In social partner dancing, great posture is everything! Learn few ways that your perfect posture will aid you in becoming a confident social dancer.

Country dancing Tempe Arizona

Stand Tall! Posture Matters.

Country dancing near Tempe ArizonaIn social partner dancing, great posture is everything! When attempting to connect with another person, it’s important to realize that how you hold yourself affects her, and vice versa. With nice posture, you’ll have so many more opportunities on the dance floor that an untrained or unaware dancer might not have. Here are a few ways that your perfect posture will aid you in becoming a confident social dancer.

  1. You’ll be a better leader! By sending clearer signals to your dance partner because you are holding yourself upright, you will be a better leader than most, right off the bat. How nice is that!? Of course, you could go out Country dancing and fling your lady around the floor like I see so many guys do out here in the Arizona Country bars, OR you can stand up tall and really take command as a leader with finesse. Less really can be more! You see, standing up allows you to send very clear and direct signals through your dance frame from you to her. In fact, without standing up straight, you can never ultimately be a great lead, since she will constantly be confused about your intentions. This is not the kind of leader that you want to be, right?
  2. Your balance will improve. With great posture, you will be more in control of your balance, once again making you a better lead or follow on the dance floor. Good balance means that you can be more efficient in your movement and in charge of your awesome dancing experience. Balance is key in turning as well, and who doesn’t love to turn while Salsa, Swing or Two Step dancing?
  3. You’ll lower your risk or shoulder, neck and back injuries. When you pull your shoulders back and tuck in your tailbone, you’ll be properly erect and ready to go, avoiding a chance of injury by holding your body “like a dancer”. A wonderful exercise for beginner social dancers who want to reduce risk of injury is to lean against a wall and bend your knees slightly. Keeping your back flat against the wall, from your shoulders to tailbone, is your focus. From there, try to stay that straight as you step away from the wall, and see if you can maintain that position. That is the posture that you will need for each one of your dances. The key is not to look like a “ballroom” dancer, but to simply hold yourself well so that you can stay safe and have fun dancing. Hunching over is never ideal and will put you in her dance space, which will cause unwanted aches and pains.

Whether you’re Country Western dancing or Salsa dancing, posture is important. With Private Dance Lessons in these and other popular social dances, you will learn how to hold yourself and your partner to enjoy social dancing to the fullest.

If you live here in Phoenix, Arizona with us, stop by and sign up for an Introductory Dance Lesson to discover the fun of social dancing! We will get you started with healthy habits to make you a confident and comfortable social dancer before you know it!

 

Country dance lessons AZ

How to Avoid Being a Boring Dance Partner

Country dance lessons near Tempe AZDo you think that you’re boring to dance with, or have you ever encountered a boring dance partner out Salsa dancing or Swing dancing? If so, let’s change that! First, you know you can only control yourself on the dance floor, so if you find yourself thinking “Dang, he/she really doesn’t look like they’re enjoying this Two Step with me”, I can offer some tips on how to make sure that never happens again.

  1. Smile and make eye contact. You know the saying, “Fake it ’til you make it?” When you are showing your dance partner a good time with your eyes and body language, he or she is bound to feel more relaxed and enjoy their time with you. If you’re feeling insecure about your level of dance as compared to theirs, I do not recommend apologizing. Just keep smiling and do your best! Social dancing with others will help you to gauge where you’re at with your dancing, and help you to strive to be better, so challenge yourself and pick a good dancer. Then, once you get her/him in your arms, do your best to keep up and enjoy the ride. Remember, if you need help working on your leading or following skills, Private Dance Lessons at your local social dance studio is the best solution. No one is born knowing how to dance, so get the right information to keep you on track. Your nights out dancing will be more fun every time you head out to that Country bar or Latin dance club with dance lessons under your belt.
  2. Vary your dance moves to keep it interesting. As a beginner Country, Latin or Swing dancer, you will be limited on how many moves you have in your repitoire. That’s natural. Again, Private Dance Instruction will help with new moves, advanced leading/following techniques and even how to stay on the beat with the music so that you can advance from week to week. Everyone starts somewhere so be patient with yourself as you grow in your dancing. You’re not boring, you’re new, and that’s OK!
  3. Stay on time with the music. This may seem tricky if you don’t even think you can hear the music, let alone move your body to it, but it is essential for never ending up on the boring side of the meter.  Dancing with the music is magical, and its value should not be underestimated, so please, ask your dance instructor for lessons on how to hear the beat in any song. It will be a valuable piece of information that you and your future dance partners will treasure. Now ladies, if you hear the beat but your partner doesn’t, please don’t attempt to teach him on the dance floor. That will only make him feel inadequate, which I’m sure is not your intention. For the intermediate/advanced social dancer, play with the rhythm in the music to show her an even more fun time. She will love the feeling and it will certainly shake things up in a good way.

