Did you know that anyone can be a confident social ballroom dancer? Yes, I said anyone. With the five simple steps below, I have given you everything you need to be successful on any social dance floor.

Before we get to the nitty gritty of each step, let’s discuss what “social ballroom dancing” actually is. Let’s start with what it’s not. Social dancing is not what you see on Dancing With The Stars. It’s not about big movements that allow just you and your partner to take over the entire floor. Those dances like Foxtrot and Waltz that need space are best for competitive dance floors, rather than crowded social dance floors. (Although we do teach both-but for social purposes.)

Social ballroom dancing technically includes all dances that include a partner, from Country Two Step dancing to Salsa dancing, and even Argentine Tango. If you can use it out socially, it falls into this unique and special category known as “social ballroom”. Social dances generally won’t be used on a competition floor, but are very practical to know for special events like a wedding or holiday party, or nights out dancing in bars or clubs, where the floors are packed and you need to know what to do.

Why, in  my opinion, social dancing is so special is because it’s actually trickier than people think to dance with all sorts of distractions, from drunk people to untrained dancers to loud music to postage sized dance floors where space is a premium. (At least at a ballroom dance competition you are in a controlled environment.) But again, social dancing is what it’s all about! Knowing how to dance popular styles like Country Swing and Bachata are great for confidence, meeting new people and having a great skill that you can use over and over again throughout your life. It truly is the best!

So are you ready to begin your exciting journey towards becoming a confident social dancer? Here you go!

1. Find a studio that’s right for you. Make sure that you really spend time evaluating the local dance studio that you plan to attend. Are they more of a competition dance studio or do they really offer social ballroom lessons? See if you can sit in on a lesson or two and get an idea if this is the place that you want to spend more time. Do you like the feel of the ballroom? Is it too formal, or not well kept? These should be deciding factors as you will be spending lots of time, at least initially, at the studio.
2. Book an Introductory Dance Lesson. Starting with a beginner’s Country or Swing dance lesson is a great idea. Be leery of the “first lesson free” model as nothing good is every truly “free”. What’s the catch? You’ll find out by the end of your lesson. An introductory lesson is also smart for seeing how your instructor guides you through the initial stages of learning to dance. Dance lessons are always about having a great experience. Did you have one? If not, move on to a place that is better suited for you.
3. Set goals with your ballroom dance instructor. A great social ballroom dance instructor will highlight the benefits of social dancing and see which ones you would like to receive. Do you want to gain more confidence through dance? Is dancing something that you saw in a movie and always wanted to learn? If so, why? Do you have particular health goals that you are trying to achieve through your dancing? Let your instructor know so he/she can put your specific goals at the forefront of their minds to get you on the fast track to being a great social dancer. Setting goals that are both measurable and realistic will give you a light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak, and an exciting set of expectations so that you can begin making plans to enjoy your new hobby.
4. Follow the direction of your “coach”. Your instructor will soon become your coach through this process. If everything makes sense as to how they are going to get you to your dancing goals, then please, please listen to your instructor! Skipping on homework assignments or not keeping your lessons close together will be to your detriment, trust me. It’s your investment ultimately, but we do want you to succeed. So pay attention to your qualified instructor, listen to your gut and get on a healthy track towards your goals.
5. Go out dancing! If you are lucky enough to be a part of a studio that offers social dance events, I am encouraging you to attend as many of them as you can. With each event, you will gain more and more self-assurance. Before long, you will be rocking’ it at the Country bars, or Latin clubs! Meeting other students and practicing what you have been working on is key. Then, you can go back to your instructor with the holes that need to be filled so you will be even more prepared for the next dancing event.

Whew! That’s a lot of information to take in! The bottom line is that social dances like Country Swing and Salsa are a blast to know and use when the occasion arises. Or, create your own “occasion” by clearing the living room and holding your sweetie tight as you dance to your favorite tunes. Either way, social ballroom dancing is an incredible skill to own. If you’re ready to join in the fun, and you happen to live here in Phoenix, Arizona with us, come check us out Dance FX Studios. We are near Tempe Chandler and Gilbert, Arizona, in Mesa. For all the tools to be that great social dancer, we’re the place for you!