Frequently Asked Questions About Social Partner Dancing

What is dancing?

Very simply, dancing is what happens when your body moves to music. Examples of dancing could be as simple as tapping your toes or snapping your fingers. We are all born with a natural physical, emotional and spiritual response to music. Dance is the experience of allowing that response to come out while enjoying the process.

What is partner dancing?

Partner dancing is a general term used to describe two people dancing together and physically touching each other. One of the partners is leading the movement and the other is following the lead. At higher levels of dancing the follower has opportunities to lead and add on to the movement through embellishments and decorations such as arm, leg and head movements.

What is Social Dancing?

Social Dancing is dancing in a social setting. To put it another way, it is non-competitive dancing. Social dancing benefits include exercise, meeting new people, being a part of a community and connecting with other people. Many styles of movement are enjoyed by social dancers. Ballet is not social dancing, it is almost always done as a performance.

What is competition dancing?

In competition dancing, dancers are judged and ranked against their peers.

Competition dancing benefits include challenging the physical and mental fitness of the dancers, joy, accomplishment and teamwork. Dancers are judged based on established standards of accepted techniques, styles, patterns and attire.

How long will it take me to learn to dance?

As with all learning, the time it takes is dependant on the student, teacher, and amount of time on a given topic. We believe you can feel comfortable social dancing after a four week course with at least one practice session between classes. It’s important to remember that dance is an art form, like playing the guitar or painting. So there are many layers of progress and comfort. Learning involves patience, time, and an understanding. Also, there is no right or wrong, there is only what you create.

Which dance do I start with?

We recommend you start learning to dance with music you already enjoy listening to. Dancing can be done to almost any style of music.

Do I need a partner to learn to dance?

There are many forms of dance; not all require a partner. It is sometimes better to learn to dance on your own so that when you begin dancing with another person it is much easier. Line dancing is a great way to learn the basics of dancing.  Then you will easily be able to move with a partner.

How do I find a place to dance where I live?

Chances are there are several places to dance socially where you live. Check our website for dances in your area (www.DANCINTIME.com). If there is not a dance within a convenient distance, you always have the option of starting your own dance.

Can I learn to dance online?

Partially, yes… and you have found the only comprehensive start to finish dance education system. It includes online and offline features using text, video, and audio. You cannot learn all the aspects of dance on your computer that is to say that dance is a physical activity as well as a mental one. Fortunately, we have created the world’s first easy to follow portable dance education system. So you will be able to learn whenever you want, wherever you are!

What kind of shoes do I wear for dancing?

Your shoes are your connection to the dance floor, they are important to make you feel comfortable and for your safety. Improper shoes will not allow your body to turn properly and therefore can be an opportunity for injury. Soft soled shoes with smooth bottoms are best. For women, pumps will work to get you started. For men, typical Sunday shoes with smooth leather bottoms are a good starting point. Avoid shoes with rubber bottoms or designs for traction.

Do women learn to dance faster than men?

Many women experience dancing in their childhood with ballet, tap or jazz classes and performances. Due to this experience they often seem to learn faster when in a group or private partner dance class. In addition, many men feel they can’t dance or don’t have any rhythm.  This thought often hinders their progress, whether or not it is true.

In partner dancing the man is often the leader and therefore has more information to process in the beginning stages of learning to dance. The leader is responsible for planning ahead, choosing the next pattern while leading the current pattern and being aware of other dancers on the floor. The follower only has to focus on the current pattern.

To the man’s advantage, many men are right brained and therefore understand the technical aspects of dance (like math and physics) with a little more ease than women.

Why do I feel uncoordinated?

While math and science are mostly understood by the brain, dance, like most arts requires physical muscle control. The more we focus on moving our muscles the better we get at it. It is common to feel unclear about how to make your foot do this or your arm do that at the right time. With our self-paced method of learning dance, you can review each lesson as many times as you like and move on when you feel comfortable. The only one pushing you is you.

What makes a good social dance partnership?

Similar goals. It is helpful before you begin practicing together to be clear and honest about why you are practicing. Is it to teach the other person? To learn for yourself? To become a competitive or show dancer? The Ability to work together and accept mistakes makes for a good social dance partnership.

What do dancers wear?

Good question. In most social dancing it is common to wear casual attire. Certain genres of dance have a tradition of specific clothing and shoes. Argentine Tango dancers, for example, typically wear black clothes, while lindy hoppers have fun keeping the originality of the roaring 20’s in their closet and on the dance floor.

Is line dancing for country music only?

Due to the massive popularity of country line dancing in the 1990’s, it is commonly thought that line dancing refers to country line dancing only. Actually, line dancing is an age old tradition taking on many styles of movement. Country is both a style of movement and a type of music. Often times today’s “Country line dancers” are dancing to popular hip-hop, swing and Latin music.

What make s a good competitive dance partnership?

Desire to compete. Similar skill levels and ability to learn. Willingness to travel and room together.