The Perfect First Dance: Tips for a first dance you’ll love
January 17, 2024
How to Choose the Best Dance Style for You; a Guide to Beginning Ballroom Dance
You’re interested in learning how to dance, but you’re not sure exactly where to start? How do you know what dance style is best for you? Don’t worry, this is a very common confusion, and we are here to help you.
We know it can sometimes be intimidating to begin dancing, so we put together this article, to help you get started with a style we know you will love.
STEP 1: Start with your goal in mind
With so many beautiful dance styles to pick from, the first step is to create a goal when searching for the best style for you. If you don’t have a concrete goal yet, think about what made you interested in dancing in the first place. This could look very different for each person, and can certainly change as you grow and develop as a dancer. Once you have your goals and priorities in mind, we can help match you up with a style that is best for you. Some common goals include entering into a competition, challenging yourself physically, or wanting to have more fun hobbies and learn something new!
STEP 2: Understand your options:
Now that you understand what you hope to get out of dancing, let’s look at the different dance styles and how they are similar and different. We broke down the different style categories in five main sections below.
AMERICAN SMOOTH:
American Smooth is a very elegant, recognizable dance form that involves four different variations; Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz. American Smooth incorporates many elements of ballroom dancing and showcases a blend of different skills and techniques. However, certain steps in American Smooth dances can be less complex and can be a great way to begin.
AMERICAN RHYTHM:
American Rhythm is another popular ballroom dance style that encompasses the Cha-Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero, and Mambo. These dances are characterized by their lively rhythms, syncopated footwork, and playful, energetic movements. American Rhythm dances draw from African, Caribbean, and Latin American cultural influences, resulting in a vibrant and diverse collection of dance styles. The American Rhythm style allows for more freedom in body movement, creating a dynamic and engaging dancing experience.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD:
International Ballroom, also known as Standard, includes the Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, and Quickstep. These dance styles are characterized by their precise technique, formalized movement patterns, and emphasis on maintaining a closed dance hold throughout the routine. International Ballroom has its roots in European social dances, and it has become highly refined and standardized over time. Dancers in this style often strive for elegance, sophistication, and seamless connection with their partner.
INTERNATIONAL LATIN:
International Latin is a captivating ballroom dance style that features the Cha-Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive. These dances are known for their expressive movements, intricate footwork, and passionate energy. International Latin dance styles have a diverse cultural background, drawing from Latin American, African, and European influences. The dance style emphasizes rhythmic body actions, sensual hip movements, and strong, dynamic choreography.
SOCIAL AND NIGHTCLUB DANCES
Social and Nightclub dances are a perfect way to begin, especially if your goal is to learn dance in a fun and social environment. The social dances include Hustle, Salsa, Merengue, Argentine Tango, West Coast Swing, and Flamenco.
STEP 3: Take your first class
The final step is…to start dancing! Everyone has different preferences and strengths, but you’ll only know them once you start dancing. Our Introductory lesson is designed to give you a taste of your desired style. As you begin to learn the different styles, rhythms, and basic steps, you’ll gain an understanding of what feels best for you and what you’d like to spend more time learning. During the 30 minute intro lesson, we typically can cover 3 different styles of dance, and you’ll be able to take away some moves you can pull out at your next party. Don’t let overthinking stop you from getting started on your dance journey, click here to claim your introductory offer and we will take care of the rest.
