Hi everyone!

I have been reading posts here for some time. Great website !

Now I have a question. Recently I have joined the Arthur Murray school. I have been going to private lessons, group classes and supervised practice. I really enjoy dancing and the atmosphere in AM!!! But I am realising that I want more than just having fun as a social dancer. I want to improve my dancing skills and I am ready to train as many hours as needed with the goal to compete. Can anyone give an advice on how to structure lessons and training in order to advance quickly (of course, I hope I have the ability )? As well, can anyone suggest a good book and video on ballroom dance technique?

I would appreciate any advice!!!

Dalolita, the fastest way for a woman to learn is to take lessons with a top pro who has competed and not dance with anyone else, but first you have to decide what style of dance and then you have to move to a city that has the top teachers.

Hi John

Thank you for reply! I am taking lessons with a teacher who has competed and I found him very good. I want to take part in Pro-Am competition. Is that what you meant by taking lessons with a top pro?

As well I am not very familiar with the dance jargon. When you say that I have to choose the style, do you mean between Latin & Standard, or between American & International?

I am now in Montreal, and I am not sure what other city in Canada has top teachers. Probably Toronto and Vancuver. Does anyone know which city in Canada is strong in ballroom dancing?

Thank you all !

Dalolita, Montreal is great. I would start with International syle it is more difficult but Amercan style is a breeze to learn once you can dance International style. This is not true the other way arround.

Dalolita. Be carefull with pro;am American style,you could end up dancing lots of fancy lines with no substance and not getting a proper grounding in the basic's of dancing. Your object should be not to compete but to learn to dance at high leval,competition can come later.

"Thank you for reply! I am taking lessons with a teacher who has competed and I found him very good. I want to take part in Pro-Am competition. Is that what you meant by taking lessons with a top pro?
"

A lot of time someone teaching towards pro-am competition will teach you how to not get in his way - basically teach you how to let him cover up your mistakes. If you really want to learn to dance, you need to find a teacher who will stress that, rather than take shortcuts towards winning against competition who is mostly also taking those shortcuts.

Thank you very much for your advice!!! Now I know better what I need to stress in my training.

Can anyone help me with the second part of my question?



Many thanks!

What style of dance and dances?

Hi Dave

I would like to read about the International style technique. Can you recommend books for both Latin and Standard dances?

Thank you!

Go to shopping on this website. Ballroom dacing by Alex Moore. Vidio. basic .Victor & Heather Veyasset Vidio's. No need to spend money on the Viennese Waltz Vidio. I have not seen the Latin Vidio's so I can't comment. Good Luck ,Dave