WELL I'm kinda scared! I'm a sort of shy person when it comes to dancing and I RARELY get on on the dance floor at weddings, only to do the Chicken Dance...Hokie Polkie...Cha Cha Slide...Bunny Hop etc.

I'm also a kinda plus size gal and I'm hoping this won't hinder my dancing...I do work out so I know I'll be able to keep up, just hope I don't look like that hippo from Fantasia. lol

What are beginning classes like? What if my partner sometimes cannot show? Or if you don't have one? I'm scared to dance, and I don't know why! Any advice?

Jenny - YENTL22@aol.com

* If you can't annoy somebody, there's little point in writing! *

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

YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary

More figuratively, it's saying that some people may get more or less out of it than the author.

--
James Marshall
marshall@astro.umd.edu
http://www.astro.umd.edu/~marshall

Just an aside for Frank...

Well, I love your acronyms...but one eludes me...what's YMMV?? Posted in the "eating disorders" replies...do tell

>And one last thing, about us plus size girls. I take pride in being LIGHT on my feet.<

And well you should! There are some "opposites" in BR, one of them being that the way to be "light on your feet" is to be in strong connection down into the floor with your weight, or squeezing it away from you - not trying to rise up out of it. "Lightness" is really an illusion created by good floor connection and movement. IMHO, this may actually be easier for you as a bigger lady (similar point posted elsewhere). I like your attitude!

For me, the worst part of the "first" ballroom classes was being very self critical. In high school and college, was always considered a good dancer and even won some sorority and fraternity dance contests. However, dancing "free style" and dancing ballroom are two different animals. I didn't pick up on things as fast as I wanted to...it took some work. And like most other beginners, I took the beginners class several times...each time building upon that all important BASIC.

The more experienced dancers in our group always insist the most important thing is the BASIC. If you really LEARN the basic, understand how to FOLLOW a lead, and keep the timing...baby you are home free. Get that basic so you can do it in your sleep, waiting in checkout and Walmart, and showering in the morning! If you take a misstep, well apologize the first time...but just keep going. You'll get it. As others have mentioned, most of the members of your class are just as nervous as you are about getting it right. Take a deep breath...and Just do it!

Also, when I first started with group lessons, I really hated it when the teach would make me partner with him in front of everybody. AHHHH! However, once I got over it, I really take pleasure in dancing with the teach. I try to forget about everybody watching and just enjoy the dance. If you do screw up, well everybody really wants you to do well...so they'll cheer you on anyway. Who knows, next week they may be the ones with two left feet HA!

And one last thing, about us plus size girls. I take pride in being LIGHT on my feet. Visualize Fred and Ginger floating across the dance floor....and you are halfway to the clouds and on your way to the starlight ballroom. Smile at your partner and have fun!

Happy hoofing

Joyc