What it Takes to be a Great Leader on the Dance Floor

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swing dancing in Phoenix, ArizonaCountry dancing, Latin dancing and Swing dancing…they’re all so cool! You’ve been going to local bars, friend’s weddings and out to romantic dinners, and everywhere you go, it seems that knowing how to dance would come in handy. Well it does, especially when it comes to sweeping her off her feet and impressing others!

If you have been wanting to learn to social dance for years but you still haven’t gone out to give it a try, you’re not alone. Many people say it took them years to get the courage to learn to dance. They also say they wish they would have started sooner. Regardless of when you begin, it never too late! With a little effort, you can be a great leader on the dance floor. Here’s what you’ll need to get there…

First, start by taking some time to get educated on how to lead. Remember, no one is born knowing how to partner dance, so with the right information through Private Dance Lessons, you will be golden. If you’re wondering why I’m suggesting Private Dance Lessons (versus Group Classes), you can really only get the details needed to be a great leader when you’re working with a professional directly. An overview in a group setting is just not going to give you what you need to nail it on the dance floor.

With one-on-one Country, Latin or Swing Dance Lessons from your local ballroom dance studio, you will not only learn how to lead, but how to connect with your dance partner. You should also get some fun moves that you can execute with anyone on the dance floor. Knowing how to lead those moves is essential in showing her a good time, so steer clear of fancy choreography, and ask for key moves that you can do with confidence.

Speaking of confidence, that is a key element in you becoming a great leader on any dance floor. Whether you’re Two Stepping or Salsa dancing, you must go out there and essentially “fake it til you make it”. A shy or insecure dancer shows through immediately and one or both of these two things will happen from there. A: She’ll start to lead herself on the dance floor through turns and moves that she wants to do and/or B: She won’t dance with you again. Neither are good endings to what could be avoided if you invest in Private Dance Lessons first.

Lastly, dancers of all levels can always benefit from more practice. Be patient with yourself when you’re first learning to dance. It is intimidating at first, but with time, you will get past the fear and push through to the fun. Take a little time each week to  go out to a Country bar, Latin club or any place with dancing and apply what you’re learning so you can progress to the next level. Learning a new dance or dance step is one thing, but trying it in the real world is entirely different. You will get better with practice, patience and perspective (Rome wasn’t built in a day).

Have fun on your journey into discovering how to be a confident leader on the dance floor! Social ballroom dancing is an incredible way to meet new friends, relieve stress, connect with someone special, and maybe even uncover some hidden talents that you may not know you had. 🙂

 

Five Reasons Why She Leads Herself on the Dance Floor

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East Valley Country Western dance lessonsYou’re out at your favorite County Western bar with your buddies Two Stepping the night away and there she is. Back against the wall is the prettiest girl in the place and she’s locked eyes with you. Victory!

Knowing that every girl loves to dance, you invite her onto the floor to Country Swing dance with you. Things start out fine, then all heck breaks loose as she begins to lead herself into a bunch of turns and dips that you don’t know! What is going on here? You’re supposed to be the leader, right? You ARE the lead on the dance floor, so why is this happening?

Well, there are many reasons why women lead themselves on the dance floor; fear, trust and insecurity are just a few. Most of the time, she doesn’t even realize she’s leading. She’s so used to “helping” or “compensating” for her partner that it has just become a bad habit. There are ways that we can break this habit for her, but that’s for another blog. For now, let’s explore why she leads herself in the first place.

Lack of Information: OK, let’s assume that this pretty lady has never been on a dance floor and has no idea what it means to follow. She may very well be yanking you around simply because she doesn’t know what else to do. Let’s face it, most people do not take Country Dance Lessons, they wing it. Or they watch the uninformed dancer next to them and they mimic what they do. It’s not her fault in this case. She just needs more information on what it means to be a follower on the dance floor.

Fear of not Looking Good: Then there’s the woman who does know what to do, but may be afraid that you won’t make her look good, so she turns and twists herself to show off or have fun. Unknowingly, this fear is not only preventing her from having the good time she is seeking, but she will ultimately get annoyed that she is “doing all the work” on the dance floor.

