Dance Diaries: Learning Ballroom Dance: What I Wish I Had Known

By The Girl with the Tree Tattoo

Why didn't anyone tell me?

Ballroom dancing is fun, magical and, most of all, life-changing. When I first started learning ballroom though, I fumbled around awkwardly and sometimes painfully, figuring things out as I went along. Certain things weren't explained or just never came up in conversation. From what to expect in class to how to find the right teacher or dance partner to how much ballroom really costs, Dance Diaries: Learning Ballroom Dance covers the things that I wish I had known when I first started learning ballroom. This quick read is your cheat sheet to help you get the most out of your ballroom experience.

Happy dancing!

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Apr 3, 2016
• ISBN: 9781483567280

Book preview

ENOUGH?

INTRODUCTION

I was first introduced to ballroom dance as I prepared for my wedding. It was to be 1920s-themed, and my fiancé and I wanted to learn some swing dancing for the reception. Just a few lessons later, I was bitten by the ballroom bug hard! The marriage didn’t last unfortunately, but my love for ballroom has stayed strong.

When I first started learning ballroom on my own, I fumbled around awkwardly and sometimes painfully, figuring things out as I went along. Certain things weren’t explained or just never came up in conversation.

By sharing my story, I hope to make the start of your ballroom journey less confusing and a lot smoother!

Here are the things I wish I had known when I first started learning ballroom.

WHY LEARN BALLROOM

First of all, if anyone reading this is on the fence about whether to give ballroom dancing a try, here are some of the returns I have enjoyed from my ballroom investment, aside from learning to dance.

1) Confidence

Ballroom dancing can be hard. But it is also something anyone can learn to do. The confidence boost I get from learning ballroom dance has extended into other parts of my life, such as work and writing this book! As I’ve conquered aspects of ballroom, I’ve started to feel like I could conquer anything I put my mind to!

2) Posture

I quickly learned the importance of standing up straight in every style of ballroom I tried. No slouching and no slumped shoulders allowed! Soon I found myself walking tall everywhere I went, from work to the grocery store. My posture has improved so much from dancing that I measure an inch and a half taller than I did before I started ballroom!

3) Happy Feelings and Less Negative Stress!

My overall mood has dramatically improved since I started ballroom, to the point that people have commented that I look happier and healthier. Even on my really dark days, it is hard to stay blue during a dance lesson.

I'll be honest, some days, dancing is stressful. The pressure of an upcoming showcase performance or competition, or the introduction of a new, difficult concept during a lesson can create feelings of anxiety or frustration. But the stress I feel from dancing is productive, not destructive like the stress one might experience in daily life, like rush hour traffic. It pushes me to solve whatever problem I'm facing.

4) Physical Fitness

Within the first six months of dancing, I dropped two jean sizes! According to the scale, the weight loss wasn't much, but my whole body had slimmed and toned. My body became stronger and muscles became more defined; people started asking me what I did for exercise to make my arms look so defined. I told them that I dance ballroom! I also have a better sense of balance and control over my movements.

5) New Friends

As with any social activity, you will have the opportunity to meet a lot of new people while ballroom dancing. I have met amazing people on my ballroom journey, some of whom I have been blessed to call close friends.

6) Personal Growth

Ballroom dancing brings out some deep insecurities in me because it requires vulnerability and trust in my dance partner. But it also gives me the confidence and strength to face those insecurities. I know myself better now than before I started ballroom dancing and I continue to learn new things. The best part is I continue to be surprised at what I am capable of.

HOW TO LEARN BALLROOM

There are a few routes available for learning ballroom dancing, depending on your goals or desires. You have the option of