of wanting to take your dancing hobby to a new level, which may be attractive to others who want to do the same. Also, visiting the same dance places, you'll know what to expect. That alone will allow you to get into a groove or rhythm with the venue. Knowing what to expect takes the pressure off of being thrown for a loop unexpectedly.

Social Ballroom dancing is an exciting and rewarding hobby for singles and couples. For Arizona residents who live in or around Phoenix, you can get started with social dance lessons at Dance FX Studios! We have a wonderful New Student Offer that will introduce you to dance in a fun and easy way. Dance FX Studios is near the 101 and 60 highways for your convenience. Give us a call at 480-968-6177 or stop by so that we can help you to become a confident social dancer in no time!