Dance Tips

HOW, WHEN AND WHERE?


Which Classes should I take with Latin Dance Australia? Are they all the same?

All LDA Latin Dance Classes teach the same fundamental dance techniques for each style.
It's usually an 8 week progressive course (unless it's a special workshop or party).
Each dance class and each session covers different patterns. So you will learn something new every week.
It does not matter which day of the week, or where the class location is - you'll always learn what you need to know!
Many people take multiple classes each week to reinforce the learning process.

I'm completely hopeless - I have no rhythm, and no grace!

We all have rhythm and grace, but for some, it's just a little more hidden than others!

For some people, it's going to be far harder than others, but you CAN do it!

We have a very comprehensive syllabus system in place to help you on your dance journey - no matter how off beat you feel.

We stand by our feeling that we can teach anyone to Latin dance!

Anything else I need to know about classes or how to prepare, what to bring?


Bring yourself, your friends, and the desire to learn and have fun. You'll have a great time!

Always prepare for dance classes by practicing good hygiene! What that means is, please shower before coming to class - and wear deodorant and antiperspirant. Ladies - perfume, men - a touch of cologne. These little thoughtful touches go a long way. Nobody forget - bring your breath mints.

What are three big tips for a Beginner dancer trying to learn the fastest way possible?

First, count out loud! Just like in class - take every opportunity to count and grasp the rhythm (Just beginners ok?). Second, perhaps find a partner to practice with them (you should still rotate partners in class, but outside of class, you can practice with someone). Third - did I mention practice? Maybe a instructional DVD can help you too.

Congratulations, and thank you, for taking the first step in your Latin dancing lives!  We hope this guide that we put together to answer some of your questions about everything we could think of helps….

How do I Start?

The first thing you have to do is take lessons, and I recommend at least twice per week.

Why so much? You’ll be learning and consolidating all in the same week Repetition helps!

In addition, after two to three weeks of group classes, we recommend that you take a private lesson! Private lessons really help you pick up the style, polish what you learnt, leading/following technique and get personal tips which are hard to get in a group class.

Well, a perfect example, for the ladies, is "arm tension" (i.e. how to feel a man's lead without locking up your arms in front of you).  Private lessons can REALLY help!

DANCE, DANCE, DANCE!!!

Next up, once you are taking lessons, dance, dance, dance!  Dance with everybody, everywhere, anytime.

You're just starting out, you're not expected to be Fred Astaire so just enjoy!  Dance with as many people as you possibly can, and don't be afraid to ask that great dancer that you see in the club for a dance.

If you have a partner best thing is to not only dance with him/her!  It pays to learn to lead and follow from a variety of people, spread yourself around.  You will learn FASTER!

Finally, get out of the classes into the clubs and ballrooms! That's where most of the fun is had, so why hold it off.

If you're already taking classes at a Latin Dance school or a private studio, make sure to make it out to their social events, clubs or at least once a week try one of the weekly parties (preferably more).

Not only is it a blast to go out dancing, but in the beginning it can help reinforce those things you learnt in class, nothing like putting all in practice.

It also helps you to get used to the music which is played in the clubs, which by and large, is faster than what you find in your typical salsa class!

Most importantly, have fun (you'll find it hard not to)! We begin with this, and we end with this.  That's what dancing is all about. Relax, take a deep breath, and get ready for the ride of your life . . .  

LDA’s Top Tips for Classes and Learning Latin dance:

1) Don't expect it to happen overnight - give yourself time and practice, practice, practice! Own a DVD set . . .
2) Purchase some latin musics
3) When in class, always face the same direction as the teacher you are following, so you can copy movements.
4) Count out Loud - all the time, until it becomes second nature with your movements.
5) Plan on taking at least two classes a week, with at least one practice session if you want to learn (the more the better).
6) Here are 4 Big tips to be wanted on the dance floor:
- Hygiene;  - Breath Mints;  - Deodorant;  -Cologne or Perfume. Use it!!!
7) Enjoy yourself and Smile - all the time, in every situation. We only get one shot at life, enjoy it!

WHAT AND WHY

What is Latin Dancing? Why do I want to learn it?

Latin dancing is the ultimate partner dance! Great clubs, great people and great music. It's exciting, inspiring, and creative. The ultimate way to create an exciting social life.

What are the benefits of learning to dance?

There are too many to mention, but the following will list some important reasons why you should give it a try.

Social Benefits:

- Meet so many new people! Far more than you could in any other medium. Ask anyone who has tried it!

The social benefits, for both men and women, are second to none. If you're single - it's simply the single greatest way on earth to meet the opposite sex, bar none.
It's the holy grail of dating - and wipes the floor with bars and clubs, internet dating, and just about any other singles medium in the world. Nothing like meet new people personally and weekly for a fun evening of dancing.

In a relationship? Married? Latin dancing can spice up things for you!

Beyond the social benefits, lies even greater benefits to learning how to dance:

It will aid you in life:

You'll become better at work, more focused, more fulfilled, and far more self confident! You'll carry yourself in an entirely different way.

Exercise:

It will help you get into great shape, increase coordination and flexibility, and you will LOSE WEIGHT.

More fun than you've ever had!

For many, Latin Dancing is just the element that has been missing in their lives. You don’t even have to be a professional because Latin Dancing is so much fun.
There are many other reasons. Hopefully we've provided enough reasons to at least that you take the first step.