DanceLink- How To Learn Ballroom Dance!

There are two main styles in dancing: American (Smooth & Rhythm) and International (Standard & Latin) style.

Teach Yourself Ballroom Dancing
(Teach Yourself
General)

There are some differences between them. International Style has different dances, different steps and also International Standard is always danced in closed position.

American Smooth:
Waltz
Foxtrot
Tango
Viennese Waltz

American Rhythm:
Cha Cha
Rumba
Swing
Mambo
Bolero

Picture Yourself Dancing:
Step-by-Step Instruction for Ballroom, Latin, Country, and More

International Style is danced in Standard and Latin Style.

Interntional Standard:
Waltz
Foxtrot
Tango
Viennese Waltz
Quickstep

International Latin:
Cha Cha
Rumba
Jive
Samba
Paso Doble

I love all the dances and always want to learn more. There are several options how to learn ballroom dance:
- learn on your own (but, this is very difficult , if you never had previous contact with dancing),
- join the dance club,
- take private lessons,
- learn at community centres and similar places offering dance lessons.
How you want to learn depend on how much you want to invest in it and how good you want to be. There are places where you can even learn for free. This is safe way to start, because you can check if you like it, without investing in it.

To become a good dancer you have to take dance lessons. You can't become a good dancer without the full knowledge of all dance elements like posture, frame, steps, head position, body alignment, connection etc. Good instructor can save you a lot of frustration. You can learn proper dancing the first time instead of trying to re-learn the bad dance habits.

You can practice your dancing by watching DVD's with different dances. This is a great way to learn the steps and different pattern. But then you have to practice what you've learnt by attending dance events.

It's easier to learn when you have a dance partner with whom you can practice. To take lessons or watch others is one thing but in order to make progress in dancing you have to practice. More you practice, better you get.

Ballroom Dance Shoes

T-Strap Tap Character Shoe
C700

Ballroom dancers obviously spend a lot of time on their feet.
What isn't so obvious to many novice dancers and even to some more experienced dancers is the importance of good dance shoes.
Ballroom dance shoes are different from ordinary shoes in several ways. The biggest difference is the sole of the shoe. Most regular, street shoes have rubber or sometimes leather soles. The sole of a ballroom dance shoe is made of thin suede, also called chrome leather. The thinness of the sole of the shoe allows the dancer to have better contact with the floor and improves dancing. Ballroom dance shoes are also more flexible than ordinary shoes, both in the upper and lower portions of the shoe and provide a greater range of motion for the dancer. Additionally, ballroom dance shoes contain a metal tang for support of the arch.
There are different styles of ballroom dance; accordingly, there are different styles of ballroom dance shoes. The two main categories are standard/smooth and Latin/rhythm. The height of the shoe's heel is the biggest difference between the two kinds of shoes for men. Standard/smooth shoes for men have the same type of heel found on ordinary men's dress shoes. Latin/rhythm men's shoes have a larger heel, generally between 2 to 2.5 inches. Standard/smooth women's shoes look like women's pumps. The heel is generally somewhat lower than Latin/rhythm and also has a wider base. Women's Latin/rhythm are more sandal-like in appearance with a tall, thin heel.

Capezio Women's Rosa 2.5" Social Dance Shoe

When selecting a ballroom dancing shoe, there are many considerations that come into play. For some, particularly those new to ballroom dancing, price may be a determining factor. Other criteria include comfort, protection, support and appearance.
Many people begin ballroom dancing in gym shoes. However, due to the tendency of rubber soled shoes to stick to hardwood floors most will quickly change over to shoes designed for dancing. Men have it a bit easier than women in this respect. Leather-soled men's dress shoes can be used in ballroom dancing with little problem. However, they do lack the flexibility of dance shoes, and eventually, dancing in them will cause the leather to crack.

Men's Ballroom Dance Shoes

When deciding on a ballroom dance shoe, it is important to examine the construction of the shoe. Examining the stitching of the leather will tell you something about the quality of the shoe. Small even stitches indicate a quality shoe, while large, uneven stitches suggest that the shoe will not last long. Additional hints of quality can be found by looking for other flaws, like sloppy gluing. Poor construction may not only lead to a short life for the shoe, it can damage a dancer's foot. Be particularly watchful for sharp edges around the ankle or poorly constructed seams on the interior of the shoe that can cause chafing.

Stacy Adams Men's Dayton Patent Wingtip Oxford

Shoe sizing for ballroom dance shoes is different from that of ordinary shoes The shoes are intended to fit more closely to the foot. There should not be any additional room in the toe of the shoe. Also, ballroom dance shoes are almost always listed in British sizes. Because of these factors, it is very important to try the shoes on, and spend a while walking around in them to ensure they fit properly. If you have ordered the shoes online, walk around on a carpeted surface to check the fit. Once they have been worn on a hard surface, you will not be able to return them.
Men who dance both standard and Latin will be better off with standard shoes, if they can only afford one pair. Another key point for men to remember when picking out their ballroom dance shoes is that black is the best choice. Other colors may seem more attractive, but most men dance in black pants. Two-toned shoes look good for swing dancing, but not for ballroom. Patent leather should also be avoided if the shoes will be worn for Latin dancing.
For women, a standard rule is not to buy black dance shoes if you are planning to compete. Women rarely wear black shoes in competition, it is better to wear flesh-colored, gold or bronze because these colors blend into the foot and make the leg appear longer.

Tutto Nero Dance Sneaker
P22M

If you live near a large, well stocked dance supply store, your shoe shopping trip will be easy, however, if you do not, you may need to consider some other options. Dance competitions and dance camps often have areas for shoe vendors. These usually have a wide range of shoes and sizes, as well as personnel used to helping dancers find the right fit. The Internet offers a broad range of ballroom dance shoes. Of course it can be difficult to select a shoe from a photo, and even harder to get the right fit. However, most of the online shoe sources are very understanding about returns as long as the shoe has not been worn on a hard surface.
A final note on ballroom dancing shoes: at $100-120 for men's and $60-130 for women's they are not cheap. However, for those who want to be able to dance for hours at a time, they are an invaluable investment.
"SHOES, SHOES, SHOES" ~ Thanks to Ron and Rebecca Kellen of MILE HIGH BALLROOM DANCE CLUB home.att.net/~kellens/home.html

Abstract Ballroom Dancing Couple Statue Dancers Cherry

SET OF 5 BILLS-BALLROOM DANCING MILLION DOLLAR BILL

Mug White " Ballroom Dance I LOVE Ballroom Dance URBAN STYLE " Sports

Ballroom Dancers Decorative Night Light

One of the most important elements in ballroom dancing is YOUR FRAME. If you want to be good dancer you have to practice your frame. You can judge the dancer just by looking at his/her frame. It's not easy to keep the proper frame especially at the beginning.

Dance Frame Trainer for Ballroom & Latin Dancing

There are too many elements you have to remember at the same time: steps, pattern, count, head placement and frame. But ,by practicing you can get perfect. This is all "muscle memory", so more you practice, better you get. To help you practice your frame is good to use "Dance Frame Trainer" like the one I found on Amazon. This tool will force you to keep your body in the right position, so you can concentrate on other elements, until it become the second nature.

Product Features
* Dance Frame Trainer
* Dance Posture Correction
* Muscle Memory Guide

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Season One