Social dancing, while it may seem less challenging that competitive Ballroom dancing, is actually quite comprehensive. Discovering how to maneuver around a crowded dance floor with loud music, drunk people, and a whole slew of other potentially distracting factors takes time. At Dance FX Studios in the Phoenix East Valley, near Chandler and Tempe, AZ, in Mesa, we can give you all of the pointers that you need to be successful on any social dance floor. With two decades of experience under our belts, you are going to be a confident social dancer in no time after a series of Private Dance Lessons with us.

Black Friday Dance Lessons Arizona

Black Friday Dance Deals Are Almost Here!

Black Friday Dance Lessons near Chandler ArizonaAre you looking for a creative gift for co-workers, friends, neighbors and loved ones this holiday season? If so, I have the greatest gift idea ever…the gift of social dance lessons! You may be wondering, “What exactly is social dancing?”. Well, social dancing is anything that you can use out, whether you’re at a holiday party, a wedding or in a club. Social dancing is not competitive Ballroom dancing, like what you would see on Dancing With The Stars, which makes it much more useful and cool to know. And, as you may have discovered, social dancing is very popular right now, so it makes for an extra special and cool gift!

What’s perfect about social dance lessons as a holiday present is that it literally is the gift that keeps on giving! Think about it. How fun would it be to get someone you love started with a hobby that they will use time and again throughout their lives? Social dancing, including Country dancing, Latin dancing and Swing dancing, is not only great fun, and an amazing way to reignite any flame, but it is also an fun outlet for self-expression, stress relief and exercise!

My favorite part of social dancing is that it is an incredible confidence builder. If you know a shy guy who could use a few tips on how to sweep a lady off of her feet, Country Two Step or Swing dance lessons are the perfect way to give him a one-two punch, a new skill and the courage to go out and use it! For us ladies, knowing how to follow on the dance floor will also give you the self-assurance that you CAN dance. You may even feel sexy before you know it! Salsa dancing, after all, is HOT! It’s a win-win for both guy and gals! And, for couples, social dance lessons are an ideal way to spend quality time together to nurture your relationship.

Now that you know why you should give the gift of dance this season, let me share Dance FX Studios’ Black Friday through Cyber Monday dance deals with you so that you can save up to 30% this weekend!

We have five deals for you to consider: A Starter Dance Program for New Dancers, A Gift Card Giveaway (buy 4 and get the 5th one FREE!), a Party Pack (buy two Nights Out dancing with us and two In-House Dance Parties and get the 5th one FREE), a Wedding Dance Crash Course (5 Private Wedding Dance Lessons) and a Private Dance Lesson Booster Package for our current dance students.

All of our Black Friday through Cyber Monday dance deals have terms to read through, so be sure to check them out on our website. And, great news! You can shop from the comfort of your home as all of our dance deals are Online only through our secured website.

Dance FX Studios is located in Mesa, Arizona, on the border of Tempe and Chandler, AZ. We are just off the 101 highway for your convenience. Nearby cities include Scottsdale, Gilbert, Queen Creek and Phoenix. As the only strictly social dance studio in Phoenix for adults, we pride ourselves on preparing you for any crowded dance floor by teaching you in a fun and relaxing environment.

