How to Take Dance Lessons Online

Sometimes it's not possible or convenient to take dance lessons at a studio, no matter how much you want to learn to waltz, breakdance or tango. There may be no dance studios near you, or you may not have time to make it to a class one or more days a week. Online dance instruction can satisfy your interest in a new form of dance or a commitment to a current one anytime.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with recent Flash player
• Practice space

Choose a Dance Discipline

1. Decide which style you want to study. Consider your dance habits and preferences. Are you drawn to couples, line or freestyle dancing?

2. Know which singles discipline you want to study. Lower-level ballet can be done without a partner, and country and hip-hop line dances can be studied alone. Consider belly dancing, jazz and tap as well.

3. Know which couples discipline you want to study. When you watch dancers on TV or in clubs, do you prefer ballroom dances such as waltz or foxtrot over the Latin salsa or cha cha? Watch an instructional DVD such as "Ballroom and Latin Dance Sampler" at Amazon that demonstrates several to help you decide (see Resources below).

Take Online Dance Lessons

4. Check online for instruction in the discipline you like best. Websites such as idance.com offer an inexpensive package of progressive lessons (see Resources below). Try one of their freebies, then enroll if you like what you find.

5. Find a dance partner or practice alone, and enjoy moving from class to class with online lessons.

Tips & Warnings

• Online dance programs are ultraportable, inexpensive and relevant to specific subjects.
• You'll get more out of online study if you focus on one type of dancing.
• Set a regular practice schedule so you'll make steady progress.
• Supplement your lessons with a manual on basic instruction and regular dance classes, if possible.
• Some websites will install an up-to-date Flash player for you for free.
• Without a live instructor, you'll have to make safety and proper technique your business. Take care when warming up, and follow step instructions to a T.
• Some dance moves, if performed incorrectly, can cause long-term problems for muscles, tendons or joints.

Resources

• Choose your dance style
• Wide variety of dance styles at Idance.net
• Technique reference