I would like to know how you get started in ballroom dancing. I know I need to take classes but my husband has 4 left feet so I will need a partner. Where do I find one? Do I need special shoes? I do have rhythm and can dance but would like to learn how to ballroom. What dances are best for beginners? Thanks for your help.

The best way to get started is to look in the phone book for a dance studio. Most studios will offer a free or discounted private lesson for a new student. You can take private lessons, group lessons or both. I recommend taking at least some private lessons because then you can work on your technique.

As far as having to bring a partner- it's not really necessary at most studios. Usually, for private lessons your teacher is your partner and during group lessons, you will switch partners several times, which is great because if you can't get the step to work with one partner, then the next guy may know how to lead it better.

I hope this helps.

When you're checking out studios, be sure you find out early what their regular price for lessons is. Some studios, mostly chains like Arthur Murray but also some independents, sell their lessons only in packages including both privates and group classes and they can get expensive fast. If you don't have a lot of money to invest in learning to dance, look for a studio where you can go "a la carte," paying just for what you want to take.

For shoes, if you get serious about ballroom dancing, you will want to get dance shoes with suede soles, as they move best on the floor, but you can start out with any pair of secure, comfortable shoes. Avoid sneakers or rubber soled shoes, as they stick to the floor too much.

Welcome to dancing! You'll love it!

Has your husband tried taking any lessons. I know a lot of good dancers that were considered hopeless cases before they started. I have seen a lot of people, that others thought could not become good dancers, do very well. Also the opposite, some naturals do not do very well at all.

we started taking social dance lessons through the YMCA in Boise Idaho, International lessons for one year! I am married to a man who looked like a limp noodle out on the dance floor! I asked him to go with me and at first he thought that I was going through a "phase", but low and behold, he ended really loving it. We are now working with an awesome instructor through a regular dance studio and are working our way through our bronze level 2 syllabus. My man is a macho electrician who would never had expected to love ballroom soooo much, he even surprised himself! We looked at Fred Astaire ect., and did not like the fact that you had to sign a contract but kept looking around and it paid off. The above advice is very good. Make sure though, that whomever is your instructor, make sure they have the qualifications and experience to teach you. I guarantee you your gonna love it! My husband just turned 50 and i'm 48, we sure wish we would have done this a lonnnng time ago!!! Your never to old to start!!!!