Dance FX Studios will not be open Thursday, November 26th through the weekend, so if you see something you like on our list of options, please be sure to call the studio for more details. Otherwise, happy shopping and enjoy your holiday weekend! 🙂 We hope to see you on the dance floor in 2016!

Country dancing Chandler AZ

What to do When Things Go Wrong on the Dance Floor

Country dancing near Chandler AZYou’re out social dancing on a Friday night to shake off your stressful week and everything seems to be going wrong. You’ve drawn a blank on the dance moves you have, and you can’t even find the beat in songs that you’ve heard a thousand times. What a nightmare…and the worst of it is that you’re on a date! You thought you’d impress her, but things seem to be going downhill quickly, especially on the dance floor.

What do you do? OK, first, take a deep breath. Making mistakes on the dance floor, whether you’re out Country dancing or Salsa dancing, is completely normal! Maybe you’re just nervous or you are simply having an off day. Regardless, it’s just dance, so relax and follow these suggestions…

  1. Keep on smiling. You’re out to show her a good time, right? If you’re caught up in your head trying to remember your Swing dance moves, she will begin to feel the pressure that you’re putting on yourself. That will take away from her fun, and there goes the great idea of taking her social dancing in the first place! Also, keep in mind that she doesn’t know what you do and don’t know yourself, so cover up those boo boo’s with a big smile and give yourself a break. When you relax and let go of stressing to remember your dance moves, she will feel that positive energy, and you will most likely start to recall what you forgot in the first place. So keep your chin up and put a big grin on it. It will make for a much more exciting experience for you both!
  2. Slow things down. On a date especially, I recommend impressing her with a slow dance to start. That doesn’t mean a snoozer, but even a mid-tempo dance like the Country Two Step will give you a chance to catch your breath and remind yourself of the steps you know. Of course, this is all provided that you have taken Country Dance Lessons or Latin Dance Lessons in the first place. I should have prefaced this blog by stating that with Private Dance Lessons under your belt, you will get the tools you need to succeed on any dance floor, putting you in a great starting position with your date. So back to my point on starting slow, I do not recommend jumping at that first Swing dance song that comes on, even if she tries to drag you out on the floor, if you’re not ready. Get prepared mentally, then go for it!
  3. Lastly, Keep it simple. I say this to all over my students, and have for the last 20 years that I have taught: Less really is more. I would always rather dance with someone who has a great dance frame and a clean lead over flashy, sloppy dance moves. I’m impressed more with quality over quantity, and a great dancer knows where to start when dancing with someone new, and where not to begin. So, tone it down, keep it simple and start slow. From there, once you know you’re back on track with your confidence and memory, give those faster songs a shot and see how it goes.

Social dancing is an amazing way to spend an evening! (Most) women love to dance, so it’s hard to go wrong with a surprise night out Country, Latin or Swing dancing. And here in Arizona, there are plenty of all three places to go put your skills to the test. But first, do yourself a favor and invest in Private Dance Lessons. In most local dance studios for adults, you can come solo and dance with your instructor. That way, you will be getting direct information on how you lead, making you a great dancer that much faster! At my studio in the Phoenix East Valley, Dance FX Studios, we will give you tips like these on a regular basis so that you can be prepped for any social occasion that may arise. After all, dancing is the key to a woman’s heart! 🙂

 

Salsa dancing in Phoenix

How to Avoid Rejection on Any Dance Floor

Salsa dancing in PhoenixGuys, wouldn’t it be great if she said “yes!” to every dance? Sure it would! Getting a “No” is never fun, and frankly not even easy for us ladies, most of the time. So how do you get her virtually lining up to dance with you? Well, here are some of my top suggestions for how to avoid rejection on any dance floor.

