| If you are anything like me, you've been touched by | | | | rhythm, coordination, how you hold your body, physical |
| dance in one form or another at some point in your life. | | | | fitness, and concentration. You can't assess these |
| Maybe it was the first time you went to see The | | | | qualities on your own. It is essential to get real time |
| Nutcracker as a child. Perhaps you were caught up in | | | | feedback from a professional instructor who can give |
| the world of Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, admiring | | | | you an objective opinion on your skill and progress. |
| their tap dancing in classic films. Or you might have | | | | There are dance instructors in almost every |
| caught a group of street performers one day, or an | | | | community who are available to teach different styles |
| ethnic dance troupe at a community festival. | | | | such as tap, jazz, hip-hop and ballet. These are people |
| Dance is something anyone can appreciate, but only a | | | | who have made a life of dancing-who have real |
| few people can do very well. Every person has the | | | | passion and enthusiasm-and they will give you the |
| ability to develop their natural abilities, but it isn't | | | | attention and support you need as you attempt to |
| something you're born knowing how to do. In order to | | | | learn. A good instructor will also be able to give you |
| dance-really dance-you need training. | | | | the encouragement you need as you undertake a |
| But what if you aren't planning to be a professional | | | | new learning experience. |
| dancer? What if you just want to learn how to dance | | | | Learning to dance well is a feeling that compares to no |
| for fun? Or at the very least, learn how to not | | | | other. Your confidence and ability will grow with each |
| embarrass yourself in front of your friends? | | | | lesson. Through regular practice, you'll achieve more |
| Even amateurs need training. Just like any other art | | | | discipline, and you will begin to see an improvement in |
| form, there are methods for each type of dance that | | | | your physical fitness. Before you know it you may be |
| have been developed, refined, and handed down from | | | | ready to master even more styles of dance and |
| teacher to student for centuries. There is no substitute | | | | increase your skill level as a dancer. |
| for one-on-one teaching with a master. You wouldn't | | | | Don't be intimidated! Call and ask if you can go watch |
| think of trying to earn a karate black belt by watching | | | | a class before you sign up, or ask if you can talk to |
| a DVD, and neither should you think you can become | | | | the instructor one-on-one to discuss any concerns you |
| a proficient dancer in the same way. Taking formal | | | | have. You'll be glad you took the time to really study |
| instruction-either privately or in a group setting is the | | | | with a teacher when you are dazzling your friends and |
| only real way to learn the whole concept of the dance. | | | | family with your moves at the next big party! |
| Dance isn't just about where your feet are. It is about | | | | |