Are you interested in a physical activity that’s elegant, fun, and exciting? Dance is less aggressive than sports, but can still have all the competition and adrenaline, if that’s what you’re looking for.
It can also be a source of community and a place to destress and just enjoy yourself if that’s what you want instead!
While perhaps not considered a “traditional” choice of activity, ballroom dance is popular in many places in the world for people of all ages. So why not give it a chance and see if dancing is a good fit for you?
Different Types of Ballroom Dances
Did you know there are actually dozens of different ballroom dances?
“Ballroom dance” refers to the ten Standard and Latin dances, which are:
- Waltz
- Viennese Waltz
- Tango
- Foxtrot
- Quickstep
- Paso Doble
- Samba
- Rumba
- Jive
- Cha Cha (or Cha Cha Cha)
Sometimes, it can refer instead to the five international ballroom dances, which are:
- Slow Waltz
- Tango
- Viennese Waltz
- Slow Foxtrot
- Quickstep
Beyond these, there are even more types of dance! It all depends on which dance crowd you associate with.
In the UK, Sequence Dancing is popular. In Australia and New Zealand, it’s called New Vogue.
In the U.S. and Canada, American Style is what’s popular, which consists of American Smooth and American Rhythm.
Even some nightclub dances are typically included in the world of ballroom dance, such as:
- Lindy Hop
- West Coast swing
- East Coast swing
- Nightclub two step
- Nightclub Swing
- Hustle
- Salsa
- Merengue
- Bachata
- Argentine tango
- Swing boogie
- Discofox
- Spanish bolero
- Cuban bolero
- Mambo
- Polka
- Peabody
- Balboa
- Kizomba
- Semba
- Zouk
- Lambada
- Pagode
- Cajun Jig
- Country/Western
- Cajun jitterbug
- Java
The definition of “ballroom dance” is actually quite amorphous; always changing. Dances are added and removed from the agreed-upon definition during different time periods. So, there’s no need to be exclusive about which kind of dance you can learn if you’re interested in ballroom!
What “ballroom dance” really means in the modern world is a choreographed dance for two people.
Is Ballroom Dancing Difficult to Learn?
Learning the basics of ballroom dance is very simple!
The harder part is refining your abilities and getting better at the steps you learn. For this reason, ballroom lessons for beginners can be extremely helpful in giving you a strong foundation in the basics of ballroom dance.
Starting Out
When you first start out learning ballroom dance, keep in mind that, like any other skill or activity, it will take some time, patience, and practice to get the results you likely want.
One of the biggest mistakes new dancers make is getting frustrated. It can be disheartening to see someone else make dancing look so simple and effortless. Just remember, it took the experts a lot of time to get that good! You just need time, too. Have compassion for yourself as you learn.
Basic Steps
Depending on which type of class you are in, whether it’s a general ballroom dance class or a specific type of class, you’ll want to get familiar with the most-used steps.
Many of the different ballroom dance styles share elements with each other, like the box step, which is used in waltz and rumba, for example.
Private Dance Classes
The easiest way (but not the only way) to learn dance is with a private instructor.
They can spend all their attention on you and your form, give you personalized advice and tweaks so that you improve faster, and be your dance partner so you can learn to lead and follow.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Ballroom Dance?
Depending on your natural talent and how much you practice, many people find that they are able to learn a comfortable amount of ballroom dance in a few weeks. To advance more than that, it takes about 6 to 12 months.
Expert dancers take years and years to learn how to perfect their technique.
The Best Age to Learn Ballroom Dance
If you have a child who wants to learn ballroom dance for a competitive edge, then the earlier you get them enrolled in dance lessons, the better.
Many children who are in competitive dance leagues started dancing when they were 4 or 5 years old.
Of course, you can always have your child begin dance classes at any age. It’s a mentally and physically stimulating activity that allows them to feel confident and make new friends!
As for ballroom dance lessons for adults, there is no wrong age, either.
Many adults find that ballroom dance is the perfect activity to keep them active and have something fun to look forward to. It provides a place to meet new people and build your confidence.
It’s also an exceptionally popular choice among the elderly. Dance is low-impact and can be slowed down to suit anyone’s pace. It’s a fun and safe way to keep moving and remind people of their youth.
For any age, ballroom dance offers some great benefits like improved cardio health, strengthened muscles and bones, a relaxed mind, a sense of belonging, self-esteem and confidence, and the ability to de-stress.
Explore these highly recommended dance classes offered via Superprof. Get started by simply clicking dance classes near me.
Can You Learn Ballroom Dance By Yourself?
You don’t necessarily require dance lessons to learn dance.
Using resources like YouTube, you can certainly teach yourself a fair amount about dance! The hardest part about self-teaching dance is not having a dance partner. Unless, of course, you are learning with a friend!
Many people are able to learn the basics of dance, enough to comfortably be able to whip out a performance for a special event, on their own. If you just want to learn a simple waltz for your wedding, you will likely be able to achieve your goal without a formal teacher, should you desire.
Where to Take Ballroom Dance Lessons
If you’re more inclined to want to learn with the help of a professional, you have many options to choose from!
Private Classes
With a private ballroom dance teacher, you will be able to learn specifics that you might not be able to in a group class. Some types of ballroom dance are not very popular, so finding a group class of that type might be next to impossible.
With a private instructor, you’re more likely to be able to learn more niche dances. You’ll also receive tailored instruction to help you, specifically, have the correct posture and movements.
You can seek a private dance teacher for in-person or virtual lessons.
Group Classes
Group dance classes are likely more affordable than private, and it can be fun to practice with others!
The downside is having less individualized attention. But you can find a group of people to socialize with who are all working together to achieve a common goal, which is exciting!
Group classes are more typically available in an in-person studio setting, but you might also be able to find virtual classes that you can take from the comfort of your own home as well.
Ballroom dancing is an interesting activity that millions of people all over the world enjoy. No matter your reason for seeking out dance classes, you are sure to learn something valuable!
Even if you decide ballroom dancing isn’t something you’re passionate about, you will walk out of class a little taller and a little bit better at moving your feet. At the very least, it’s a great way to spend an hour or two!
And if you love ballroom dancing, all the more reason to give it a try today, so you don’t have to miss out on having it in your life anymore!
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