Ah....I remember my first class....the fear that preceded and accompanied it changed to anticipation and delight. The clock would crawl at work till I could shoot out the door thinking "Yes! Yes! Dance night!"
Partner worries, attire worries, ability worries; just plain nerves? I think everyone has them to start. Lets see....what do I know now that I wish I'd known then?
Partners! In every beginner class I've known, the teacher puts everyone in a line or circle and either the men or the women are told "Thank your partner and move (right, left, clockwise or counterclockwise) to the next person." So even if you come without a partner or there's more of one sex everyone gets a chance to dance with several other people.
Attire! Comfortable, cool, loose or stretch clothing so you can move freely. Lightweight slacks for men; women can also wear a 'skort' or skirt. Tops should have sleeves so everyone keeps their sweat to themselves. Polo shirts are great. Shoes....tennis shoes can stick to the floor and hurt your ankles or knees. Smooth soles are best. Heels aren't necessary. (For any guys lurking, PLEASE no hiking boots! There's nothing more terrifying than dancing with a beginner wearing shoes that could crush gravel....my male friends say ditto for women wearing platforms!) That will get you through the first day. You can always scope everyone out and wear something different next class. Perfect excuse for a shopping trip, too.
Ability & weight? If you relish things like succulent butter-dipped lobster, crunchy salty chips with a fiery salsa, fine wine, and chocolate in all its glorious forms, then you'll find dance is a smorgasbord of delights. Indulge in smooth waltzes, zippy swings, sassy jazzy fox trots, sensual boleros, all the while savoring musical variety and the nuances provided by each partner. Dance was invented well before skinny was 'in'. Excess weight won't cost you any partners worth having! Besides, it'll be a long time before you're doing lifts.
Nerves! It helps to remember everyone is so wrapped up in their own nerves at first that they barely notice anyone else. Smile and say hello to each partner; your friendly face may help their decision to continue dancing. Keep taking beginning classes even when you know the steps; shyness has a way of disappearing when almost every guy wants to dance with the best dancer in class...and it's YO
Any advice?