Trust: The other form of fear she is feeling is the fear of you not knowing what you’re doing. This leads to a lack of trust and sometimes into her leading herself to avoid being flung into others and treated like a rag doll on the dance floor. If this was ever happened to you, you know what I’m talking about. So many guys push and pull their partner on the floor, without being mindful of how she feels, that it can be scary! Guys, if you want her to relax on the dance floor, take care of her.

Insecurity: She knows that you’re in charge, but she can’t handle what that means. She doesn’t necessarily feel confident in her Country dance skills and doesn’t want to make a mistake, but she’s nervous and almost can’t help herself but take over and lead. Unless she tries to control the situation, she doesn’t know how it will turn out. I say, give her a break here. It all comes down to her nerves With a few dances and some trust, she will hopefully start to feel a bit better and will allow you to do your thing.

Fun: She just wants to have a good time! It doesn’t matter who you are, she’ll do what she wants, when she wants to. In her mind, she can give herself a better time on the dance floor than you probably could. OK men, what can we do about these ladies? Well, have a dance or two with her, and if she keeps wanting to turn herself, move on.

You’re going to run into all types of dance partners when you go out Country dancing. If you’re looking for a sure fire way to gain control as a leader and stay in control, I recommend that you make the investment in your self by signing up for Private Country Dance Lessons. Working directly with an instructor will give you the tips and tools that you need to be that ultimate leader on the dance for anyone who comes your way. You will also be much more self-assured, which will give her a chance to relax and enjoy being swept off of her feet. Now that sounds like a good time!

How to Know if Swing Dancing is for you…

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Swing dance lessons near Chandler ArizonaAre you looking for a fun way to relax after work? Have you been wanting to try something new and exciting? Does meeting a few new friends with similar interests sound like something you need more of? Then learning to Swing dance may be just what you’ve been missing!

How do you know if Swing dancing is for you? Let’s start by identifying what kind of music you listen to. If you like Oldies, Big Band, Rock and Roll, Hip Hop or Country music, Swing dancing has you covered. There are actually 24 variations of Swing dancing, so your favorite types of music are sure to be included in this versatile dance. How cool is that!?

If you didn’t select any of the above music genres, that’s OK. You just may learn to love them after you see how much fun it is to Swing dance. With Swing dance lessons you’ll discover how easy it is to spin and turn with the best of them. You will also most likely be smiling from ear to ear because of the feel-good characteristics of the Swing. To sum it up, Swing dance lessons are a wonderful way to relax and unwind at the end of a hectic day. There will be a little skip in your step and a second wind from your lessons that will put you in a great frame of mind before you have to go to bed and do it all over again.

Once you’ve taken Swing Dance Lessons at a dance studio near you, you can find local places to dance the Swing, from Country bars to retro venues around town. What a creative and cool way to connect with others who also love to dance! Start putting your skills to the test in the real world and before long, you’ll have a new group of buddies to share in your new hobby.

Swing dancing is not only relaxing, fun and a fantastic way to meet people, but it also is quite aerobic, which is amazing. When you think about it, Swing dancing checks off many boxes. You can virtually skip the gym as long as you Swing dance on a regular basis because you’ll be burning up to 450 calories per hour….just by dancing! With an increased heart rate, your fitness goals can align with your social and personal goals to make Swing dancing your all-in-one cure for many areas of your life.

Have you decided that Swing dancing is for you? I hope so! Give beginner’s Swing Dance Lessons a shot and see how it opens you up to new possibilities, and provides an incredible outlet for endless hours of fun.

“Rock Your Reception” With the Perfect Wedding Dance!

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wedding dance classes Mesa ArizonaWhat is your ideal wedding dance? Is it a Cinderella fairy tale, a Star Wars adventure or a dramatic Argentine tango? If so, let’s rock your reception with an incredible First Dance routine that will knock the socks off of your friends and family!

