New to Dancing | dancepassionnj

Helpful Tips

If you are new to dancing or you are considering joining dance classes, here are a few tips that will help you become familiar with the dance etiquette, and what to expect during a group class or a social dance event:

First and foremost, wear something comfortable, that makes you feel good. A common misconception is that in dance class you need to wear gym clothes. You can, but do those clothes make you feel like a million bucks? After all, you will be dancing at social affairs not at the gym, so wear clothes that you will wear to go out with friends or to a social gathering.

Next, even though dance shoes are not required in the first few dance sessions, the earlier you get them, the earlier you will be able to experience the difference in your dancing. Yes, dance shoes are designed to help you move better, move faster and not have your feet get stuck to the floor. This brings us to the next pointer, which is: sneakers are not desirable for dancing. Their rubber sole sticks to the floor and this places too much pressure on your joints. Dance shoes have a suede sole and have just enough grip with the floor, so that you can execute the turns and dance moves smoothly, without hurting yourself. Moreover, dance shoes are made of special light materials- genuine leather or satin. They fit snug on your feet and do not allow much movement between your foot and the shoe, something that regular shoes are not design to provide. Dance shoes are sold at special stores. Please let us know if you need assistance in finding a store or obtaining a pair of shoes. Prices range from $30- $180.

Be on time for your class. If you are late, you are not only missing the friendly nice chat before the class, but you are missing the previous dance moves review. This review is a vital part of your learning experience and the backbone of a lasting muscle' memory.

Another common misconception is that you need to find and bring a dance partner to your dance class. Rest assured, dance partners are not required in our dance school. If you have one, that is great, if you don't, no worries. You will be rotated during dance class to all of the partners from the opposite sex. This evens the class level, and allows everyone the opportunity to learn with the best. Introduce yourself to your dance partner when you are first rotated to them. Acknowledge them for their effort and for dancing with you with a round of applause after each rotation.

Pay attention in class and keep the conversations in class to a minimum. If unsure of something ask the instructor. Please, do not ask your fellow dance students to show you the move that you could not remember. Chances are, they probably do not know it either, and even if they do, they are not trained to explain it to you the way the instructors are.

Please, do not count the beats of music out loud. It is very tempting, but also very disturbing to others, especially, if you are off. The dance teacher will count the beats for you, and you can do it in your head.

Please remove your keys, phones and bulky items from your pockets and placed them in your bag or to the side. In dancing we come in close proximity with our partner, and having sharp and bulky objects while we dance will feel uncomfortable to the other person and can even injure them.

Place your phone on silence during class. It is disrespectful to the teacher and the rest of the students to have it go off or receive alerts during class and disturb the learning process.

If you feel that you are not grasping the moves right away and/or need extra help, approach your instructor. Our instructors will make sure that you get the best dance experience and are well supported in the process.