How to Get the Most Out of Group Ballroom Dance Lessons

Perhaps you avidly watch "Dancing With the Stars" and picture yourself in a glittering ballgown (or an elegant tailsuit, as appropriate). Maybe you're getting married and don't want to look like a dork when you dance in front of your family and friends. Or, maybe you just thought ballroom dancing would be a fun thing to do. In any case, like many other hobbies, ballroom dancing takes practice and some instruction in order to be successful. Here are some tips on how to maximize your dance learning without annoying your teacher or disrupting other students' learning:

1. Listen quietly to what the teacher is saying; don't practice or talk to your partner when the teacher is talking. It's generally not a good idea to try to teach your partner.

2. Feel free to ask questions! If you need to go over a concept, chances are 2 or 3 people are thinking of asking but are afraid to, and 5 or 6 people need it!

3. In a basic class, where the class is just learning a pattern, don't show off by asking the teacher about advanced leading/dancing/styling techniques. Also, don't try to 'help' by telling the teacher that someone needs extra help...chances are the teacher already knows. Not everyone succeeds in a group class, and it's not fair to everyone else if the teacher spends half the time with one person. If you think the teacher is wrong about something, don't call her on it in front of the class...ask her about it later.

4. If you need extra help, keep in mind that the teacher can only spend so much time with you. If you are struggling, do the best you can and see #2 above. Also, consider taking some private lessons to get some individual attention.

5. If the teacher calls for the class to change partners, don't hide in the corner with the one that you brought. You will learn to dance better with each other if you spend some time dancing with other people.

6. Don't take an intermediate or advanced class before you're ready! Most group classes should be repeated before moving up to the next level. Don't feel like you're wasting time--you will surely learn something that you didn't the first time you took it, and it's a waste of everyone's time (yours, your classmates', and the teacher's) if you go into a class you're not ready for.

7. Practice! Write notes immediately after class before you forget (writing it in your own words is better for learning than asking the teacher for a handout), and try to do the pattern or concept at least once the same night, even if it's by yourself. The class will move more quickly if the teacher doesn't have to review the same material over and over. I highly recommend going to your studio's dances to meet other dancers and practice in a fun environment. See if you can get your classmates to go together!

Even if you never don that glittering gown, ballroom dancing can be a wonderful way to shed a few pounds, meet some new friends, or just have a good old fashioned good time. By following the tips above, you can help to ensure that you and your fellow students will enjoy each and every class.