Ask yourself what your dancing goals are

What you want to do determines which options are best for you. Ask yourself the following questions before you begin. Doing your homework is important before you commit your time and money to this hobby.

Which one fits you best?

1. I 'd like to get out of the house for some exercise.
2. I'd like to meet other couples/singles?
3. I'd like to make new friends.
4. I'm a dance enthusiast! I love everything about dancing.
5. I want to learn all the dances.
6. I want to meet a dance partner and perform.
7. I want to win competitions and prizes.
8. I only have a few bucks so I'd like to spend it wisely.
9. I am independently wealthy and have lots of money to burn on tons of lessons, dance weekends and cruises galore!

Once you decide what your goals are you can look for a place to start your learning.

How do I select a Dance Studio?

It is important to find a studio and instructor that matches your dance goals. If you are just starting you may want to try out several places before making your selection.

1. Ask for a free private or group lesson. Learn about each instructor's background, education, training, years of experience, awards, etc. Meet and dance with all instructors before selecting an instructor.

2. Ask what all the programs are? What dances are taught? Ask for a demonstration. If you only want to learn one dance, ask if that is possible.

3. Find out what the cancellation policy is? Will the studio substitute your lessons with another instructor if yours is not available?

4. Ask if the studio has social dances? Are these dances open to the public? If you looking for a partner, it may be a good idea to select a place with open dances so you increase your chance of meeting a partner.

5. Are there other "singles" & "couples" in my age range? Ask if you can talk to students who have the same goals and interests as you.

6. Ask which Ballroom dance syllabi is being used and where the instructors were trained. Studios use different manuals and different terminology for each dance move. Some instructors specialize in particular dances or are champions in a particular category.

What do I need when I go out social dancing?

1. Cash. Usually social dances costs anywhere from $10 to $20 for several hours of dancing. Sometimes there are refreshments but don't expect them.

2. Bring lots of water. If you sweat a lot, bring a towel.

3. Keep your breath fresh! Brings some breath mints.

4. People ususally dress up when the go out social dancing. If you are not sure, call the establishment before you go. In general, jeans and sneakers are not appropriate for Ballroom dances. Dresses are great however they are not required. Women can wear pants and flat shoes! If you are going Country Western or Zydeco dancing people generally wear jeans, boots or dance sneakers. Keep jewelry and hair decoration to a minimum. Anything too big, jewelry that swings around or sticks out from your body can attach to yourself or your partner.

5. Shoes are important. If you don't have the right shoe you will not be able to execute the moves correctly, you may hurt yourself or throw off the timing completely. In general dance shoes with suede soles are best for ballroom dancing. However many social dancers where dance sneakers. They work well and are very comfortable. They are generally less expensive than ballroom shoes. If you don't have either one, wear shoes that have non-marking, rubber soles that will slide. Make sure that your shoes are not too slippery. Dancing requires turning and side-to-side movements so you need to be stable in your shoes. Covered and enclosed heels are best so your feet do not move around in your shoes. Sneakers and flip-flops are not safe to wear. Generally stiletto heels are not safe either however some people seem to manage.