Things To Know Before Your First Class

Keeping these things in mind can help your dance experience be the most educational and enjoyable experience it can be:

A Good Attitude Goes A Long Way
The #1 thing you can do to get the most out of your dance class is to let go of everything else while you are there. No matter how bad your day has been, just allow yourself to enjoy your dancing. Dancing releases endorphins, adrenaline, serotonin and dopamine. All of these chemicals work in combination to make you feel good. In fact, 30 minutes of dancing is often as effective at improving mood as medication. After dancing you will feel elated, a sense of accomplishment and whatever tension you have been carrying around will not seem as bad. Allow it. Don't fight it. It's OK to let your dance partner know you are enjoying it. Even if you don't feel like saying it, you can let your smile and expression show it.

Punctuality: Practice Your Timing
Whether you are taking a group or private class, be prompt. If your lesson starts at 7:00, arrive with enough time to change shoes or take care of whatever business you need to handle before you actually start dancing. In group classes, you interrupt other people's classes by coming in late. And in private classes, aside from being disrespectful to the instructor, you are paying for an instructor's time while you tie your shoelaces.

What to Wear: Do's and Don'ts
Each dance facility will have their own dress code, whether written or just "what everybody does." There is nothing wrong with asking about the dress code when you sign up for the class but in general, you are trying to shoot for "dressy casual." Dress comfortably, but like you are wanting to impress a date at the same time.

• Do's
  - Men: You can't go wrong with cotton slacks and a polo-style shirt. You can basically wear any single color pullover shirt (even a T-shirt) if does not have graphics on it and doesn't look well-worn.
  - Ladies: Wear anything you would wear to the office that is comfortable to move in. Whatever you look good in.
  - Both: Consider the comfort of your partner as well as your own. For instance, it's a good idea to stay away from tank tops (or anything sleeveless). It's natural to sweat when you are dancing so I understand the desire to dress "cool." Just remember that your partner is the one that has to touch/hold your damp/clammy skin. Also, while we're on the subject, if you are a heavy sweater there is nothing wrong with bringing a towel so that you can dry off after an intense dance number. Gentlemen, you might even consider bringing another shirt to change into.
  

• Don'ts
  - Men: Don't keep anything in your pockets when you dance. Bring a gym bag or something to put everything in if you need to. If you have to keep it in your pocket, keep it in your left pants pocket - that way there is less chance it will bruise your partner.
  - Ladies: Don't wear your hair down if you have long hair. It's easy for long hair to get caught in the gentleman's hand or watch in closed position and that can be painful. It also makes it harder for your partner because he's not really touching your back, just your hair. Not to mention the fact that long hair tends to slap your partner in his face when you do turns.
  - Both: Don't wear big accessories that may snag on your partner's clothing. Men, stay away from big watches and belt buckles. Ladies, leave the long necklaces and brooches at home or in your gym bag.
  

Remember that a dance instructor needs to able to see your body to make corrections to your technique. Ballet classes have the right idea - putting everyone in leotards and tights. We can't really do that in ballroom dancing, but try to stay away from baggy clothes and that help the teacher to help you.

Dance Shoes Are More Important Than You Think
You may not want to buy dance shoes when you are just starting out. You may want to wait until you choose a style of dance that you intend to pursue. But as soon as possible, invest in a pair of dance shoes:

• Always, always, always wear dance shoes whenever possible. This is for your safety as much as your comfort. Dance shoes tend to have thinner soles than normal shoes. The shoe material itself is flexible and lightweight but most have a steel shank for support. If you don't have dance shoes, try to find the one with the best sole. Leather soles slide too much and rubber soles can stick and cause injury. Suede soles can let you dance without slipping and sliding.
• Choose a good fit (a snug fit but not tight enough to be painful). Your shoes should be comfortable. And make sure you buy your shoes in a store where you can try them on -- at least until you find a size/brand that you like. Then, if you want to look for them online, that's fine. But the first time you buy a particular size/brand, make sure you try them on.
• Men's dance shoes are usually black lace-up shoes (with a flat heel for standard dance style and a small heel for Latin.)
• Women's shoes, of course, have much more variety: Open or closed toe; pumps or sandals; heels sizes can range from one to three inches. In general, slim heels can make turns easier, while flared heels can give added stability in Latin dances. "Standard" dance shoes are typically a closed-toe pump with a 2-inch flared heel and ankle strap. Latin dancers usually wear open-toed shoes or strappy sandals with 3-inch flared heels. Black shoes will obviously give you the most use out of your shoes.
  

To protect your dance shoes, carry them to class in your gym bag and put them on right before class. Don't wear them on the street. Rough surfaces wear them out quickly. You'll get a lot more life out of the shoe if you only wear them on the dance floor.

Note: If you find yourself constrained by time or money you can make your own dance shoes. Simply take a pair of comfortable shoes (that you don't mind converting to dance shoes) and glue some suede on the bottom of the soles. Rubber cement actually works better than glue. You can buy replacement suede soles at many dance supply stores.

Personal Grooming Reminders
Remember that dancing involves close personal contact. Close personal contact means you probably want to pay attention to:

• Body odor
  If possible, try to shower and use deodorant before class - although steer clear of strong colognes or perfumes.
• Bad Breath
  Let's just say that you probably don't want to eat a big sardine and garlic pizza and then show up at class without brushing your teeth and using mouthwash. It's a good idea to bring mints or breath strips with you to class.
• Hygiene
  There is nothing wrong with "freshening up" during one of the breaks during class. Some classes give you a good workout so there is nothing wrong with keeping a towel nearby.

A checklist of things to bring with you

• a bottle of water (you need to rehydrate if you are sweating)
• towel (and possibly a change of shirt)
• mints/breath strips
• dance bag/gym bag
• dance shoes