How to Ballroom Dance on a Budget

Have "Dancing with the Stars" and "So You Think You Can Dance" inspired you to get out onto the dance floor? Not only is it fun to watch, there are numerous advantages to learning ballroom dance. Ballroom dancing is a great form of exercise, as well as a way to meet and mingle with others within a safe atmosphere. Truth be told, ballroom dance can be both an expensive hobby and/or a competitive sport. Some of the more avid ballroom dancers spend thousands per year just on lessons. Many ballroom dance studios even try to push expensive deals on first timers. With a little research and planning, it is possible to start ballroom dancing on a budget.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer
• Internet
• Phone
• Transportation
• Comfortable shoes for dance

Instructions

1. Decide what you would like to get out of ballroom dance. Most beginners aspire to take part in social dancing at parties or special events.
2. Watch on-line ballroom dance instruction videos. These videos are absolutely free. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with ballroom dance. You can also purchase ballroom dance videos. Sometimes, it may be difficult to find full and comprehensive videos on ballroom dance. Therefore, you may opt to purchase a video.
3. Research college classes or community education workshops. Check to see if they offer ballroom dance classes. These classes are affordable classes that can last for a couple of weeks to a few months.
4. Research the nightlife in your area. Events are available to the public that offer a flat cover charge for a dance lesson and social dancing afterward. This is a great way to learn how to dance and apply it to a social situation.
5. Check your local ballroom dance studios. Ballroom dance studios will offer group classes for specific dances. Compared to a private lesson, group classes are at a much lower rate.
6. Find a dance partner. If you have a steady person to practice with, you'll be able to improve more rapidly. Practicing alone is also highly encouraged; however, there are some aspects of the dance that you cannot do alone. Dancing with a partner is the true essence of ballroom dance. A private lesson is a great time to receive full attention from an instructor.

Tips & Warnings

• Make the most out of your dance lessons by practicing. That way you're optimizing your dance lesson and getting the best deal possible from your instruction.
• Watching dance videos is a great way to save money, especially if they're free. However, it is highly recommended that you receive training within group classes. Observing an instructor within a class is different from watching a 2D video. An expert third eye is often required in improving your skill
• Watch out for package deals. Some studios will offer a great deal for introductory lessons. The studio will later attempt to sell you expensive dance lessons in bulk. Evaluate your own needs beforehand or else you may risk falling for a sales tactic