Hello,

As a gift to me, my boyfriend has agreed to take some group ballroom lessons. We can't really afford to go to a private studio, even for group lessons, so I've been looking into some short term classes offered by our town's recreation/adult education program. The classes are taught by some of the instructors from local studios, but are held in school gyms and the like. They typically consist of 5-7 weeks, 1hr/week, with up to 50 people in a class. I'm trying to pick between the "waltz/cha cha" and "foxtrot/swing" classes, and I can't decide which might be the better choice as a first experience. Does anyone have advice on what order the dances are best approached? I've done some swing dancing before and loved it, but I suspect my bf might be less intimidated by something slower. I would love to just take both classes at the same time, but I doubt I can get 2hrs a week out of him willingly....

Hi erin
First, try for the 2 hours a week. That's not much really.
However, to answer your question, i would pick the waltz/cha cha.The waltz will give you the basic dance "feel" and if you ever become 'hooked' on dancing you will find that social waltz steps (which is almost certainly what you will learn)could be used in beginnner comps. Foxtrot is a more difficult dance and social foxtrot is essentially a slow quickstep.
I'm sure others will argue that very few waltzes are played socially (at least where i live) but foxtrots are very common. It's difficult to make the choice.
just have a good time. Don't put your boyfriend under any pressure - dancing can strain relationships like few other activities.

Phil. Which to do first. When I first learnt to dance the Quickstep was always taught first. Medal classes were the same. You may have noticed that in the technique book the Quickstep is first. Could there have been a reason for this.
ADVANTAGES .
I think most people who dance will agree that it is easier to do a Spin Turn in the Quickstep than in the Waltz. To keep time is easier than in the Waltz. Most people seem to have a natural feel for the music. Also in the Quickstep we have everything we are going to need in the Waltz. We have toe heel lowering. Bringing the feet together on the toes. Heel leads. Balance and plenty of movement.
Cha Cha. This one is very handy if your dancing is to be in clubs. Just don' t throw the arms around in a confined space. The steps can be modified to suit the surroundings. It can be done quite small. After learning this one it is an easy step to move to a Salsa. Have fun

"You may have noticed that in the technique book the Quickstep is first."

Actually it isn't in the technique book, though it is in Alex Moore's personal work.

"Also in the Quickstep we have everything we are going to need in the Waltz."

Um, promenade???

i do many steps in promenadein the Quickstep. My Scatter Chasses start in Promenade with a step hop then Chasses. I do a Running right and open into an Open Running Right then a Closed one, more if I need to. I do an Open Promenade Turn into an Outside Spin into a Back Change of Direction. One I learnt first and still do Is a Throwaway Oversway Recovering into a type of Pivots finishing in Promenade and what do you know a simple Lockstep turning the lady into normal dance hold. You never give up do you. If you want a very effective but an easy one that only looks hard. Open Imputus . Do the first step in Promenade then close the Chasse to face each other .Open again and repeat opening at the end for a step hop and whatever. Promenades in the Quickstep theres a multitudes of them. Shall we go through some of those in the Waltz also

"i do many steps in promenadein the Quickstep. My Scatter Chasses start in Promenade with a step hop then Chasses."

Mine too... but i wouldn't teach any of that to my "beginner group lessons" students, especially not before teaching them the waltz...

"I'm trying to pick between the "waltz/cha cha" and "foxtrot/swing" classes, and I can't decide which might be the better choice as a first experience. Does anyone have advice on what order the dances are best approached?"

Foxtrot/Swing might be conceptually easier - and there is some linkage between the reasons and the old tradition of teaching quickstep first.

But it really doesn't matter that much - I'd say do whatever fits your schedule best. You can always ask the studio if you are supposed to take one before the other, but they will probably say it doesn't matter.

What matters is that you get yourselves to a class and get started.

If it suits your schedule, I would take Foxtrot and Swing first because they are easier to learn. {especially if they start with single swing]

Those 4 along with rumba are amoung main dances at ballroom dances. Either set is a good choice for starting. Key is were you are going to go to dance. I would pick the combo that's going to get you on the floor the most. Because dancing the dances is a real key in improving.