How to Learn & Master Ballroom Dance For Cheap

Ballroom dancing provides good opportunities for social interaction.

Many new ballroom dancing classes, DVDs and online courses have appeared, thanks to the popularity of TV programs such as "Dancing with the Stars" and "So you think you can Dance?" Practicing ballroom dancing can help reduce your waistline and expand your social network. It is also a fun activity. However, taking a course of private dancing lessons can be very expensive. Luckily, there are ways to learn all the moves without breaking the bank.

Instructions

1. Research ballroom dance classes offered by your local college or university. These are usually not too expensive and are sometimes even free.

2. Find a friend or family member who can teach you the basics. Alternatively, advertise for a "skill swap," where you learn ballroom dancing in exchange for one of your skills, such as a foreign language.

3. Watch free online videos about ballroom dancing. This is not as efficient as practicing with another dancer, but it should give you some instruction in the basics.

4. Buy a relatively inexpensive DVD course, such as "Learn & Master Ballroom Dance." The course was advertised at $149 as of January 2011, and you can also pay via a monthly plan of $49 per month. The course covers the main dances of waltz, tango, foxtrot, rumba, cha-cha and swing.

5. Purchase a do-it-at-home ballroom dance kit, which comes with a video and practice CD. For instance, "Dance TV's" home dance kit was $19.95 as of 2011, so it is a cheap option for those on a tight budget.

6. Research dance holidays and ask for a heavily discounted price if they have not filled all their places in the week before the holiday begins. You might be lucky, although dance holidays are popular.

7. Look for local dance nights to practice your steps. For instance, you might find a salsa dance night and pay a nominal entrance fee. USA Dance Chapter runs social dances in many areas of the country.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice as much as possible with a partner. Watching videos and DVDs have their place but are no substitute for a real dance partner.

• Be critical of the quality of the instruction, whether online or in a real dance class.

References

• Dance TV: Learn to Ballroom Dance at Home with the Ballroom Dance Kit
• Learn & Master Ballroom Dance: Are you Ready to get Serious about Learning Ballroom Dance?
• USA Dance: How to Get Started as a Social Ballroom Dancer