Have you ever been to a wedding where the bride and groom did the idle “prom sway” for five minutes to their favorite love song? Was it so boring that you almost forgot that their dance even happened six months later? Did you vow to yourself right then and there that you would definitely not do the same when it was your turn? If so, you know how important it is to give your friends and family a wedding dance to remember. Why leave them bored stiff when you can wow them with an unexpected and exciting dance they will never forget!

Now, the dance of your dreams is up to you. What’s your personal style? Here are a couple of ideas to get that mind to work on what kind of dance you would like to perform for your loved ones.

The “Fairy Tale” Wedding Dance: Who doesn’t love a Cinderella story? Make your wedding dance elegant and flowy while Prince Charming sweeps you off your feet. Sounds amazing! With Wedding Dance Lessons from a local ballroom dance studio, you’ll be shining on the dance floor in no time.

To get started on this dance of a lifetime, I suggest you begin by sifting through your favorite Disney movie soundtracks. These tunes will surely bring back memories, and you’ll find your favorite song before long. But don’t stop there. Keep searching and come to your first dance lesson with at least three wedding song options, just to be safe. While some songs may sound great, they may not be easy to dance to, and that can be very disappointing if you don’t have at least one or two back up ideas in mind.

You really can’t go wrong with a “Cinderella” wedding dance, especially if it aligns well with your overall wedding theme/feel. It is sure to be a big hit, and will definitely be a key piece of your big day that everyone will keep close to their hearts as they look back on your wedding.

The “Unexpected” Wedding Dance: Some of us are more shy than others. If you’re really looking to throw your friends and family for a loop, try something unexpected, like a Salsa dance, Country Swing dance, or a Hip Hop performance. Or how about a medley of all three!? It’s great fun to sit down and expect the rocking back and forth sways and instead watch people that you love perform a dance that they have put effort and time into doing.

Hey, you don’t have to be shy to put on a show that your guests will not expect, but how fun would it be to reveal your inner dancer on your wedding day? The “unexpected” wedding dance is always a fantastic option, as long as you’re being guided by a professional dance instructor. With Wedding dance lessons, you will get a customized, choreographed first dance that will be a wonderful surprise to all!

The “Dramatic” Wedding Dance: Leave a lasting impression on your wedding day with a passionate Argentine Tango first dance. If you’re hosting an elegant and classy wedding, this is a top choice to tie your wedding theme and your first dance together perfectly. Argentine Tango dance lessons for your wedding will not only give you an amazing wedding dance, but you and your fiancé will also have sexy moves that you can do for the rest of your lives together. I always say, “A couple that dances together, stays together”, so why not learn something as cool as the tango?

Now that you have a few wedding dance options to consider, it’s time to set up a Wedding Dance Consultation to get the ball rolling. When should you start preparing? I say as soon as possible! It’s never too early to begin learning to dance together. Look your best by giving yourselves plenty of time and making your first dance a priority. You’ll definitely be glad you did!

Three Country Dance Don’ts

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Country dance classes in ArizonaI love to go Country dancing, especially here in Arizona! There’s a ton of fun restaurant/bars to check out, from San Tan Flat in Queen Creek (my personal fave) to Handlebar J’s in Scottsdale, that are a blast to hang out at with friends and dance the night away.

An awesome night of Country dancing can quickly turn awry, though, when things get out of control. If you’ve ever been kicked in the head (like I have) by a large pair of Cowboy boots, you know exactly what I’m talking about. It seems that, at least at some local places, the crazier the dancing, the cooler you are. This is not what Country dancing is all about people. That said, here are a few of my favorite Country dancing “don’ts”. Just a few tips from me to you so that everyone can have fun on the dance floor.

