5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Classes

Get started… and show up!
It’s been said that the best time to plant an oak tree is twenty years ago, and the second best time is today. You know you want to dance, or you wouldn’t be reading this! The sooner you get started, the sooner you will learn, and the more years you will have to enjoy your dance skills. Dance teachers often hear their students complain, “ I wish I’d started this years ago!” Once you do start your dance class, be sure to show up each week. Most dance classes are progressive in nature, so the skills build on each other from week to week. Try to be consistent in your attendance to avoid falling behind and becoming discouraged. Everyone can learn to dance… just stick with it. On the other hand, if you have to miss a class due to sickness or a business appointment, get back to class the next week, even if you may be a little behind. Don’t let a little bump in the road turn into more by dropping out of class all together.
Learn by the numbers!
Listen carefully to your teacher’s instructions. They will usually describe your steps with verbal cues (“walk walk turn and step”) and/or numbers (“1,2 3 & 4”). It is key to “dance by the numbers” or know your counts. Count along in class to help cement your steps. Actually counting out loud will help build another neural pathway between your brain and body to help you learn faster and remember better. Pay attention, as well, to the names of steps and special terminology the teacher may use. Rest assured, the words will keep coming up, so you’ll want to understand them. Some students find it helpful to write notes so they can practice their steps between classes. Take your notes immediately after class, while the information is fresh in your mind! In class, don’t hesitate to ask your instructor if you have a question. Don’t ask your current partner—the answer you receive may not be correct, even if they are trying to help, and you may actually be distracting them from class. Not only will you benefit more from your class time, but other students with the same question will be thankful to you for your courage.
Wear Appropriate Shoes and Clothes.
Your wouldn’t wear an evening gown to water-ski, or a bathing suit to play ice hockey! When you dance, you’ll be able to dance your best if you wear appropriate clothing. For dance classes, the standard dress is usually “nice casual” this could mean anything from jeans to casual dresses for the ladies. In general, it is considered polite for men to wear sleeves, and for ladies to avoid backless tops and dresses. Since dancing entails moving (sometimes quickly) on your feet, footwear becomes important. You’ll want to wear shoes that stay on your feet, are not too heavy, and have a sole that isn’t too sticky. In general mules (lacking a heel strap), clogs, flip-flops and beach style sandals are all hard to dance in, as well as dangerous. Heavy and large shoes, such as boots, make it hard to take small steps or move quickly. Athletic shoes that grip the floor make it difficult to turn and pivot. In addition, wearing inappropriate shoes can lead to ankle and knee injuries. While “serious” dancers can spend a lot of money on shoes, that’s not necessary. Wearing a shoe that stays on your foot, with a smooth sole, will get you started in good shape. If you don’t have such a shoe, take your best shot, and after a few weeks, you’ll figure out what works for you.
Take a three-pronged approach to learning.
There are three main ways you can learn to dance. If you take advantage of all three, you will learn faster and be a better dancer.

The first is group classes. These are great for learning your good basic technique and steps. They are also a lot of fun for meeting other people. This is the way most people get started. The second is private lessons. These allow you to get personalized attention you can’t get in group classes. In a private lesson, the instructor can help keep you from developing bad habits, or help you personally with steps you’re having special difficulty with. The third is floor time. This is simply going out dancing. Find a place to use what you’ve been learning in a social situation. Not only is going dancing fun, but if you go dancing, it will cement what you’ve learned out in the “real world.” In most dance spots, you won’t need to bring a partner with you. Your instructor will know of spots you can go dancing.
Don’t Worry, Be Happy!
It’s not unusual for new dancers to be nervous about their first dance class. After all, it entails learning something new while in close contact with the opposite sex. You can alleviate this in several ways. First, introduce yourself to the other students in class as you switch partners. After a few weeks, you’ll find that dance class is like going to hang out with your new friends for an hour. Second, take a little extra care with your hygiene by showering and brushing your teeth before class. Maybe pop in a breath mint. If you smell nice, you’ll be a more popular partner! Lastly, remember that the perfect dance doesn’t exist, everyone is learning together. If you’re worried that your partners in class are judging you, you’re probably wrong…. they are more worried about what they are doing wrong! Smile and relax. It’s all for fun anyway!