Are you put off by the thought of learning a new physical skill as an adult – such as learning dance – because you don’t want to look like uncoordinated and awkward in front of others?
The dance studio environment can be daunting – full of professionals and teachers who love looking in studio mirrors at themselves and seem to find dance easy. Plus they seem to have long forgotten how it feels to be an awkward beginner. You might feel vulnerable and you that everyone will be looking at you.
If this the case – then these feelings are normal. And a DK we understand this and want you to feel comfortable as you learn, and confident as soon as possible.
- Find the right way to learn. A combination of group classes and private lessons are the best way to learn to fast track through the early stages of learning. Choose a package that suits you as a single, or couple, so that your group session are with dancers similar to yourself.
- Set realistic goals. That professional dancer who looks amazing has spent years honing their dance skills. The lady who moves so gracefully might have been dancing for 20 years. As adults we sometimes forget that all things worthwhile take time, and we are impatient. Be patient, enjoy the learning, and appreciate you are always moving towards your goal. Then, strangely, before you know it, you are dancing.
- Practice. We were told to do it as children – but as adults we tend to think we can master something physical once we understand it mentally. This just isn’t true, Any physical skill needs practice – conscious, deliberate practice. All our memberships involve practice times – such as social dancing – to fast track your learning. With dance – we hope that’s as much fun as the lessons!
- Relax! Any stiffness in our muscles – or our minds – can really hold us back from achieving in dance. Try to use only as many muscles as needed to perform the step. Additional strain in our shoulders, back, neck or mind will slow you down. So relax and enjoy yourself.
- Think positive – ever heard the saying “If you think you can, or you think you can’t, you are right”. This is so true in dance. In my experience with hundreds of adult beginner dancers it is ONLY the negative mindset that prevents them from speedy learning.
- Double the time – choose the unlimited membership to double your time and speed up learning!
- Don’t stop – persevere and stop making excuses. Had a bad week at work and feeling tired? Go to dance class. Kids annoying you? Go to dance class. Feeling stressed and feel like staying on the couch? Go to dance class. Sore back? Go to dance class. Try not to miss a week or a lesson.
I find it fascinating that what we tell ourselves ends up being our reality – even if it’s not our destiny. By following these guidelines, you learn to dance at a surprisingly fast rate – and with a little perseverance and a healthy dose of self belief – find immense enjoyment and become a confident and sought after dance partner.
And remember – (By the way – no one is looking at you as you learn – we are too busy looking at ourselves in the mirror!)
Monica Fincham is the Principal of Dancesport Kingdom in Lilydale, Victoria, Australia A former champion ballroom dancer – over the last 10 years she has now helped 100’s of adult beginners learn to dance- adding music, passion and confidence into each of their lives. “It’s important to find an environment that puts you first. ” Find out more about how you can fast track your dance learning