  1. Smell great! A shower and fresh breath goes a long way. On the flip side, ladies, have you ever been out Salsa dancing and taken a whiff of your partner? He obviously did not prepare for his night of dancing because he smells like he’s not showered in days. How fun is it dancing with him? I’d venture to say “not very”. Now, let’s give this guy a small break and assume that he got sweaty Salsa or Bachata dancing at the Latin club. That does happen. To prevent stinking on top of being wet, using a deodorant for athletes is always a great plan. I personally love a little cologne too, but some girls don’t, or are allergic to it, so be aware of this, men. Conversely, an “un-fresh” breath is completely avoidable. Men, grab some mints or gum to put in your pocket so you don’t end up turning off your dance partners. She will remember you, so make a great impression.
  2. Don’t out-dance her. Men, the social dance floor is not the time to show off-especially when you’re dancing with someone new. Take going out Country dancing, for example. At least here in Arizona, tons of guys fling and swing their partners around like muppets in attempt to make themselves look cool. Here’s an important tip: if this is your first dance together, use this time to make her feel comfortable and safe. Once you know her skill level, try more advanced moves little by little to see how she reacts. That will be your gauge as to how far you can go with your partner on the dance floor. Keep in mind two things, guys, as you go through this process. 1. That you are on a social dance floor. Others are sharing the space with you, so don’t be a floor hog and, 2. Partner dancing is designed to show off your lady. If you are making her feel uncomfortable, she cannot and will not be able to relax and allow you to sweep her off of her feet. If you’ve danced with a controlling follower on the dance floor, re-read what I just wrote to see if this may be why.
  3. Don’t teach her on the dance floor. No one likes know-it-all. Leaders, don’t belittle us by trying to play two roles on the dance floor. Again, keep it simple and dance to her level, but please do not teach her how to do her part. It’s best that she invest in Private Dance Lessons for beginners to learn from us pros.
  4. Listen to the music. Last but not least, pay attention to the beat. If you’re a great Two Step or Swing dancer, and have made an investment in dance lessons for yourself, then you already know the importance of musicality as a part of your dancing experience. If not, dance lessons are perfect for helping you to identify what dance to do to what music, as well as how to stay on time. It is a great feeling when you are on time with the music, and a key piece of the dancing puzzle as a leader, and couple, on the dance floor.

I hope these four tips help to give every man the courage to ask any lady to dance, and to know that by following these guidelines, that she will have a great experience. Social dancing, be it Country Western, Latin or Swing dancing, is an incredible outlet for meeting new friends and relaxing after a long week of work. Make the most out of each dance with these helpful hints. 🙂

Salsa dance lessons Tempe

How to be an Awesome Latin Dancer

Salsa dance lessons near TempeHave you always envisioned yourself shaking your bon-bon at a steamy Latin dance club? What about being twirled, twisted and dipped, Shakira style? If you have an affinity for Latin dancing as much as I do, you may have already begun your journey into Latin dance lessons. If so, good for you! With formal dance instruction, you can get the tools you need to succeed on any dance floor.

Whether you have recently started with beginner Latin dance lessons, or you’re still working up the courage to give your local dance studio a call, I have a few pointers to share with you on how to be an awesome Latin dancer.

  1. Take Private Dance Lessons versus Group Lessons. Even if you’re not looking to be “the best” Latin dancer, you will always get more out of one-on-one Dance lessons over Group Classes. With individual attention to key factors, such as your dance frame, your leading or following skills and how to connect with your dance partner, you will spend less time getting more detailed information with Private Dance Lessons. And, when you are more efficient with your time, you can get out on the dance floor that much sooner to enjoy Salsa dancing! 🙂 Private Lessons are also great for the instructor to tailor their lesson around how you learn best. For example, a visual person would not learn best from a long explanation, and vice versa. In a group setting, your teacher cannot make the lesson specific to your learning style.
  2. Keep your lessons close together. Once you begin Private Latin Dance Lessons, stick with them. Consistency is key! Most often, I am asked “How many times a week should I come to my dance lessons?” My answer is simple. “As often as you possibly can!”, I say. By that I do not mean once a week. If possible, try to attend your lessons every other day in your initial stages. Really! This will dramatically improve your retention, which will cut back on review time as you move forward. Also, repetition is the answer, and doing anything once a week for an hour or less will not help with that. As you grow in your dancing and the basics and concepts become second nature, you will be able to give yourself more time in between lessons and still progress from one lesson to the next. This does take time, though, so be patient with yourself.
  3. Start now. If you want to be a confident Salsa dancer for that holiday party in December, and it’s only June, start now! You’ll be glad you did! Rushing to try and grasp an entirely new set of skills is self-torture. OK, maybe I’m being a bit dramatic, but give yourself time to get comfortable and ease into dance. Many dancers relate learning to dance to learning a whole new language. With that in mind, have you ever tried to learn to speak Spanish or French? It didn’t happen over night, right? Getting a head start now with Latin dance lessons for any unexpected occasion, or even to plan a night out at a local Latin dance club, will truly make you feel more confident, and that’s what dancing is all about, besides having fun, of course!

