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What to wear to Ballroom dancing lessons.
It can be pretty nerve wracking coming into the Ballroom for the first time - but it helps if you know you are going to look the part. Gents are best to wear slacks (not jeans or shorts) and a short or long sleeve shirt with a collar. A tie is suitable for special events and functions, but for lessons a clean shirt is all you'll need. In winter, you may need to wear some layers that you can remove as you dance. A fine knit jumper or vest is great for learning dancing.
The most important aspect might be what you wear on your feet. You do not need special dance shoes to learn Ballroom, but it can help as you progress. Dance shoes have a unique suede sole that help you glide along the floor. If you don't have dance shoes we recommend dark coloured dress shoes or even light trainers or runners or similar in a dark colour. Here is an example of what dance shoes for men look like. (We have these on sale in the Ballroom)
What about the ladies?
One enchanting aspect of Ballroom is the glamour! For lessons, ladies are best to wear slacks, or a skirt and a short or long sleeved top, or a dress. In colder weather its best to wear layers for Ballroom dance so that you can remove them as you warm up (and you will!). Getting yourself a pair of dance shoes is not necessary - but it will definitely improve your dancing experience, as the special sole allows you to glide more easily along the floor. If you don't have your own Ballroom shoes, then it's best to wear sandals or flat shoes (unless you are used to heels) and make sure they are comfortable and stay firmly on your foot as you lift them off the floor. Boots, thongs and platform or high stilettos are not suitable. Be prepared to go shopping and get yourself a whole new wardrobe of beautiful dresses and outfits to wear dancing!
These ladies dance shoes are perfect to get you started - and available for sale in the Ballroom.
"My husband isn't so sure - but I'm loving the fact that I've had to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe - just for dancing !" Rachel
Once you've got your outfit and footwear ready - you then need to ask yourself - am I mentally ready for my first Ballroom dance lesson? Many people feel very intimidated when they come into the Ballroom for their first class, and that's normal. Nerves and feeling unsure are to be expected.
Experience tells us that the dancers who have the most pleasant experience are those with a healthy 'can do' attitude. Sometimes, one member of a couple might be more uncomfortable that the other in learning to dance. No one learns to become a Ballroom dancer in one lesson, so set yourself the goal of persisting for at least eight weeks, at a minimum, and reward yourself for any small improvements along the way. Understand that you might not achieve all the steps you are taught in your first Ballroom dance lesson, and that you will need to practice outside the lesson. Allow yourself to make mistakes, have fun as you learn, and enjoy the company of your teacher or partner as you are learning. Bring along a good sense of humour!
"Thanks so much for being a special part of my life - you bring me joy and a love for dance" Sharyn
Parking and finding your way around.
Dance Kingdom Ballroom has ample parking around the studio and is also a 10 minute walk from Lilydale station. Once inside the Ballroom, there are change rooms immediately to your right as you enter, if required. If not, head straight through to the Ballroom where you will be greeted by your teacher. Here you can wait in the lounge area where we will come and get you for your first Ballroom lesson. The bathrooms are situated at the back of the Ballroom along the carpeted corridor by the side of the dance floor, along with a kitchen with complimentary tea and coffee.
Final checklist for your first Ballroom dance class.
1. Appropriate clothes and shoes 2. A can do happy attitude and a healthy sense of humour 3. Directions once you arrive
A quick tour for newbies!