First, leave the flips and tricks at the gym, local dance studio or wherever you practice them. They are not in any way safe to be performed on a crowded social dance floor. Unless you are putting on a show in a controlled space where you have the floor to yourselves, don’t use these moves out dancing where others are at risk of being injured. When you throw alcohol into the mix, you can imagine how unsafe it is to be near dancers who are being tossed around like rag dolls. Unfortunately many venues want to attract what they consider to be “entertaining” dancers, so they allow this type of dancing to occur and simply “carry lots of insurance” in case someone gets hurt. At least this is what the bar manager told me when I was kicked in the head.

Next, don’t hog up the dance floor with big spins and turns. Believe it or not, you can be an incredible Country Two Step or Country Swing dancer and be controlled. You can look amazing and impressive by taking up just a little bit of space, and not the entire dance floor. Less really is more. So, even if you’re not lifting her above your head, still try shrinking up your movements in general to allow others some space to dance. Otherwise, we get into what I call “bumper dancing”, and that’s just not fun.

Lastly, and this is very minor compared to my other points, but don’t do the same dance to every song. Not all Country music is a Two Step, or a Swing for that matter. There are fast, slow and medium tempo songs…even in Country dancing. So why are there many, many dancers that do the same dance over and over to every song? My best guess is that they have not been educated on what dances to do and when. The great news is that you’re dancing anyway. Kudos to you for getting out there and not sitting on the sidelines wishing you could dance. This problem is easily solved with Country dance lessons. Once you get formal instruction from a local dance studio, you will be able to identify which dance goes with what music, and you will be on your way to becoming a confident (and informed) Country dancer.

Why miss out on the fun of Country dancing when you can be out there having a ball! Avoid these Country dance don’ts by making an investment in your dancing with Two Step or Swing dance lessons. You will get invaluable tips on how to fit in, look great, be on time and shine on any Country dance floor. Wouldn’t that be cool? I say yes!

If you live in Arizona like I do, come visit Dance FX Studios for Country Dance Classes for singles and couples. I would  love see help you to be an amazing Country dancer!

Am I Too Old To Salsa Dance?

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Salsa lessons mesa AZMany people think that old dogs can’t learn new tricks. They think that going out Salsa dancing is only for the young. I say no! That is so not the case! Like fine wine, we can all age gracefully and get better with time, especially when we continue to challenge ourselves to grow and learn.

Did you know that discovering new things at any stage of our lives is not only exciting, but healthy in mind, body and spirit? As we age, it is essential to keep active and social, not stagnant and alone. By giving Salsa dance lessons a try, you will benefit in so many ways. From making new friends to sharpening your mind, Salsa dancing may be just what the doctor ordered!

If you’ve heard the incredible statistics on how ballroom dancing, which includes Latin dancing, keeps dementia at bay, you know that you’re never too old to learn to dance. In fact, being older and learning to dance as a new hobby is a wonderful thing! Check out this statistic: As compared to doing crossword puzzles, riding bikes and reading, social ballroom dancing was 76% more effective in warding off dementia in patients at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City. Now that’s amazing! Interestingly, swimming and playing golf had zero effect on aging patients in terms of memory improvement.

Salsa dancing will also get that heart rate up, keeping your blood pressure low, and creating a happier, healthier you! And, with increased endorphin levels because of all of that movement on the dance floor, you’re sure to be smiling and having a blast!

Socially, Salsa dancing, like many other ballroom dances, is a fun and exciting approach to meeting new friends. Sure, you can meet people in all different ways, but the joy of social dancing with people with similar interests, provides a unique opportunity to connect with others. Social dancing is just that…social! When you share what you love with others, you’re no longer alone. And regardless of your age, being a part of a community gives us purpose and passion.

You can be hip and cool at any age when you know how to Salsa dance! Explore ballroom dancing for yourself and see how it can help you physically, mentally and socially. Get off the couch and on to the dance floor for Beginner’s Private Latin and Ballroom Dance Lessons . You’re never too old to join in the fun!

 

How to Avoid Country Dancing Disasters

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Country dance classes in Mesa ArizonaHave you ever been out Country dancing and had someone get flung right into you? What about being stepped on by a huge pair of Cowboy boots? Ouch! Well I have, and let me say, neither is the greatest feeling. “How do we avoid these dancing disasters?”, you may be wondering. Well, I have a couple of ideas. Thy these out next time you go Country dancing here in Arizona, or anywhere for that matter, and see if they make a difference.

