Anyone Can Dance – The FAQ’s!
Please give to all your friends and their friends, post on bulletin boards in Rec Centers, at work…
Q: I’ve never danced, is it hard?A: You learn dance like every other thing in life – you start with the basics.
Q: I (my partner) have two left feet.
A: That’s what many dancers initially think! The reality is beginner lessons, a little perseverance, and a good teacher is where everyone starts. You’ll find that the more you learn the easier every dance becomes. You’ll also find that there are a number of similar moves used in different dances, so you learn one move and can apply it to different dances!
Q: I’m a lady, do I NEED to take lessons?
A: If you want to be a good partner you absolutely should take lessons, to learn good rhythm, and the basics of each dance.
Q: What are the basics?
A: Each dance has a unique pattern and rhythm. As a lady if you can maintain that pattern & rhythm, then it’s up to the guy to alter the pattern.
Q: So as a lady do I need more than basic lessons?
A: Yes! In every dance there are standard and advanced patterns. Knowing these gives the man more options on how to lead you, knowing more gives more possibilities and is more fun.
Q: How many patterns are there?
A: In West Coast Swing we like to say there are just 6 moves, BUT that spawns thousands of variations to an experienced dancer. There are common patterns in most dances which is essential for dancing with partners you’ve never danced with before.
Q: That sounds like a lot of work.
A: Not work – fun, because in a dance like WCS the same song with two different leads will be completely different dances for the ladies.
Q: I hear there are more women than men dancers
A: Generally, that’s true, but don’t let that be an obstacle for not dancing
Q: If there aren’t men to dance with, why should I learn?
A: Two reasons. First is for your health. It’s fun, builds bone density,coordination, burns calories, and builds confidence! Second as you become known as a good follower guys will want to dance with you.
Q: As a lady do I need a partner
A: This answer depends on what type of dancing you do. If you want to learn Salsa or West Coast Swing, a partner is not the issue as there is a lot of partner switching. If you’re into Ballroom & Latin (what you see on TV), you have other options.
Q: What are those options?
A: Teachers have to learn Mens & Ladies moves and so could you. Overall this will make you a much better dancer. OR you can take lessons and work out the moves on your own, then go to dances. Some take basic lessons, then private lessons to work on your partnering skills.
Q: I went to a dance and no one asked me to dance
A: Even advanced dancers will be reluctant to approach a lady for a dance and find they don’t know the basics. The dance floor is not the place to teach unless it’s a practice dance, or unless you’re a natural born dancer. If you know the basics there is nothing wrong with asking a guy to dance. He will take it as a compliment and if you know how to follow well he’ll enjoy leading you in a fun dance. / Q: What is the guy’s job?
A: The lady (follow) is the picture frame and the guy (lead) is the painter. It’s HIS job to paint a pretty picture so to speak. If he does something way beyond your abilities and you look bad, then he’s not painting a pretty picture. The objective is to finish the dance with you thinking “WOW, I can’t believe I just did that” and him thinking “WOW, that was fun”
Q: I don’t think I could ever dance like all those dancers on TV
A: That’s show dancing or competitive dancing. It’s still fun but a LOT of work. This style is called International Ballroom.
Q: What else is there?
A: Social dancing. Social dancers still want to look good on the floor, but this is better for dancers who want to smile, laugh and talk to their partner while dancing! This is also known as American Social Ballroom.
Q: Are all dance events the same?
A: All dances are different. Somedances are just a three hour dance.
Other dances may offer beginner or intermediate lessons, food and 3-4 hour dances. Every dance is worthwhile attending because it forms your “muscle memory” – the ability to remember a pattern. It’s like anything else, you need to practice what you learn. The more you learn, the easier it is to learn new steps or technique.
Q: What if I go to a dance and people look at my dancing critically?
A: Other dancers might watch you, but remember; every last one of them started out not knowing what they were doing and had to learn the basics!
Q: What dances should I start with?
A: The most popular and easiest dances are Cha Cha, Rumba, Foxtrot, Salsa, Waltz, Night Club 2-step, Jive & Triple Rhythm Jive. If you like Latin music Merengue is an easy fun dance and if you like Country, Country 2-step is a must. The StartHereweb page has music you might know with Youtube links to see what the music is like.
Q: What about Line Dancing, it looks like fun?
A: It is FUN! However the real value in Line Dancing is that line dances help you work on your basic steps, develop good rhythm, and you don’t need a partner! Go here to learn some very popular line dances:
Q: How do I find a teacher?
A: Unless you have a friend who can recommend someone, go to this website: . This is a map of the entire lower mainland showing many great dance teachers. Look on the map, find your area, then a teacher nearby, then look in the table below, find their code: e.g. (MB = Maggie Bretton), then that line shows their basic information and contact info.
Q: There’s no lessons on this page
A: We’ve set up a special page with just these teachers, picture & lessons & bio, JUST for first time dancers, including appropriate places to dance.
Q: I don’t think I’m quite ready
A: Lots of dancers start dancing late in life, even mid 50’s & 60’s. EVERY dancer once hooked will be quick to tell you they wish they’d started earlier in life because it’s so much FUN!
Mark Twain– “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do”