Hi,
I'm Laura and I'm excited to find this site!
I don't know how to dance.
But,I want to learn so bad it hurts.
my x refused to have anything to do with the "sinful act" I know. Just looking at it in print makes me shake my head too.
The Patrick Swayze movie "Dirty Dancing"
You probably think it's a silly movie too.
But... It Showed me just how involved but beautifully fluid the movements can be.
How do I get started? And what If I don't have a partner? Details,Details Please!!!!

One piece of advice I can give you (I've been dancing for a little over a year now) is to take some private lessons to go along with your group classes. You can learn a ton from group classes, but there are some things I've never seen a group class teach very well, most importantly how to maintain a good connection with your partner.

One of the biggest joys of social dancing, for me anyway, is when I can lead my partner through a step she's never done before. That's a lot harder to do if she hasn't learned how much tension to maintain in her arms, etc.

Learning a few good following habits early on will allow you to fake your way through a lot of more advanced material if you're dancing with a guy who's a competent lead. And you'll be more in demand on the dance floor; I know I'm not the only guy who prefers dancing with a novice who follows well rather than someone who knows a lot of patterns but doesn't give me anything to work with.

Either way, though, I'm sure you're gonna have a blast!

You might look for country western lessons in your area. I live in a small town in N. NM and drive about an hour each way for ballroom lessons, but I started lessons locally with country western. The techniques for country western carry over well into ballroom, and I am constantly amazed at the number of 2step moves that are also used in american smooth. My instructor says that now you see country western dancers doing international standard syllabus moves too.

As for tapes, the Dancevision tapes are very good. My husband and I use them to supplement our lessons. I especially like the ones by Victor Veyrasset and Heather Smith, as they are very thorough.

It seems to me the biggest problem you face is not having a dance partner to practice with. As valuable as practicing your part alone is (in terms of knowing the footwork, etc), I don't see how you can really learn a move without dancing it with someone. On the other hand, points of technique (especially footwork) are often best practiced alone. And if you have a full length mirror it can be of real benefit for studying your latin technique. At least that is my experience.

Before I met my husband (we met through dancing), I practiced countless hours by myself. I found that getting the basic techniques down pat yielded the most benefit.

Get in contact with a local USABDA chapter (United States Ballroom Dancers Assoc.)-www.USABDA.org. This website will give you a wealth of info. Good luck with your dancing.

Welcome to the World of Dance. I'm a novice; began with some dance lessons during the summer, and am slowly progressing. Tried videotapes but it just is not the same as live instruction. If there is sufficient interest in your hometown, you may want to try and establish your own USABDA Chapter. I may be doing that in my hometown (have to drive over an hour each way for lessons in Cincinnati or Lexington, KY.

Take care, and best of luck.

Steve

As far as learning dancing, for heaven's sake get yourself a copy of "Modern Ballroom Dancing" by Victor Silvester (Amazon has it for $18 -- an absolute steal!) This book has provided me with many hours of instant enlightenment; I'm surprised the publisher hasn't chopped it up into 2 volumes @ $30 each!

If I were in your shoes and thinking about eventually emigrating from Wichita Falls I'd recommend the San Francisco area. Not only is there an opportunity for any kind of high culture (ballroom dancing, live music of all kinds, film, international cuisine, gardening clubs, philosophy clubs, hiking, etc.) you may be interested in, but for women the singles' scene is great... because of the gazillions of very bright, interesting, educated, fiancially well-off men who work in the hi-tech industry around there, any woman can have her pick of literally dozens of candidates. Plus the weather is better than Texas.

Sorry 'bout that aside Jonathan... back to dance talk.

Duh!?
I really didn't think any of the studios here offered any more than ballet or tap.
I know a bit about them (pushy mom)But,It did get me thinking about the college.

They do offer some seasonal classes.
Thanks! I'll check into it.

You know... I hadn't really thought about dancing in a social situation. At least not for a long while.

I kind a thought of it like wearing skimpy clothes. I can wear them ,but wouldn't in public.
Other than this forum I don't know of anyone who likes ballroom dancing, heck! I want to learn swing too! Just because I want to learn for me.
Laura

Hi Belle,
I'm learning to like all music.
But, Not skilled in any certain form of dance. If your parents don't dance or listen to country the chances are you might not either. Picture "rocking parents" yelling to the child to turn down the "classical(Bach)music\noise.

Lauran

I once lived in Texas and know the culture well. For now, I would say Forth Worth or Oklahoma City would be the choice.

In my situation, I used to book several hours of lessons on a weekend and stay overnight in the city specially if it's snowing heavily. My instructors would video tape necessary portions of my lessons so I can practice during the weekdays when I'm home.

I know this is not the best way to spend your money so, in the long run, you may have to seriously think of Dave Goggins idea.

Also, check out the dance instructions in this website as well as tapes other than Cal Pozo's (Dancevision, Prodance, etc.).

Hey!,Hey!
I have good news and bad news.
Good news:
I finally got the schedule for dance instruction.
Bad news: I have to wait until Jan.12.
plus I don't have a partner.
Good news: The cost is only $35.00
and once I get in I can get into their loop.
Lauran