My number one suggestion for those who are brave enough to get out on that Country dance floor is to come prepared. By that I mean, take Country Dance Lessons for beginners BEFORE going out Country dancing. How nice will it feel to actually know what you’re doing when you’re out there versus looking at the guy to your left and mimicking him. That’s how these disasters started happening in the first place! It’s seriously the blind leading the blind out there. To change that, be the dancer who has the tools to navigate that crowded dance floor with ease. With Private Country Dance Lessons, you will definitely get valuable tips on how to lead and follow, how to connect with anyone on the dance floor, how to navigate around a crowded dance floor, and how to dance with etiquette. The best part is that your learning experience will be personalized for how you learn best, since Private Dance Instruction is all about you!

Next, seek out Country dance bars that seem to have more mindful dancers in them. We all want to feel cool by showing up at the trendy Country bars, but some Country bars here in Arizona have turned into more of a “club” scene than a true Country bar. If you’re looking for a more authentic experience, you can visit a bar or two first to get a feel for the type of dancers that attend and what style they lean towards. You don’t have to try and fit in amongst what I call the “Wild Horses” of the Country scene if you’re looking to test out your skills in the real world and be safe at the same time.

Finally, come into this new world of Country dancing with an open mind. Start by patting yourself on the back for giving Country dancing a try in the first place! It is going to be intimidating wherever you go dancing as a beginner Country dancer, but if you relax, take it slow and enjoy the experience of getting your feet wet for the first few times, I promise it will get easier and easier each time you go out there. Don’t give up! There is room on that dance floor for you, you just have to carve out a little space for yourself and own it. Think back to what you learned in your Private Dance Lessons and have some fun! You’ve put in the time to learn, so you might as well get out there and enjoy your new hobby!

Country dancing is a blast, especially when you know what you’re doing. Take the time to do it right and you will be able to use your skills for years to come! If you live in the Phoenix East Valley, stop by and visit your Country dance pros at Dance FX Studios for incredible tips on how to be a confident Country dancer.

Three Things You Didn’t Know About Country Two Step Dancing

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Country Two Step lessons near Chandler ArizonaWho doesn’t love Country dancing? Grabbing a friend and heading out to a Country bar on any given night is a great way to meet new people, relax and unwind from your week, and dance! If you’re anything like me, you don’t particularly love all Country music (especially that “twangy” old-school style), but that’s OK. Two Step dancing isn’t about waiting for your favorite songs to come on, it’s about enjoying a fun and easy dance that can burn off some serious steam (and calories!). Country dancing is actually quite entertaining!

Now, if you have been out Country dancing, you may have already discovered that learning to Two Step is not particularly difficult. What makes the dance seem challenging is the way many dancers are using it today. From flying around the dance floor like your feet are on fire, to swinging your partner into others because it’s “fun” to be twirled, Country dancing, especially here in Arizona, needs a make-over, or more like a “make-under”. What’s being lost are the key aspects of the dance, including the rhythm.

Here are a few things that you most likely did not know about Country Two Step dancing. If you apply them, you will be successful on the dance floor. If not, you will most likely fit in with what’s trendy today. 😉 Either way, as long as you’re out dancing, that’s a great thing!

