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Tips for the Beginner
Learning to dance can be scary! Let's face
it--It takes a lot of courage to risk looking foolish in front
of other people. But the benefits of being a good dancer far
outweigh the risks, especially with the proper guidance; here
are some suggestions to help you get the most out of your dancing.
- Don't look down! This is the single most common error of new (and
not-so-good "advanced") dancers. Not only does it distort
your posture, it says "I'm not sure what I'm doing"
to the world. Don't worry, the floor's still down there. Don't
look down!
- Use your BEST manners. Dancing is a social activity. A charming and engaging
person is welcome at any event, regardless of his or her dance
skills. No one cares how well you dance if you didn't brush your
teeth.
- Dance with EVERYONE! See above. It is no longer unacceptable for a lady
to ask a gentleman to dance; however, if either party declines,
it is very poor form to accept a dance with another partner for
the same song.
- Learn several dances. It's a shame to have to turn down a dance with
someone you'd like to dance with because you don't know
that dance. It's as easy to learn many dances as it
is to learn one; rather than learning a dance,
learn to dance.
- NEVER CORRECT YOUR PARTNER ON
THE FLOOR. Need I say more?
- Get off it and on 'em. You already know how to sit, right? And there's
only one way to get good.
- Oh yeah, almost forgot...Take
lots of lessons!
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