Tips for Your First Class
You've seen the posts. You've heard about it from your friends. You've thought about it for sometime. And now you've done it. You've signed up for your first dance class.
Congratulations! You are about to enter an amazing world full of joy, friendship, and life-changing movement. I hope it hooks you the way it did me, but at the very least, that you feel more connected to your body and full of joy afterwards. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your time:
1. Wear comfortable clothing. "What should I wear?" is one of the most frequent questions I get from new students. I suggest yoga clothes. I like full-length leggings, a sports bra, a tank or crop top, and a long-sleeved roomy shirt on top. This allows for movement without restriction, and the ability to layer and de-layer as the body heats up and cools down. Most dancers wear socks or dance barefoot, but check with your instructor if the specific style you are learning requires special footwear. Also bring your water bottle. You'll need it.
2. Be Ready to Learn. If you've taken fitness classes like zumba or jazzercise (better yet - our Cardio Dance Fitness class!), you may be accustomed to fast music, heart-pumping aerobic moves, and lots of endorphins rushing through your body. Now you are transitioning from a fitness class to a dance class. The emphasis will be on technique and choreography. Moves will be broken down and repeated, stepping on beat will be drilled, culture/history/music/theory will be taught. These are all essential ingredients for a great dance class. It will feel different than a fitness class, because it is. It is dance. This may include feeling awkward, unbalanced, and uncoordinated at times. This is normal! Your teacher does not expect you to know the moves, that's why they’re teaching, and I bet they love helping you learn to move in new ways.
3. Invest in a cool dance item. If I can suggest you buy anything as a new dancer, it is to invest in something that motivates you to dance. Maybe that’s a hip scarf for belly dance. Maybe it’s those sexy boots you’ve been eyeing for Heels, or a top that makes you feel empowered. Something that makes you want to put it on and move around. When you invest in something that you love, you will be more likely to use it, and therefore more likely to improve through practice. Even better? Find something gently used or borrow from a friend who no longer needs it. We love repurposing and doing our small part to reduce waste!
4. Remove expectations. Many new students expect class to be full of a certain age of students, a certain gender, or a certain body shape. They are surprised when they show up and class is a mix of all generations, all sizes, and all genders. Dance is for everyone. It looks good on all body shapes and sizes, and is accessible to dancers of every age and ability. Also remove any notion of how quickly you think you will learn dance. This is a practice that requires patience of mind, and patience of body. Think of it as training for a marathon, with a long-term goal in mind. It will take time, but it is well-worth it.
5. Relax, Breathe, and Enjoy Yourself. Focus on your feet first, as they are the foundation for movement. Once you learn foot patterns and basic steps for the feet, transitions and future movement will be easier. Utilize your breath to move energy through your body and to calm the mind while you practice. Maintain your posture, remember to breathe, and above all else, have fun. I love dance, and think you will love it too. It is joyful; it is beautiful; it is art. And it is for you.
I hope you find these tips useful, and that you feel more comfortable entering your first dance class with excitement and an eagerness to learn. Enjoy!