Give yourself the gift of dance, it’s so worth it! From improved health to better memory, meeting new friends and adding romance, Latin dance lessons are the gift that keeps on giving! Arizona residents, you’re in luck! Come visit us at Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ for quality social dance instruction. We will make sure that you can shake it with the best of them!

Couple Country dancing Arizona

Discover What’s Harder Than Learning to Two Step

Couple Country dancing in Chandler ArizonaGuys, you want to know what’s harder than learning to dance the Two Step? In my opinion, it’s having to re-learn it! As a self-taught Two Stepper, you feel on top of the world when you’re at your favorite Country bar. You can spin and twist those gals with the best of them. But for some reason,  she never accepts a second dance. She seemed to be smiling and enjoying her time with you, so why is she making excuses for having to go? Well, the harsh reality is that you may have some bad habits that is making her time with you on the dance floor less than stellar.

What are you missing? It’s time to take a look within. Let’s explore some key concepts that every good dancer understands…

  1. The language of dance. Did you know that dancing is a language within itself? Yes, with what I call the ABC’s of dance, which help you to understand how to effectively communicate to your partner what you’d like her to do, you can actually “speak” the language of dance and show almost anyone a fun time Two Stepping, Salsa dancing, or whatever partner dance style you prefer. Once you understand the basic elements of Country dancing, or Latin dancing, you must learn how to put them together and be taught how to create cool combinations that you can lead with confidence. For a man on the dance floor, that means understanding how to lead is imperative. Rather than simply memorizing steps that you may have seen others do at the Country bars, knowing how to lead is crucial to getting a second dance with that cute girl. You can’t get this information if you’re self-taught, but by investing in Private Country Dance Lessons at your local dance studio, you will soon be empowered to make every dance a successful one.
  2. Posture, frame and connection. As the main component of your investment in Country Dance Lessons, you will also discover the best parts of partner dancing; nice posture, a solid dance frame and how to have a connection with anyone. I say these are the best parts because without them, you would not be a great social dancer. You simply can’t be an awesome dancer without the understanding of how important it is to stand up straight, hold your partner properly and make sure that she understands what you want her to follow. When you have those tools in your belt, you will be well on your way to earning a second dance with her.

They say old habits die hard, which is why I think that learning to Country dance the right way after trying to teach yourself may not be the best plan for you. If you’re interested in becoming a confident social dancer, start with healthy habits and you’ll have the ladies lining up for multiple dances before long. Yes, Private Dance Lessons are an expense, and you can’t learn to dance over night, but you will get a solid foundation (and more) to have and use for many years to come. Then, any moves that you pick up at the bars will be applied properly because you have the knowledge on how to add them to your dance repertoire. Doesn’t that sound like a more effective and efficient route? I would say so. 🙂 So, give your closest social dance studio a call and begin your journey towards becoming an amazing Country dancer today.

