I would like to know how to get started with ballroom dancing. I am a seventeen year old girl from a small town in Iowa and I have been dancing since I was three, performing since I was five and I consider myself fairly accomplished for my age and I am considering making it either my career for awhile or atleast keeping up w/ it as a pastime and I am intersted in ballroom dancing, but I need information on where and how to get started and whatever else I need to know. Could somebody please help me out?
Thank you!

I'm afraid I can't help you actually getting started, but I can give you some advice.

Ballroom is nothing like showdancing. Your "performing attitude" does help though, but that is just about as far as it goes. I have done a couple showdance performances in the past, but certainly not enough to give you an "experienced judgement": however, my (ballroom)danceclassmates who still do show (or any other form of dancing) besides ballroom, find it totally different and even said that "if you're good at showdancing, it doesn't necessarily mean you're good at ballroomdancing"...I don't really see it that way though (it's all in the attitude!), but I guess you can take their word for it to some extent.

From my personal experience: don't listen too much to your expectations, because they're all off! I remember how my friends literally had to DRAG me into class and make me participate - now I have to drag THEM with me whenever they don't feel like going, it's almost hilarious.

From what I understand is that you said you'd like to make a career out of it, I'll tell you this though: private lessons are great and very useful, but learning in a group is MUCH more fun AND kinda gives you an idea of how the standards are set...sorta like a giving you a perspective. Taking private lessons besides group-training wouldn't hurt though But, I would take some introduction-lessons before you decide taking intensive group + private training.

I hope this helps!

"Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero." - Horace

[This message was edited by Michelle on 07-12-01 at 01:21 AM.]

Take the introductory lessons If you get the urge to fly then you will need the private + group combination. Start with the Yellow pages or check out the instructors list here at ballroomdancers.com. CHeck the area where you will be for at least six mont hs. Then try teachers in that area. To start for a month then move may lay an uneven foundation if not create some bad dancing habits. As you know from other forms of Muscle memory it takes time to make it part of your body.
Look for a teacher you like who communicates with you in a way you like, is certified by ndca or cdta(canada), and is teaching you not just handing you a routine Good luck see you on the dance floor. j.?

jo

... even though you are in Iowa (a state in which I was born and raised.)

Colleges often have ballroom clubs. E.g., ISU has one that appears to be quite active from the postings they've done on the internet.

Secondly, you are almost of college age, and whether you go to school or venture out into the 'real' world, you will probably leave Vail, Ia, no? The upper midwest is not known as a bastion of partner dancing, but there are some known quality ballroom dancers in the Chicago area. Of course you could always move to the coasts where the ballroom (er, dancesport) seems more concentrated.

Thirdly, all dance training is useful, even if not apparently directly applicable. One of the better known coaches and judges has told me that taking other types of dance is good, and in her case I can still see it in her dancing. Of the different theatrical styles, I'd say modern is most useful for latin dancing, and ballet for standard. Just my opinion, of course.

Follow your heart.

-d

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