Dancin' F.A.Q.s

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What is dancing?

Very simply, dancing is what happens when your body moves to the music. Examples could be as simple as tapping your toes or snapping your fingers.

What is partner dancing?

Partner dancing is the general term used to describe when two people are dancing together, physically touching each other. One of the partners is leading the movement and the other is following the lead. At higher levels the follower also has opportunities to share in the lead and embellish the lead.

What is competition dancing?

Competition dancing is done to challenge the physical and mental fitness of the dancer. To achieve the thrill of winning or self improvement. There are established standards of accepted techniques, styles and attire.

What is Social Dancing?

Social Dancing is dancing done with the goal of being social. You may desire to exercise as well, but the main reason social dancers dance is to be a part of a community and connect with other people. Here different styles of movement are enjoyed and used.

Isn't line dancing for country music only?

Due to the massive popularity of country line dancing in the 1990's, it is commonly thought that line dancing refers to country line dancing only. Actually, line dancing is an age old tradition taking on many styles of movement. Country is both a style of movement and a type of music. Often times today's "Country line dancers" are dancing to popular hip-hop, swing and Latin music.

Can I learn to dance online?

Partially, yes... and you have found the only comprehensive start to finish dance education system. It includes online and offline features using text, video, and audio. You cannot learn all the aspects of dance on your computer, that is to say that dance is a physical activity as well as a mental one. Fortunately, we have created the world's first easy to follow portable dance education system. So you will be able to learn whenever you want, wherever you are!

How long will it take me to learn to dance?

As with all learning the time it takes is dependant on the student, teacher, and amount of time on a given topic. We believe you will feel comfortable dancing after just one four week course. Please remember dance is an art and like learning to play the guitar or painting, it takes patience, time, and an understanding. Also, there is no right or wrong, only what you create.

What dance do I start with?

We recommend you start learning to dance to the type of music you already enjoy listening to. Dancing can be done to most any form of music.

Do I need a partner to learn to dance?

There are many forms of dance, not all require a partner. It is sometimes better to learn to dance on your own so that when you begin dancing with another person, it is that much simpler.

How do I find a place to dance where I live?

Chances are there are several places where you live to dance socially. Check our associate sites for dances in your area. There is always the option of starting your own dance.

What kind of shoes do I wear?

Your shoes are your connection to the dance floor, they are important to make you feel comfortable and for your safety. Improper shoes will not allow your body to turn properly and therefore can be an opportunity for injury. Soft soled shoes with smooth bottoms are best. For women pumps will work. For men typical Sunday shoes with leather bottoms, no traction.

Do women learn to dance faster than men?

Many women have experience with dancing in their childhood with ballet, tap or jazz. Due to this experience they often seem to learn faster when in a group or private partner dance class. In addition, many men feel they can't dance or don't have any rhythm, this thought often hinders their progress, whether or not it is true.

In partner dancing the man is often the leader and therefore has more information to process in the beginning stages of learning to dance. The leader is responsible for planning ahead and choosing the next pattern while the current pattern is in play. While the follower has only to think about the current pattern.

To the man's advantage is the fact that many men are right brained and therefore understand the technical aspects of dance (like math and physics) with a little more ease than a woman.

Why do I feel uncoordinated?

While math and science are mostly understood by the brain, dance, like most arts requires physical muscle control. The more we focus on moving our muscles the better we get at it. It is common to feel unclear about how to make your foot do this or your arm do that at the right time. It is the way your body is made. With our self-paced method of learning dance you can review each lesson as many times as you like and move on when you feel comfortable. The only one pushing you is you.

What makes a good social dance partnership?

Similar goals. It is helpful before you begin practicing together to be clear and honest about why you are practicing. Is it to teach the other person? to learn for your self? to become a competitive or show dancer? The Ability to work together and accept mistakes makes for a good social dance partnership.

What make s a good competitive dance partnership?

What do dancers wear?

Good question. In most social dancing it is common to wear casual attire. Certain genre's of dance have a tradition of specific clothing and shoes. Argentine Tango dancers for example typically wear black clothes. While lindy hoppers have fun keeping the originality of the roaring 20's in their closet and on the dance floor.