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    Registered User Lost Leader's Avatar
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    What's the best bit of advice for beginners?

    I'm sure it's been discussed before but what goes around comes around. So, what are your best tips for beginners? Here's mine to start things off;

    1. Think about your appearance. If you are smartly and appropriately dressed you will be more popular than someone wearing a woolly hat and climbing boots. Too obvious? Well clearly not to everyone. It is amazing how often you encounter people who look as if they have come straight from a hike or working under their car.

    2. Ask, Ask, Ask (for dances that is) and try not to get upset about the odd refusal. it happens to everyone and most of the time there is a good reason, even if it isn't always made clear.

    3. Followers - concentrate on the technique of key movements such as spinning and turns rather than actually learning the moves. Let leaders lead (even if they don't always do it very well).

    4. Leaders - don't try to run before you can walk. Being able to execute three moves smoothly, correctly and in time is much better than trying to execute a dozen moves badly.

    5. Make sure you have smooth soled shoes suitable for dancing. You don't have to buy special dance shoes right away but you cannot dance in any shoe with a grippy sole, especially if you are a follower.

    6. Hands are important so keep fingernails short, remove rings, dangly bracelets etc.

    7. Don't neglect personal hygiene. You will get hot and sweaty. Take sensible precautions. If you smell people will notice.

    8. Learn about connection. It may seem a bit esoteric at first but it's worth persevering so listen to Franck. This stuff is vitally important.

    9. Swap places when you dance. That means both you and your partner have to move. Leaders signal when to move and then get out of the way, followers try to move in a straight line (this is called slotted dancing).

    10. Remember dancing is really just about having fun. Smile, laugh at yourself when things go wrong (not your partner), don't take it too seriously or beat yourself up about it.

    11. Always remember that you are your worst critic. Your dancing is never as bad as you think it is. Even the "good" dancers are mass of insecurities and worries just like you.

    12. Don't give up. Yes, you will have bad days, but there is always the next time. We were all beginners once and most people never forget that fact so don't be afraid to ask for advice if you need it

    13. Never criticise your partner unless they do something dangerous or totally inappropriate. Only give advice if someone asks for it. Unsolicited advice, however well meant, is often perceived as criticism and taken personally.

    14. Leaders progress more slowly than followers so be patient. It's partly that we men aren't the quickest on the uptake when it comes to dancing (or much else some might say), but also because we do have to actually learn the moves in order to be able to lead them.

    15. Listen to the music. Play you favourite MJ tracks all the time and learn to follow the beat. Keeping in time with the music is a key skill, but avoid the dreaded bouncy hand syndrome.

    Right, who wants to join in now?
    Last edited by Lost Leader; 30th-December-2009 at 09:24 PM. Reason: usual nonsence

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