Country dance classes Mesa AZ

How to Get Him to Ask You For Another Dance

Country dance classes Mesa AZLadies, we love to dance, don’t we? Well, most of us do! Wouldn’t it be awesome to go out social dancing with the girls and find incredible guys to dance with everywhere we turn? Of course it would. In reality, though, guys have a ton of responsibility on the dance floor. What that means for us is that there are less great male dancers out there than we would like because of the actual work it takes to be a great leader on the dance floor. That doesn’t mean that they’re not out there, though. Or that they’re not works in progress. 🙂 Let’s give our men a break, girls. Here are a few tips from me to you to get him to ask you for another dance every time.

  1. Don’t lead yourself. This is a tough one for us ladies, right? We so want to “help” our leading man with his part. Believe it or not, though, this is actually one of the most detrimental things that we can do for him. It strips of him his “power”, not to mention his manhood. On the dance floor, the guy is called the leader for a reason. There is one leader and one follower, not two leaders, girls. So, even though he may be a beginner with limited knowledge, please respect his level of dance and don’t lead yourself, or try to teach him what to do. This will just fluster him, and strip him of his confidence. When you accept a Salsa or a Two Step dance, I recommend smiling and being gracious. Who knows, maybe a few months down the road with more Private Dance Lessons under his belt, he may become an incredible leader that you will be hoping asks you to dance again.
  2. Show interest in your partner. To follow up on my previous point, let your partner know that he’s doing a great job by making him look good. Don’t over dance or show off if he’s not ready for advanced styling, simply enjoy what he can offer on that night. Interestingly, and this happens often, we as ladies think that HE is the problem on the dance floor, and we tend to discount him before even giving him a chance. This may come to a shock, but WE could be part of the reason why the dance isn’t so great. So, again, be appreciative of the offer to dance, and focus on what you can do to make the experience as good as possible for the two of you. A smile and reassurance goes a long way!
  3. Wear appropriate clothing and accessories. This is a big one. Whether you’re dancing with a beginner or an experienced Swing, Country or Salsa dancer, what you wear can have a definite impact on your dance experience. To start, the right shoes are essential. If you’re out Country dancing, boots are quite appropriate. If you’re at a Salsa club, throw on a pair of heels with a strap around the ankle. The right footwear will help you with balance, coordination and looking good too. 😉 Clothing-wise, a short loose skirt is OK, as long as you have running shorts underneath. (Let’s avoid a possible slip where you might expose yourself.) For Latin dancing, I do not recommend a tight skirt or dress, as you are going to restrict your range of motion and possibly be more focused on being uncomfortable than having fun. For accessories, I suggest earrings that do not dangle, or have the chance to get caught on anything. This could be a real disaster!

Social dancing is a true blast! Ladies, let go, enjoy being swept off of your feet and dress for success! The rest will fall into place, and your dance card will be full before you know it. If you’re a gal who wants social dance tips on how to be a great follower, take social dance lessons for beginners! Dance lessons are a wonderful way to stay healthy, learn a fun, new skill and gain confidence on the dance floor.

Country dance classes Mesa Arizona

How to Overcome Your Fears of Social Dancing

Country dance classes in Mesa ArizonaIt can be scary to go out Country dancing or Salsa dancing for the first time. Intimidating, even. “I mean, with so many people on the dance floor doing so many cool-looking moves, who am I to step on anyone’s toes and insert myself  into the equation?”, you may be thinking. My initial reply to your inner dialog is, every one of those dancers had a first day out on the floor, just like you. They took that brave first step, and the rest is history. So my friends, I challenge you to get on that dance floor and to overcome these three common thoughts that will weigh you down, hold you back and inevitably ruin your well-deserved good time on that dance floor. Does this sound like you?

