What to Expect in Your First Beginner Ballroom & Latin Dance Class
Introduction:
So, you’ve both finally taken the plunge, and that dance class you’ve been talking about starting together for months is finally a reality! You’re booked on, excited, and raring to go! The date is in the diary, and you are counting down the days until your first Ballroom & Latin dance class together.
Now that you’ve officially taken the first step (see what we did there?), it’s time to think about the class itself. You’ve probably found yourself with a whole load of unanswered questions. What will you learn? How does it all work? What will the class be like?
Well, ponder no more! We’re here to guide you through what to expect during your first Beginner Partners Ballroom & Latin Dance Class at RISE Dance.
Arrive:
The first step in any dance class (yes, another pun!) is arriving at our studio and letting us know you’re there. A member of our friendly team will greet you at reception and be happy to answer any last-minute questions you might have about your class.
You may find some of your new classmates sitting in the reception area waiting. Don’t be shy, say hello! All of our beginner attendees are in the same boat as you, either brand new to dancing or just a few weeks ahead. We keep the classes beginner-friendly, so you’ll be sharing the floor with people at your level.
Pro Tip: Arrive a few minutes early to familiarize yourself with the space and relax before the class starts. A little extra time to settle in can help ease any pre-class jitters!
Meet The Teacher:
Once you’re settled in, your dance teacher will come to reception to welcome you to RISE Dance. After they finish their current lesson, they’ll guide you to the studio where your class will take place. Don’t worry if you see multiple lessons happening at the same time — your teacher will make sure you’re in the right place.
The Class:
Inside the studio, your teacher will introduce themselves and take a quick register. They’ll also walk you through what you’ll be learning over the next few weeks, with a little info about the history and style of Ballroom & Latin dancing.
At RISE Dance, we cover the eight main Ballroom & Latin dances in our beginner classes. These include: Waltz, Tango, Quickstep, Foxtrot, Cha Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, and Jive. In each four-week block, we focus on two dances — one Ballroom and one Latin — until you feel confident and ready to move on.
1, 2, 3:
Now it’s time to get started! This is where the real fun begins as you dive into the basic steps. We split everyone into Leaders and Followers and teach the steps separately, so no one gets confused. Your teacher will be right there at the front, dancing with you as you learn.
Everything is taught at a nice, gentle pace — there’s no rush! If you need a recap or want to repeat something, we’re more than happy to go over it again. After all, practice makes perfect, and we want everyone to feel comfortable.
Pro Tip: Don’t worry about getting everything right immediately! Focus on having fun, and the steps will come with time.
Taking Hold:
Once you’ve nailed down the basic steps individually, it’s time to pair up with your partner. Your teacher will show you how to hold each other, depending on the dance style you’re learning. And don’t worry about stepping on toes — we’ll give you tips on avoiding that too!
Your teacher will keep talking you through the steps as you practice with your partner, helping you develop muscle memory and confidence.
Now for Music:
Here’s where the magic happens — dancing to music! Once the steps are flowing, your teacher will introduce music to accompany your movements. They’ll count you in and guide you through the rhythm so you can focus on enjoying the dance.
This is often one of our favourite parts of the class because it’s when we start to see everything coming together. It’s exciting to watch our beginners truly get into the groove and enjoy themselves!
The Next Dance:
After the first dance, we’ll repeat the process with our second dance for the class. Just like before, we’ll walk you through the steps, pair you up, and finally, bring in the music for that dance too.
Wrapping It Up:
As the class comes to an end, your teacher will recap what you’ve learned and let you know what’s coming up in the next session. If you’re keen to practice at home, we’ll also share some tips or point you toward videos of the routines on our website to keep everything fresh in your mind.
Before you know it, the hour will have flown by, and you’ll have learned the first few steps of two brand new dances. Over the next few weeks, we’ll continue building on these routines and introducing you to more dance styles as we progress.
Embarking on your first Ballroom & Latin dance class can feel like stepping into the unknown, but by the end of that first hour, you’ll have gained more than just new dance steps. You’ll have experienced the joy of moving to music, the excitement of learning with your partner, and the satisfaction of mastering something new. Whether you’re here for fun, fitness, or a new hobby, the key is to enjoy the process and take it one step at a time.
At RISE Dance, we aim to make your beginner experience enjoyable and stress-free, building your confidence as you progress through each class. By the time you leave, you’ll be eagerly awaiting your next session, ready to add even more moves to your growing repertoire. See you on the dance floor next week — and remember, practice makes perfect!
Pro Tip: Stay updated on upcoming socials or events at our studio! They’re a great way to practice your new moves in a fun, relaxed setting.