What would you do if you wanted to be a better golfer, tennis player, actor, or blogger? Obviously, you’d golf, play tennis, act, or blog more. That’s because developing a new skill takes time and effort. That’s how it is with ballroom dancing, too. For this reason, if learning ballroom dancing is your journey, here are 3 suggestions for you to try that may help make it a great trip.

To begin, here’s a Dance Safari post that explains a bit about what to expect as you work towards becoming a good ballroom dancer. It’s called “Learn Ballroom Dancing? Let Me Wave My Magic Wand.” A magic wand would certainly move things along at a brisk pace, but wouldn’t it be better to remember that those experiences are meant to be enjoyed? In any case, the secret to being a fun ballroom dance partner is simple – dance more. 

3 Ways to Get More Dancing Done

1. Since learning ballroom dancing is a journey, why not explore a new dance venue?

When you join the ballroom dance community, you’ll be surrounded by friendly people just like yourself. You like to dance; they like to dance. Ask your friends where they go to dance and tag along. It’s your chance to meet some new folks and dance more. You’ll love how much fun it is to watch new dancers and hear different music.

When it comes to trying out dance venues, it’s important to keep an open mind. If you love to dance Foxtrot and Waltz, try a little Salsa or Bachata in a Latin club or 2-Step in a Country-Western club. You could visit a local milonga and get your Argentine Tango on. Don’t be a dance snob, “I only like to dance Hustle (or Swing, Quickstep, etc.)” There’s a world of dance out there. Check it out.

2. Dancing with a variety of partners is one way to guarantee a great trip around the dance floor.

Increasing your number of partners is an easy way to improve your dancing. You’ll need to be keenly aware of how you signal your intentions (leader) or your responses (follower). This will help clear up some of the leading and following techniques you’ve been taught. Watch what happens to your confidence as you move from partner to partner.

3. Test drive new styles, dances, and patterns.

Here’s my experience regarding learning a new style. As a professional ballroom dance competitor, I loved the American Style. The freedom and expression that characterizes the American dances made me happy. Nevertheless, there came a point where my partner and I decided to compete in the International Ballroom Style as well. It’s a highly technical style that demands perfection in every part of the dance. We studied hard and trained with the best coaches available to us in New York City. I was afraid it was too strict and regimented. So, you can imagine my surprise when we found our American dancing was improving by leaps and bounds. It was due to spending time learning new styles, dances, and patterns.

Challenge yourself.

It would seem to make sense to pick a dance, take some lessons, and practice, practice, practice until you make it a part of you. However, that is not the case. You can and will enjoy yourself more if you know a variety of dances that you can bust out whenever you want. Don’t be in such a hurry to learn one or two. If ballroom dancing was a buffet, you’d be crazy not to sample it all. Take your time, enjoy the journey. It’s gonna be delicious.