There are friends in your life that you clicked with right away.
Then there's that special brand of friendship that didn't begin very friendly at all. Whether they just weren't on your radar or you fell victim to some misunderstanding, we all can think of one friendship that didn't have an ideal beginning.
The same can be said about the dances you learn.
Some dances are an instant hit. Maybe you watched them on TV, saw one danced at a nightclub, or grew up around it. At some point, that dance hit you like Cupid's arrow.
Then there are the dances that follow the story arc of a romantic comedy. You meet the dance, you don't click with it at all, and then, somehow, defying the odds, it starts growing on you.
So let's take a look at some of those "hate to love" dances. Maybe it's a dance that you've always hated. Today, we are going to explore those often misunderstood, but highly valuable, dances that might be worth a second look.
You may even fall in love.
You Might Love That One Dance You Hate
1. The Tango
The Common Presumption: This dance can come on a little too strong for some. It can seem dramatic, a little impractical, and can give off the impression that it is restricted for the TV performer types - particularly those with exotic accents and great hair.
The Truth: The Tango is one of the best dances for improving your confidence in all other dances. The boldness of the movement isn't just for show, it helps dancers of all levels to move with better clarity and balance.
Finally, the fact that this dance is a bit dramatic can allow your dance alter-ego to develop. This gives you a bigger dose of the escapism that dance lessons can give you.
Bottom Line: Most people don't like Tango because it is dramatic and flashy. Beneath the flashy exterior is one of the best dances for teaching confident movement. Like a sports car that happens to be a reliable and fuel efficient family vehicle.
2. The Samba
The Common Presumption: Similar to the Tango, the performance side of Samba can give off the wrong impression of this dance. Is it exotic, athletic, and exciting? Yes. Is this the dance they feature at Carnival in South America? Yes. Is this what you're expecting me to learn when I see Samba on the group class calendar? No.
The Truth: You don't need to wear nothing but feathers, rhinestones, and a great smile to enjoy the Samba. Imagine Carnival as being stunt driving... and the Samba you're going to learn is commuting to work.
Fortunately for you, the dance itself, with its infectious rhythms and body actions, can be scaled up. Entry level Samba is not professional, Carnival-street performer, Samba.
The Samba teaches so many great fundamentals that carry into other latin dances, and even uses patterns and principles of the ballroom dances as well. Not to mention, the dance is one of the best dances for any exercise and cardiovascular goals you have.
Bottom Line: It seems like a dance with no entry level, but if you try it, you can see its versatility. Kind of like an outfit you overlooked because of the color, but realized both the color and the fit were flattering once you gave it a try.
3. The Mambo
The Common Presumption: Like a scene out of West Side Story, many people presume that you're either a Salsa dancer or a Mambo dancer. You've got to choose one side and stick with it - like the dance version of a blood oath.
The Truth: Pairing Mambo with Samba is an investment in your rhythm, control, and style. Not to mention, Mambo fits in with dances like Cha Cha seamlessly. Many students will attempt the Mambo, claim that the timing is not something they were born with, and sacrifice all the potential benefits as they step away from it.
Your skills never improve by avoiding them and, in case you forgot, you weren't born with Waltz, Tango, or Rumba timing either. Mambo is no different. It's something that you learn, and once you have it, the dance has a catapult effect on anything requiring clear and committed latin movement.
Bottom Line: People avoid Mambo because of the timing, but timing is something you learn, like every other skill. Kind of like saying you're inflexible, but avoiding a daily stretching routine.
4. The Waltz
The Common Presumption: It's old fashioned and feels a little overdressed for everyday dance encounters.
The Truth: Even if you never danced Waltz in public, it's the foundation to so many dance principles. Like the roots of a fruit tree, the Waltz can work beneath the surface to support other dances like Salsa, Rumba, and Foxtrot.
When Waltz is used for practical purposes it operates like a gown or tuxedo in your closet. You may not wear it everyday, but when you do, it makes a big statement.
Bottom Line: Waltz seems old fashioned and overdressed. The reality is Waltz fundamentals are behind the scenes of every other dance.
5. The Merengue
The Common Presumption: This dance is too easy. It must not have much value.
The Truth: The Merengue is one of the best tools your teacher can use to teach you how to lead and follow turns, move your hips, and develop great timing. Since the patterns are easier, the Merengue gives you faster access to your upper body than with other dances.
Bottom Line: Merengue seems easy so it's easy to overlook but it's a tool to unlock skills faster in many dances. Kind of like the express lane, the Merengue helps students avoid "learning traffic."
6. The Foxtrot
The Common Presumption: It feels lackluster. A little too easy. Old fashioned. It's easy to leave this one behind in favor of faster, more contemporary dances.
The Truth: Foxtrot isn't a flashy dance right out of the gate. It's easy and achievable. But don't let the easy entry point fool you. This dance becomes a swiss army knife of smokey jazz club ballroom expression. It offers moods that range from sassy to sophisticated and will be a regular go-to in any social dance function.
Bottom Line: Just because it's easy to learn doesn't make it a simple dance. The Foxtrot has a dance expression profile that is unmatched across the other ballroom dances. Think of it like a good pair of jeans. While other clothing fads come and go, your jeans continue to get more and more comfortable. The more you stick by your Foxtrot, the better the dance gets.
Final Thought
Did this list include any dances that you've had on your "do not love" list? While a single article may not sweep you off your feet and have you writing "Foxtrot" with hearts replacing the O's - it hopefully shed some light.
If anything, it's made one thing clear: You don't have to love every dance you're learning. Just like the people you know - most you're friendly with, there are some that annoy you, and a select few you truly love.
Regardless of the dances you choose to love, one thing's for sure: We all love that you love learning how to dance with us.
