Someone on Quora.com once asked me, “How long must I take ballroom dance lessons until I feel confident on the dance floor?”

The amount of time it takes to become a confident dancer depends on a few things.

For example, what is your definition of confident?

Are you thinking just good enough to get-by on the dance floor or do you want to be great? A get-by dancer knows enough to get around the floor with a few steps. They may feel pretty good about the steps they’re doing, but until they put in the time, they won’t be very smooth. The leading or following may sometimes be uncertain, but hey, everybody starts out this way.

On the other hand, a great social dancer knows all the popular dances and has quite a few steps at his or her disposal. Not only that, self-assured, well-trained dancers can lead or follow good dancers and even those who aren’t good yet. In addition, they make their partners feel great about the dance.

In order to estimate how long it will take you to feel confident, we’d have to know how confident you want to be. Do you mean get-by, or great, or something in between?

What kind of lessons are you taking to help you become more self-assured?

Most ballroom dance instructors recommend that you take a combination of private lessons, group classes, and dance parties. Here’s how to best use the time to become a confident dancer.

• In order to get the most out of your lessons, keep them close together. Especially in the beginning.
• It’s not always best to bring a partner on your dance lessons. Because sharing lessons cuts your instruction time in half, it will take you longer to improve.
• Repetition and practice will have you feeling better about your dancing. Try practicing at the studio before or after your lessons.

What about your temperament and ability?

Temperament

If you throw yourself 100% into new experiences, you’ll probably love learning to become a confident dancer. Everybody Dance Now could be your theme song.

However, keep in mind that not everyone is comfortable about moving their body. A shy person may have to work harder to get past feeling insecure.

Ability

It’s important to know some will pick up dancing faster than others. It’s the same with any activity, isn’t it? If you naturally have a feel for it, it’s going to go easier for you.

Here’s a Dance Safari post that you might enjoy, “Learn Ballroom Dancing? Let Me Wave My Magic Wand.”

In conclusion…

…without working with you personally, it’s impossible to tell how long it will take you to become a confident dancer. That’s a question best answered by your dance instructor. Happy dancing!