Hello all,

(My apologies for swamping this board with yet another question that's probably been asked before). I never danced in my life, even though always wanted to, used to watch dance competitions etc.; because my parents are VERY athletic, I have an athletic build, but to my shame I'm not fit, or flexible, or thin for that matter (about O'k). Just turned 20 and kind of think of joining my college ballroom dancing team; now realistically speaking - any hope not to be a laughing stock or is it too late?

P.S. Never went to a single dance before 19 - too shy...

Don't worry about it, just go join. College ballroom dance clubs and teams love newcomers. Check it out, take some lessons, meet some people, practice, and see what happens. See how you like it. This is all about you trying something new and finding some enjoyment and self-satisfaction in your life, not about what other people think about how you look. You can worry about your fitness level after you've figured out how much you actually like dancing after you've tried it. Who knows, you might get so into dancing that you dance your way to fitness. Or you might decide that dancing isn't for you after all and so you'll try something else. No shame in that! So go and have a good time!

Thank you for replying! Guess my biggest obstacle at this point is getting over feeling awkward etc. I am a performer in a different field, and am used to be on top etc., and dancing is definetely something I avoided for a long time and now - what if it's too competitive? What if I'll know someone there - ugh...

The only way you'll find out is by going and seeing for yourself!

By the way, no one expects newcomers who have never danced before to be any good, so there's no pressure on you there.

Thank you... I guess I'll just force myself to do that... Hope I won't kick myself later :P!

You seem to have a lot of expectations. Just go with an open mind. It's impossible to do anything to embarass yourself the first time, just as long as you show up with a good attitude (and good personal hygene).

Look I've been dancing for 11 years ever since I was a little tot. I've ballet tap jazz you name it and I still sturggle in some areas of it I'm new to the ballroom scene I'v only been dancing for 6 months and I'm not flexible although I'm trying my best everyday to work my muscules look if you really don't feel that confedent about it go to a dance studio some of them offer great group class and for the best results take some privet lessons and worry if you feel you body type in O'k most stuio's offer compeitive lectures for body image make-up nutrition ...... Good luck go out there and have fun and smilestormy_canadain_butterfly@hotmail.com

Anyone who has a collegiate program available to them should check it out FIRST, BEFORE going into their local studio. The collegiate program could be a waste of time, but it could also be a good way to get an understanding of the basics on a budget. Also, if you prove yourself as a dedicated member of that group who responds well to coaching, you may be able to get a much better deal when you need private lessons - for example, getting to take from a local studio's best teacher, wheras someone inexperienced who just walks in to that studio off the street may get assigned to a junior instructor (yet pay just as much for their lessons). The other people on the college team will be able to offer you some great advice on who are the best local teachers to seek out, and perhaps make introductions for you.

The other good thing about college teams is that most people have little previous experience, so you won't feel like a lonely adult beginner. Some of the women have ballet experience, but while that gives them some advantages there is a lot they have to unlearn, too.

Just to clarify, I'm not trying to say that people should avoid dance studios in favor of college programs.

Rather, what I'm saying is that dance studios are businesses that operate primarily by selling private instruction and related things like pro/am competition packages. For busy, financially secure people with busy lives, that may be a good way to learn dancing. For those with more time than money, group classes filled with eager students many of whom are willing to really work may be a better way to learng the basics. Some studios have these, some do not - but most collegiate programs do. And often those courses in the collegiate programs are taught by one of the better studio owners/teachers in the area, so it's obvious that serious students will end up in a studio eventually anyway - they just won't do so until they decide if it's the right activity for them. In this way the collegiate programs can offer a more efficient way of introducing younger adults with limited budgets to dancing, and provide some excellent networking opportunities.

ma,

Depends on what your goals are.
If you just want to do social and team for fun, have fun and learn. Work hard if you want to get good, but don't take the fun out of it. (What college is it? Is your college's program any good?)

If you want to dance competitively (I love competing!), great! Talk to a few different coaches. Take some beginning lessons at a studio or some dance classes next semester if your school offers them. Like other people have mentioned, try for a collegiate program if you can.

When you dance, don't get down on yourself. Be realistic. Have fun. Expect yourself to do well. If you don't get something, be patient with yourself. Practice your routines until they become natural (not awkward, and graceful) to you. Practice your stuff alone so you can find your balance and power by yourself. Practice with a partner if you can find one.

Finally, focus on one thing at a time! I've learned not to try to do everything I've ever learned all at once: it's too much for my brain. Thinking about my posture and foot action and body swing (for example) and frame and everything can be overwhelming. Focus on one aspect for a few run-throughs.

Don't worry about what other people think so much. Yet competition is good. Let other people, including your peers and superior am dancers, inspire you. Don't worry about impressing other people. Just dance.

Most importantly, find out what works for you.
Keep dancing.

Have fun!