There is always one question new dancers ask us: “How long does it take to be a good dancer?” Our answer is, “You are good! The longer you study, the more knowledge you receive. You’ll always want to be a better dancer!” You can be a good beginner dancer or a good professional dancer, but you’ll always strive to be better!
The important thing is to focus on what you have already achieved. Remember, every great dancer started by learning the basic steps. If you are learning new things, that means you are getting better. Everyone is different, but we are here to help you on your quest to being the best dancer that you can be!
The best advice we can give is to be patient and kind to yourself, and make sure you fully understand a concept or step before learning the next one. We’ve all been there: we get excited and start to do things in the incorrect order and then find ourselves having to go backwards a bit because we skipped a step or two! For example, if you can dance a new step with your instructor, that does not mean you are ready for a new step right away! You’ll need to be sure you understand how to lead or follow the step, maintain the rhythm, and add the right technique and style.
Stages of Learning to Dance
1. Take an introductory lesson:
The goal of your first couple of lessons is not to learn to dance (it’s impossible to learn anything in one lesson!). The goal is to familiarize yourself with the structure of a dance lesson, gain confidence in yourself (yes, you can learn to dance!), and meet our team to decide if we are a good fit for your needs. You’ll try 2-3 different dances and make a plan for your future dancing goals.
2. Beginner Lessons
Once you’ve decided to make dancing a part of your life, this is the most important phase of learning. The goal is to learn the basic steps of your favorite dances (don’t worry if you aren’t sure which dances are right for you!). Think of it like learning to read; first you need to know how to read the alphabet! You’ll need to make a commitment for yourself, and your teacher, to ensure you will set yourself up for success in the long term. That means practicing every day. Yes, we mean every day – even if it’s just for a few minutes!
3. Core Fundamentals
This period of learning can be thought of as the bridge between learning the basic steps and becoming a confident social dancer. You’ll learn basic technique, essential lead & follow skills, and start to get an idea of the style of each dance. In the analogy of learning to read, this is the stage where you begin to read individual words. You may or may not be learning additional steps during this period; either way is fine!
4. Bronze Lessons
Bronze level is the first level of competent ballroom dancing, and this is where all new students should set their sights. The goal of this level is to teach the dancer good balance, rhythm, how to move both individually and with a partner, and to be comfortable dancing in a social setting. This level of dancing is heavily focused on social dancing, and many of the steps are recognizable on the dance floor with a variety of partners. With the help of your instructor, you’ll choose the dances you wish to focus on and your instructor teach you new steps and techniques in those dances. You will also strengthen your leading and following skills which will have you feeling comfortable and confident on the dance floor!
5. Silver Lessons
Silver level dancing requires a higher degree of styling, technique, expression, musicality, and elaborate movement. The silver level dancer will stand out and begin to look more like a professional on the dance floor. Dancers at this level typically perform quite often in shows and competitive events while still feeling comfortable dancing at social dance events.
6. Gold Lessons
The Gold Level is for the dancer interested in the highest level of performances, exhibitions, and/or competitions. This type of dancing is not for the social dance floor because both the leader and follower must be highly advanced dancers. The movements are not designed for a lead/follow format of dancing, and dancers at this level tend to have their own choreography. Choreography, styling, technique and showmanship are a must in this level of dancing. This level requires dedication and many hours of lessons and practice time, but you will truly be regarded as an outstanding dancer!
Ready to take your first step? Give us a call today!
