How can I get the most out of private ballroom dance lessons?
Make private ballroom dance lessons just one part of your learning regiment. Also incorporate group classes, social dance parties, individual practice, and practice with a partner (if you have one).
Group Classes Are For The More Generic Aspects Of Dance
You can learn a lot of broader and more generalized aspects of dancing in group classes. The most obvious thing to learn in group class is the foot patterns or figures. Just follow along while the teacher demonstrates the figures. This will teach your feet what to do. Also, pay attention to the instructors body movement as well. You may see details that you did not hear in words. Learning patterns in groups will save you time, and thus money, on your private lessons.
You may have the opportunity to practice dancing with multiple partners. This will give you some practice leading or following. Because everyone feels a little different, this will be great experience for when you go dancing socially . Make note of your successes and failures in lead/follow and have your private instructor iron out any wrinkles.
Many dance techniques can also be learned in group classes. A group class can give you general instruction in rise and fall, sway, Latin motion, timing, foot action, various turns, and many other things. Group classes, however, are often lacking in individual attention. So, use private lessons to polish and hone your technique.
Private Ballroom Dance Lessons Are For The Details
Private ballroom dance lessons are better able to focus on your individual needs, goals, and desires. Your lessons can be customized to your skill level and learning style. You will taught in greater depth and detail, focusing on the finer points of dance technique. Therefore optimizing your learning experience for better development and faster improvement.
To make the most of this focused, individualized training; pay attention to everything. Soak up every word, movement, feeling, and gesture that comes from your instructor. Try to focus and remember every detail. But, how can I remember everything? Take notes and video your lessons if you can. If you can’t video the whole lesson, ask your teacher if you can video a summary at the end.
Practice What You Learn From Your Private Ballroom Dance Lessons
Don’t just take notes and record videos. Use them! These should become the guide for your individual and partner practice. You should practice two or more hours for each of your private ballroom dance lessons. The best time to practice is immediately after a dance lesson or group class while your memory is fresh.
Take one detail at a time from your notes or videos to focus on. When you feel comfortable with that, pick another, and so on. Make notes from your practice sessions of things you don’t understand or things that don’t feel, or look right. Take your notes to your next private lesson so you can get answers to your questions.
Dance parties are for fun and to practice what you have learned
Social dance parties are a part of your dance education. So take advantage of this opportunity to practice your dancing with other students and instructors. As you maneuver around the crowded dance floor, either leading or following, you will develop your floor craft and confidence.
The best way to learn how to dance is a combination of group classes, private lessons, social dance parties, and individual practice.
About Applause Dance Factory:
Dance class and party calendar
More information about our group dance classes and join us for our fun Friday dance parties every week.
Private ballroom dance lessons are also available from our many highly qualified instructors.
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