  1. Country Two Step is a rhythm. Every dance has a rhythm, and the Country Two Step is no exception. Sticking with the rhythm of the Two Step is most of what actually makes it a Two Step, versus other popular dances, like the Country Swing or Waltz.  The rhythm for the Two Step is Quick, Quick, Slow, Slow. While that may not mean much to you as a beginner Country dancer, knowing that there is a certain rhythm to the dance is a definite start. With Private Two Step dance lessons, you will discover how to apply your steps to the beat, so you can look awesome out Country dancing.
  2. Country Two Step is NOT a fast dance. When I go out dancing, I spot out tons of Country dancers (out here in Phoenix, Arizona at least) that seem to think every song being played is a Two Step. That is definitely not the case! Can you find the “Quick, Quick, Slow, Slow” beat in many songs that are not meant for Two Stepping? Yes, and that is part of the problem. So, to rephrase what I’m trying to say, Two Step not only has a certain rhythm, but it also has a general speed. Really fast songs should be used as Swings, medium tempo Country music is generally meant for Two Stepping and slower songs can cover your Country Waltz’s, Nite Club Two Steps. Doing the same dance to every speed just shows that you only know one style, and that you are not versatile on the dance floor.
  3. Country Two Step can travel, or not! This is a really cool aspect of the Country Two Step that many people don’t realize. For those that have taken Two Step dance lessons at some point, they may have learned that this dance always moves in a counter-clockwise direction. That is true when you are traveling, but you can also do the Two Step in place, making it super-fun for crowded dance floors! How? Come visit us at Dance FX Studios to find out! 🙂

If you’re ready to conquer any dance floor, start your journey into Country dancing with beginner’s Country Western dance lessons. Private Country dance lessons are ideal so that we can help you to establish the fundamentals of partner dancing before venturing out to a crowded dance floor. We can also give you the information and confidence you need to shine. Let us help you to uncover the fun and excitement of Country dancing today.

How Social Dancing Can Rescue You!

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swing dancing in Mesa ArizonaHave you ever found yourself on a Friday night at home alone wishing that you were out doing something fun? Do you play re-runs of classics like Footloose and Dirty Dancing at home hoping that he will one day take you out dancing? Do you wish you could find a way to relax and unwind without having to polish off a bottle of wine? If you answered “Yes!” to any of these questions , you are in need of dancing in your life! Social dancing can take you away from your worries, help you to reconnect with your partner and give you lots to do when the weekend rolls around…doesn’t that sound like exactly what you need? I think so!

To make sure we are on the same page, you may be wondering what social dancing is exactly. Social dancing is what you can use out at weddings, in bars, on cruises and at holiday parties. It’s what you do at a gathering when someone puts on the music and you all feel like getting up and grooving! Social dances that are hot today include Swing dancing, Salsa, and Country Two Step. All three popular styles are done to different kinds of music so there’s no reason to ever sit on the sidelines and wish that you could participate in the fun.

Now, to set yourself up for success, I recommend signing up for some adult social dance lessons. Beginner’s dance lessons will give you a solid understanding of the key points to becoming a great social dancer, namely how to lead or follow, how to move as one with a partner and other fun dance techniques. Private dance lessons are the fastest route to being a competent dancer, so start there.

But back to how dancing can rescue you…Singles, there’s absolutely no reason that your weekend should be spent with Netflix once you know how to dance. Here in Phoenix, Arizona, there are Country bars galore, Latin dance clubs abound, and even a few Swing dance venues that will knock your socks off! Go! Get out and visit a place that interests you. Invite someone for a dance, or stand by the floor to indicate that you would like to be invited out for a dance and see how your night shapes up from there. Trust me, the better, more trained dancers can’t get off the dance floor if they tried! That will be you after some Country dance lessons or Latin ones to build your confidence. Everyone is attracted to a great dancer, and that can easily be you, with some effort on your part beforehand.

For couples…torture her no more! Find a local adult dance studio and set up a couple’s dance lessons for her as a surprise. Mother’s Day is just around the corner and a gift card for couple’s dance lessons may be just what she would love! Once you’re at your first dance lesson, be sure to let your instructor know what kind of music you like so he/she can pick useful dances for you to learn. Then let the journey of discovering dance begin! Social dancing is fantastic for couples who want to spend quality time together away from the kids, daily life and work. Lessons will give you a chance to hold each other and re-connect, and every couple can benefit from a little more of that!

