How to Begin Ballroom Dancing

Ballroom dancing requires a partner, comfortable shoes and a sense of rhythm. People new to ballroom dancing can begin by taking classes, showing up at a dance event and learning through others or finding a partner who is more experienced and who can lead effectively.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Set a goal for yourself. People dance for a variety of reasons, from general socializing to attempting to impress a potential mate. Discern and qualify why you want to ballroom dance. Commit to paper a budget and schedule of how much time and money you're willing to invest in it.

2. Buy a comfortable pair of close-toed dance shoes. The feet are extremely important in all forms of dance and not having proper footwear could cause you to dislike dancing unnecessarily. For ballroom, be sure to purchase black shoes.

3. Find a partner who is more experienced than you are and who can instruct you on your part while still performing his own. If you're looking to start ballroom dancing as a couple or know you want individual lessons, look for a teacher in your area who is credible and affordable and who has a studio of her own.

4. Learn the basic hand positioning and stepping first. Save spinning and dipping until you're sure of your feet and really understand your role in the dance.

Tips & Warnings

• Whenever you can dance, be sure to do so. Experience is sometimes the best teacher. If there's music playing, ask someone to join you. You may stumble or do amazingly well, but either way, you'll be sure to learn more every time you try.