StepsOnToes

Yes, you can! Rhythm CAN be learned. More than anything, loss of a sense of rhythm affects people in very different ways, so we work differently with everyone who needs help with it, but we haven’t lost a patient yet! ;)

This depends on the people involved. If the better dancer is supportive and patient, it can be a help to have both partners there. However, if the better dancer gets easily frustrated, it’s better to come alone to most of the classes and have your partner join you as necessary.

No. You can learn by yourself and then join a dance community in which the custom is to dance with everyone rather than just with your date/partner. We can show you which communities dance with everyone and that will be part of your decision as to which dance to start with. We’ll also let you know when you’re ready to start practicing with strangers so you don't have to feel embarrassed about your skill level (or lack thereof).

It’s a popular myth that ballroom dancing is “basic” and should be the first step. This is inaccurate. We recommend you start with the dance you want to learn.

If you don’t already have a dance in mind, it’s usually a good idea to start with a relatively easy dance like jitterbug or waltz. Choose a dance that goes with music you like. Look at the community with whom you’ll be dancing. If you’re single, go for a dance with the custom of dancing with the crowd, rather than as a couple. Are you planning to go dancing on a regular basis or just at weddings and bar mitzvahs? If your plan is to go out dancing, look for a community that fits your age and your style. Some communities are friendly, others are reserved. These are all things to take into consideration when choosing a dance.

You can if you want, but we advise against it. If your dance is choreographed it’s very difficult to recover from mistakes. The follower has to decide on the spot whether to follow the routine or follow the leader. Instead, we recommend learning to lead and follow. Not only is it a much more natural way to dance your First Dance, but you then have a skill you can use for the rest of your life. If there are places in your music that call for something special, you can learn a move just for those places, but the leader still leads them, and the follower still follows the leader rather than the routine.

The reality is that while some are better at it than others, like any skill, following is a skill that can be learned like any other. If you’ve never been taught to follow, it’s unlikely you’ll be successful at it. Even if you have, it’s entirely possible that you did not resonate with the teaching style of your teacher. Anyone can learn it!