"Strictly Come Dancing" is one of the most popular programs on UK TV attracting millions of viewers every season. The program has kept ballroom dancing in front of the population, inspiring thousands of people young and old, to join local dance classes.
Ballroom is popular worldwide, everywhere from Blackpool to Beijing. International ballroom dancing happens across the planet. Once you learn the basic ballroom moves you can make friends anywhere.
Ballroom lessons are very accessible, friendly, fun, and very in-expensive. Ballroom dancing is very much a social activity, research has shown conclusively that dancing classes are the best form of mental and physical exercise that you can do. Find a ballroom class near you.
Most Ballroom classes do NOT require you to bring partner, although a few ballroom dance schools do. Ballroom classes are very social and friendly, just book a class. Ideal for couples looking to learn dancing together.
A number of ballroom dance schools offer private lessons for couples and singles. Private ballroom classes may include a partner as part of the course. Again this will be clear in the class description. If in doubt message the dance school or teacher prior to making a booking.
Learning a dance for a wedding is popular with future brides and their grooms. Wedding dance classes usually involve the couple choosing a dance and music which they can perform at their wedding reception.
Ballroom dancing covers a wide range variety of dance styles. Ballroom dance schools and teachers often mix styles in their classes, as they do on Strictly Come Dancing. In other words you could you find yourself learning slower tempo classes such as a Waltz and faster tempo dance such as Rumba.
Ballroom dancing can be split into two broad types. Dance schools will often teach both types of Ballroom.
Ballroom international standard (traditional) Traditional or standard ballroom encompasses the waltz, tango, foxtrot, quickstep, jive and viennese waltz, lower temp dancing.
Ballroom international latin includes the Samba, Cha-Cha-Cha, Rumba and Paso Doble. The Latin dances are usually danced at a higher tempo and are generally more colourful, both in terms of movement and clothing.
Whatever form of ballroom dancing you choose to learn, you will be out on the floor and ballroom dancing like a professional in no time!
The great thing about Ballroom dancing is that you can progress are your own pace. There’s no pressure to perform, it’s not a competition.
In a beginner ballroom classes, you will learn how to dance basic steps with a partner across the dance-floor with ease. Ballroom classes are easy-going and sociable, where everyone is encouraged to get to know one another. Once you have mastered the basic steps you can move to the next level.
An intermediate ballroom class, will take you to the next stage, having worn in your dancing shoes and stepped through the beginners course, and mastered the basic steps. By the end of a course you’ll know many new steps and be able to perform more complex routines.
Advanced Ballroom Classes focus on correct technique, and execute complex ballroom routines. Each dance has its own character and you will be encouraged to embrace them! The passion of Rumba, the energy of Jive, the romance of the Waltz.
Anyone can learn Ballroom dancing. It’s fun, and it’s sociable. Children can learn from aged 4 upwards. It is a skill that you never forget, it is like riding a bicycle. It gets hard with age so the earlier you start the easier it is.
Adult ballroom dancing classes include a range of age groups, from seniors to millennials. You don’t need to be super fit, the majority of classes are slow tempo to start with, the dance tempo increases slowly as you progress and become more proficient.
You will not be expected to turn in a Strictly Come Dancing performance in your first lesson.
You can expect to progress from learning basic steps to dancing complex routines. It takes time, to get the best we recommend a 6 week beginners course to master the basics. This gives you and your instructor the opportunity to learnt the foundation steps, necessary to progress.
If you have watched "Strictly Come Dancing" you will see the the celebs have a week to practice a routine. These are intensive daily dance workouts which last several hours at a time. In reality you should be looking at several months of classes to become proficient. It is all about learning the steps and practice. You can practice at home in between classes. There are ballroom dance class videos on Dance NearYou.
Men and women are advised to wear comfortable lightweight clothes. Ideally women’s clothes should sway along with your moves. If you are a beginner you don’t need expensive outfits to start.
When it comes to shoes, beginners should wear light weight shoes that easily slide around. Women don’t have to wear heels, but if you want to, don’t choose heels that are as high as 3 inches. For men, a ½-inch heel is acceptable. You can buy ballroom dancing shoes at a later stage.
Dance Near You, the UK’s leading dance class finder, is probably the best place to start. Just add your location to the search on this page, or select a location from the city list below. Or choose online classes.
