Are you nervous about being around people? Do you shy away from trying new things because you feel like everyone is judging you?  Then, you’re missing out on some good times. Especially if you’re thinking about learning partner dancing. Certainly, you don’t have to be afraid to be a beginner in anything.  Therefore, don’t let fear stop you from learning how to dance.

However, if you want to dance, you really don’t have a choice but to be taught.  After all, we can’t make you a dancer by waving a magic wand – and wouldn’t even if we could.  With this in mind, here’s a Dance Safari post called, “Learn Ballroom Dancing? Let Me Wave My Magic Wand”.

Don’t let fear stop you because learning to partner dance is an exciting journey with lots of possibilities.

After all, there are many styles of partner dancing to choose from. You could be a…

Social Dancer

East Coast Swing, Cha Cha, Foxy, Rumba, Waltz

Think weddings, cruises, country clubs. In other words, any place that has a band or DJ.

Club Dancer

Hustle, Nightclub Two-Step, West Coast Swing

It’s not all freestyle at dance clubs. These dances have you covered whether the music is fast or slow.

Latin Club Dancer

Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Kizomba, Zouk

Are you hiding a sultry side? If so, learn any or all of these dances and set your hips free. Don’t let fear stop you.

C&W Dancer

Country-Western Two-Step, aka Texas Two-Step, Cowboy Cha Cha, Country Waltz, West Coast Swing, Country Swing

There’s nothing better than moving to some good, old-fashioned country music, such as Some Days You Just Gotta Dance, by the Dixie Chicks.

Tango Dancer

Argentine Tango, Tango Nuevo, Vals, and Milonga

Be brave and learn any style of Tango dancing. The tempo and feel of each of the Tango dances create a movement that is similar in style, but different in execution. Enjoy this demonstration of the Vals by Gustavo & Giselle Anne.

The dance’s speed is measured in BPM (Beats Per Minute).

• Argentine Tango: 80 – 160 BPM
• Tango Nuevo: 40 – 160 BPM
• Vals and Milonga: 150 – 240 BPM

Lindy Hopper & Swing Dancer

Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa, Jitterbug, Shag, DC Hand Dancing, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Boogie Woogie (and more!)

Whether your favorite music is from the ’30s and ’40s or you prefer more contemporary songs, these dances are gonna be for you. If you’re a Lindy Hopper or Swing dancer, you won’t be sitting out many songs.

Don’t let fear stop you from becoming a Ballroom Dancer.

There are two styles of Ballroom Dancing.

International Style

Ballroom Dances: Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Quickstep, Viennese Waltz

Latin Dances: Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive

American Style

Smooth Dances: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz

Rhythm Dances: Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero, Mambo

How to Choose the Dance Style That’s Best for You

The answer is simple, Google it. Then, go to YouTube and watch some dancing. Learn as much as you can, and watch a lot of videos. When you see something that makes your feet tingle and your heart sing, start learning it.