  1. Everyone’s watching me! Pssst! No, they’re really not. Unless you’re the best dancer out there, you can usually blend in on any social dance floor pretty easily. Generally, the best dancers are the ones that are looking to show off a bit here or there, and they are grabbing the attention of onlookers, not you. So, if you’re a beginner dancer, fear not that all eyes are on you. Focus instead on staying on time with the music, and enjoying time with whomever you’re dancing with, and your confidence will improve in no time.
  2. But I don’t know anyone! Well silly, you can only get to know other dancers, or make new friends, if you put a little effort into it. Social dancing is a wonderful way to meet others, with similar interests, in a healthy and non-threatening way. Just ask for a dance and see where things go from there. And, what’s more, if you invest in Private Dance Lessons, your dancing skills will take you a lot further in terms of getting multiple dances with someone. Who knows, you may even build a reputation for being a great leader or follower, which will surely attract even better dancers to you. Before you know it, you will begin seeing the same faces each time you go dancing, which really helps in fostering new friendships.
  3. Everyone around me is so much better than I am! At first, this may seem to be true. As an instructor, I hear this all the time from our beginner Country dancers. They “think” that everyone in the Country bars doing the flips and tricks are great dancers. Not the case. In fact, the best Country dancers are those who are mindful of others and who respect the space or other dancers who want to have fun too. Remember guys, less can be so much more. Stick to what you know and as your confidence grows, you too will be in the spotlight.

If you have told yourself any of the above, keep in mind my favorite saying “thoughts are things”. It may not be that easy to take that first step, but if you don’t, know that you could be missing out on new friendships, a major confidence boost and a hobby that can bring you years of happiness…dance!

To begin your dancing journey, contact your local dance studio and check out their Introductory Offer. Social dancing may be just what you’ve been missing in your life.

Country 2 Step classes Arizona

More Tips on a Successful Night Out Dancing

Country 2 Step classes near Gilbert ArizonaSo I left you in my last blog with a few great tips on how to have more fun social dancing. Of course, there are more than just three things to be mindful of when going out social dancing, so welcome to part two of my blog: More tips on a Successful Night Out Dancing. 😉 Here are a few new suggestions that I have for you to make your night out Country dancing or Salsa dancing a blast!

Tip #4: This is my absolute favorite tip, and one that is often ignored until after the fact, but here it is: Less is more. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve been out Country dancing in the past few years and watched women being dipped by their pony tails, flipped into oncoming dancers, and tossed around like rag dolls. Some of these gals have smiles on, but more often than not, they are terrified when they can’t stop themselves before being flung into another couple. Guys, or should I say, gentlemen, treat your ladies with respect out there. It should not be dangerous to go out on the floor for a relaxing Two Step dance. Crazy does not equal cool. So keep her safe, stick to moves that do not use a ton of space and respect the other dancers on the floor. If you’re not sure what that means, or how to stay safe and have fun, visit your local dance studio for Country dance classes and get the right information to set yourself up for a successful night of dancing.

Tip #5: Be interesting. This may seem to be the opposite of what I just discussed, but it’s absolutely not. To be an interesting lead on the dance floor means that you have enough simple but fun moves in your tool belt to show her a great time. In your Private Dance Lessons, you should be learning to work smart and not hard by combining those same moves in a variety of ways.

Guys, your challenge is to recall the moves you have when the pressure is on dancing in the “real world”. You will find that it’s not quite the same as dancing in the studio, where everything is controlled. Take a deep breathe and relax. You will forget everything for a minute, then your muscle memory will kick in and you’ll be back on track. Just start by doing the basic a few times, and then layer with one move that you can remember at a time, until you get in your groove and can start to have a little fun. More moves does not mean more fun, so stick with what you know well, and have some fun.

Tip #6: If you are investing in yourself by taking Private Dance Lessons, this last tip will get you major results. I recommend that you take notes. This tip is a two parter. First, I mean to say that you should bring notes with you on your first few times out dancing. Yes, literally write down a few things on a flash card, in your phone, or anywhere that you can, and take a quick peek at your notes just before your first few dances. You’ll be surprised with what you forgot and what those notes will help you to remember before hitting the dance floor.

Also, take notes on what you are struggling with so you can bring those notes back to your instructor on Monday. He or she can help correct the issues you had for your next time out. Jot some things down in your phone, you’ll be grateful that you did.

Going out dancing is an important step in your journey towards becoming a confident social dancer. With the right tools, you will have a wonderful hobby that you can use for many years to come. Take the time to get great information so you can have the best experience dancing ever! You’re worth the investment.