For you workaholics, let dancing rescue you any and every chance you get! Take a Private Swing Dance Lesson at the end of your busy day, or grab a co-worker and head out Salsa dancing after work. Dancing will allow you to blow off some steam, meet new friends and even make connections for work! Again, everyone is attracted to a great dancer, so with some lessons under your belt, you’ll be looking and feeling great out there.

Social dancing is the cure-all for many areas of our lives. From connecting with others to lifting your spirits to adding romance, relieving stress, losing weight and so much more, social dancing can help. So give adult dance lessons a try today, you’ll be so glad you did!

What Learning to Dance Can Reveal About You…

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social ballroom dance lessons near Tempe ArizonaHe has agreed to take Private Dance Lessons. He’s been working diligently one-on-one with his instructor to be a great leader on the dance floor, just so that he can sweep you off your feet one day. Now the time has come for him for him to take you out dancing to your favorite Country bar. Tonight is the night! The pressure is on, and boy can he feel it!

You get on the dance floor and he freezes. So what do you do? You begin pulling him around the floor, like you’ve always done before. In no time, he’s ready to leave. “What’s the point of taking lessons if you can’t use what you’ve learned?”, you ask. Here comes the beginning of the end of any chance you have of your man wanting to dance again. What a shame that you two are going to miss out on the joys of spending your date nights out dancing!

Before you start scratching your head and wondering why, can you relate to this story? Are you the woman who has been trying to “help” your man to be a confident social dancer by turning yourself or pulling him along the dance floor? If this is you, please know that you’re not alone. Of course you want to enjoy Country dancing with your man! Of course you wish he could just be comfortable enough to want to join you anywhere, anytime for a dance. Of course he’s sick of watching other guys Two Step the night away with his wife. And of course it is not your fault that you have to take over on the dance floor because you are just trying to help, right? Well, maybe not.

Unknowingly, and quite ironically, you are both the reason why he started taking dance lessons, and the reason why he still cannot dance with confidence, both at the same time. As a result of his night out Country dancing with you, he feels inadequate and defeated, and may not want to venture out onto another social dance floor anytime soon. In his best efforts to please you, he did not reach his goal of putting a smile on your face on the dance floor, and has therefore failed. Did you know he felt this way? I doubt you did or I’m betting things would have played out differently.

The wonderful experience of learning incredible social dances like Country Two Step, Swing and Argentine Tango is that you are not only exploring how to move properly on a dance floor, but you are seeing things about yourself in the process of gaining a new skill, so you can grow as a person. This is the best part, in my opinion, of stepping outside of your comfort zone and trying something new and challenging like adult dance lessons.

In the scenario above, she may have learned that her need to control the situation at the Country bar in order to have a good time may have overshadowed his need for a calm and patient partner on his first night out dancing. Had she given him a minute to settle in and shake off his nerves, he may have been able to perform better. This is quite common, as I mentioned before, and it is most probably something that she would be willing to fix if it were brought to her attention.

Teamwork is a huge aspect of social ballroom dancing that is key for developing a successful partnership on the dance floor.  Sometimes, though, we can stand in our own way by not supporting our other half, or by blaming each other when things don’t go quite right.  As your guide through this process, I take this as an opportunity to help bring a couple closer together, which will in turn help you to make more progress on the dance floor. That’s a great thing! With a few ideas and recommendations, it can be a simple fix. And this is why I like to think of myself as a dancing therapist. 😉

Lastly, social insecurities can hold you back in a big way from having fun with social dancing. If you’re looking to push past that, take Private Dance Lessons and learn your stuff so you can have the confidence to get onto any dance floor without caring what anyone thinks. Partner or not, you absolutely can be an amazing social dancer!

Many insecurities and issues that we have can be not only revealed, but resolved through the process of learning to dance. My best advice is to find a local dance studio for adults that takes a true interest in the real reason why you want to begin learning to dance. You may not even know the deeper reasons that you have been drawn to this new hobby, but if you find the right place to learn, you should be waltzing out of that studio down the road with your head up high, full of confidence and proud that you know the coolest hobby ever…social ballroom dancing!