16 Habits For Starting a Dance Hobby the Right Way
Think of the thrill you experienced opening the gift you always wanted.
Fast forward a year, and that prized possession ended up broken, at the bottom of your toy box, and re-purposed as a teething toy for your younger sibling.
We don't want that to happen with your Dance Hobby, so that's why we prepared this list of best practices that will keep your dancing fun, interesting, and away from the bottom of the previous hobby toy box.
1. Suspend the Myths
You will always second guess this activity if you still believe you've got two left feet. We're not expecting you to show up convinced that you're already a great dancer, all we want is the opportunity to show you what is possible.
So all we ask is that you, temporarily, suspend the myths, and we'll help erase them for good.
2. Show Up
You've heard that expression, "must be present to win" right?
Here's what you need to do:
Set your appointment, tell everyone about it, stay accountable, and show up so you can win this first, most important, fight with your comfort zone.
3. Sign Up
Yes, learning to dance will be an investment.
As a first time investor in dance lessons we're not expecting you to immediately connect with all of the wonderful byproducts this activity has to offer right away.
It's nearly impossible to find value in something you've never tried. So the goal here is to get started, don't overthink it, and begin with a beginner program that is comfortable for you.
4. Lesson Frequency
This is the name of the game. If you forget everything else, and just master this, you will quickly (emphasis on the word "quickly") learn to dance, and see the value of the activity.
Think of it like this, if your dance lessons were personal training sessions at the gym, how often would you go if you wanted to get in great shape?
The sooner you're back in, the sooner you'll see and feel progress. Enough said.
5. Have Tunnel Vision
It can be easy to fall into dysfunctional comparisons as a dance student. The fact is, your dance journey is unique. There was a catalyst that prompted you to pursue the hobby, and the dancer you're developing into won't look like anyone but you.... but with much greater dance skill.
6. The Full Menu
Your dance teacher understands your current goals, and they also understand that your current goals will evolve. So how do you prepare a dance program for the current, and future, you? You collaborate with your teacher, enlist the help of a New Student Counselor, and trust that what is planned will get you to where you want to go - even if that includes a dance or two that you hadn't thought of.
7. Group Think
Regardless of the dance, taking consistent group classes develops your balance, your role, and your confidence.
8. Party on the Regular
A practice party is like a lab for your private dance lessons. Work on your leading and following, pressure test new moves, and all with the support of the Arthur Murray staff alongside you every step of the way.
9. Expand Your Network
Eventually, it will be easy to dance with your instructor. Expand your network, and build your confidence, by asking students to dance that you may not regularly dance with.
10. Keep a notebook
A notebook is not meant to be a replacement for the dance information you're getting. Treat it like a backup security system for your brain - especially while your muscle memory is under construction.
11. Challenge Your Comfort Zone
This might sound crazy, but there will come a point when walking into the studio is easy and does nothing to rattle your comfort zone anymore. So try a small in-studio event to keep your comfort zone from getting too comfortable.
This is the key to building long term confidence for your dancing, and your teacher will coach you every step of the way.
12. Team Teaching
Teachers all have their own unique ways of communicating information. Your History teacher would probably been decent as an English teacher, but wouldn't have lasted a minute teaching Drama. The same can be said for an Arthur Murray staff. Team teaching is designed for the student to benefit from the strengths of each teacher involved on their program.
13. Dance Shoes
Not mandatory, but definitely a great help, purchasing a pair of dance shoes is a great way to get your feet better connected to the floor, and your brain better connected to your hobby.
14. Try a Routine
Breaking News - you don't have to perform this on stage, on television, or even in front of an audience. Think of a dance routine like a container for technique, style, and groups of patterns. Eventually, you'll have one in every dance, but feel free to start with your favorite dance.
15. Plan Your Next Program
Do you know that your know how of ballroom dance lessons will grow exponentially from lesson 1 to lesson 10? The program that you first put together with your teacher was done with more faith than experience, but guess what? Your next program will be something that you'll plan as a dancer, and not as someone just dipping their toe in the water of this hobby.
16. Share Your Dance Journey
Whether you journal, write a review, video a testimonial, invite a friend, or just go out of your way to smile and introduce yourself - paying it forward is essential to the positive and inclusive atmosphere at Arthur Murray.
After all, you're going to make progress. Not to mention, there may have been a more advanced student along the way that was kind, encouraging, and someone to look up to.
Now you are that student. As crazy as it seems, there are students that look up to you. You may not know them... yet, but make sure that you repay the favor and give them encouragement, kindness, and save them a dance at the next party.
Final Thought
While you can certainly take whichever path works for your schedule, interest, and desired outcome, this list is designed to help you progress the quickest way possible.
Because people rarely quit hobbies they enjoy and are really good at.
So how did you do? How many of these have you accomplished? Are you stuck with one, or do you have an idea for another? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook Page.
Take the next step in your Dance Hobby and become an Arthur Murray Live subscriber today!
