Originally posted by fluiman:
Dear all,
I found this board on the internet about a week ago, and have been browsing the messages.
I have been learning Lindy Hop in London for just over 3 months, and am keen to improve. I can do a few basic 6-step moves, including changing places, basic Charleston, and also the Lindy turn.
I am starting to really enjoy it, but sometimes find it frustrating NOT being able to do things I would like to on the dance floor.
Welcome to the world of dance, we all feel frustrated at not being able to do things we see others do on the dance floor!
I am considering private lessons, which I have seen mentioned in different places in London, and I had a few questions about these.
Firstly, as a man, would private lessons normally be with a man or a woman - and which would be best?
Any teacher worth the title can dance and teach both leader and follower roles. While they will certainly be better with whatever they do most of the time, at your level that shouldn't matter. Either gender will be able to tell you what the lead is and should be able to describe it properly. A male (leader) and probably demonstrate it slightly better, while a female (follower) will be able better able to tell you if the lead you are doing feels "correct".
It's really a matter of finding a teacher that you can learn from.
Secondly, how many private lessons should I expect to have before I can comfortably use new moves with a partner in an social dance.
That will completely depend on how quickly you learn, and the skill of your teacher. You mentioned above that you've been taking lessons for 3 months, and then list only three specific paterns (but say several 6-count moves).
If all you've been doing is taking a lesson before a once-a-month dance than you are probably a fast learner. If you've been taking an hour or two of group classes each week and have only picked up that much then you are probably a slow learner.
I would expect even the slowest learner to be able to learn one new pattern in and hour, while fast learners should be able to pick up 3-5, depending on the difficulty. It will all depend on how dedicated you are, and how much time you put into dancing.
Any comments or advice appreciated.
Go to as many social dances as you can, take all the group classes you can, find the best teacher that you can click with.
And have fun!
