I am a former tap, jazz, and ballet dancer and I am looking for something new. I think Ballroom Dancing might be it! Would I be totally crazy to give Ballroom Dancing a try? Where do I begin to start learning and choosing a studio? Thanks!

i'm rach and i'm 15. i've been ballroom dancing for 6 years now and i get so much enjoyment out of it.
its definetly worth a try!!!
luv rach
p.s my e-mail address is angel_rach2@hotmail.com

I suggest you check out some local dance parties. You'll get to see dancing in action, meet and talk to the dancers. They're usually very friendly and will be more than happy to tell you where they learned their moves.
Most colleges have ballroom clubs, and parties open to the public. Otherwise, look in your local paper, call some studios, see what's available.
Better yet--tell us where you are and the good folks at Dancetalk forum will let you know exactly where the best parties are.
As for being a dancer already, that's always a plus. You should pick things up very quickly.
Good Luck and Have Fun!

Of course you would not be crazy to dance ballroom. Your previous dance experience should be help you with regard to smoothness and grace. (Lucky you!)

In regard to how to get started, read through some of the other threads on this site. There is great discussion of the pros and cons of private lessons, versus group lessons, versus community college classes etc. There's also discussions on selecting an instructor. (I cannot stress enough how important it is that the instructor be up to date on the dances!)

What are your goals for this dance experience? Just to dance socially, or to compete?

Personally, I like to learn the very BASIC step from a video, then do group lessons, then work with a private lesson. Then go back and take more group lessons. Its a never ending adventure. I am a real stickler for getting everything "right" and have ambitions to compete. However, group lessons give the opportunity to experience different leads...which makes it much easier to be comfortable in social situations.

Since you have danced before, I am sure you will be very disciplined in your movements and all will come easily for you. I repeat LUCKY YOU!

I agree with the previous contacts listed. You should also contact your local USABDA (United States Amateur Ballroom Dancers Assoc.) Chapter.
Website: www.usabda.org They support dancing for the social and competitive dancers. It is a very infomative website. Good Luck with your new dance interest. Len D.

If like dancing, you will likely have a lot of fun with ballroom. You previous dance experience will be put to good use.

You should be able to find a list of local dance studios through your Yellow Pages. Take some time to visit several to get a feel the each studio's environment. Some studio's focus more on competition, and less on the social side and vice versa.

Group classes are a good way to learn basic steps for all the various dances for a low cost. I always recommend that people start there to see if they are going to like it. It also gives you an opportunity to meet other dancers. Private lessons are essential if you want to compete or if you want to advance more quickly. I personally like to a combination of both groups and privates.

A word of caution, dancing is addictive and unscrupulous studios use this knowledge to get students to spend more than they can afford on dancing. Some studios use high pressure sales tactics to sign students to expensive contracts. Make sure that you have a predetermined budget for this before you visit studios.

Blair

go for it!!
you will have lots of fun.
and will learn easily seeing your previuos dance experinece.
GO FOR IT!! its lots of fun and great.