There are as many dance class options as there are moods you go through. Learn how to choose the best type of dance classes for you here.
Hoping to learn how to dance?
From social graces to freedom of expression, you can always find a dance for it. You’ll also find that your every mood might have a dance to go with it.
This is why finding the right type of dance classes for you is important. After all, dancing changes the way you think. By that, we don’t mean only rhythmic and body coordination, but also health.
Did you know that learning to dance can benefit those with Parkinson’s disease? According to research on a group with Parkinson’s, dancing helped improved their divergent thinking skills. Below, we’ll elaborate further on the other benefits of dance as well as the different kinds of dance.
1. Find Where Your Interests and Goals Lie
Before you look for a type of dance class, it’s good to take a breath and do some reflection first. Why did you decide you want to dance and what is your goal with dance? Your intention can range from trying new things with your friends to self-improvement.
Are you looking to dance for better health? According to Golden Dance & Cheer Academy, one of the health benefits of dance is improving balance and coordination. It improves your mental health and social skills, too.
The next question to ask is what type of dance classes you’re interested in. What kind of music, tempo, and energy interests you? If you’re unsure, watching videos online can help you decide.
2. Consider Your Budget and Other Limitations
Motivation isn’t enough to keep you going. It’s always a smart move to consider your budget. Otherwise, you might find yourself doing a do-si-do out the door before the lesson even begins.
Private dance lessons are more expensive. The area in which you live also influences the rates of dance classes. If you are aiming to do competitive dancing or dance sport, expect a higher fee.
Other limitations include your health and body. For most types of dance styles, you need good health. Some dances demand specific strengths, although you can always develop them with practice.
For example, ballet challenges your legs and feet. If you have plantar fasciitis or scoliosis, you’ll want something less straining. Instead, something more casual like social ballroom dancing may be a better choice.
3. What Is the Best Type of Dance Classes for You?
Now, it’s time to talk about the different types of dance classes. Picture your inspiration for dancing and think about the style of dance that you want to learn. Don’t forget to consider your personality, too.
Below is a list of the popular dance classes you’ll likely find in your area.
Ballroom and Other Pairs Dancing
If you remember Dancing with the Stars, then you’d have likely enjoyed the ballroom pieces they presented. If you’re a big movie buff, you might remember Richard Gere hiding his dancing with J Lo in Shall We Dance. If you’ve got a partner who’s as interested in dancing, learn ballroom dance.
In ballroom dancing, you’ll find there are many styles to learn, like the waltz. If you want something livelier, swing, cha-cha, and quickstep are other great options. If you want something sexier, the tango and rumba are top choices for hottest ballroom dances.
Ballet
Let’s start with classical ballet. If you’re in love with classical music and a deeper appreciation of dance, ballet makes for a great choice. If you’re ready to dance like Odette/Odile from Swan Lake, put on your pointe shoes and get ready to learn the pointe!
Most ballet schools will have a structured environment. Once you’ve mastered it, opportunities to perform or become employed are open to you. Plus, ballet is the kind of dance style you can transfer to other styles of dance too.
Jazz
If you feel more inclined to learn a new form of freedom, jazz dance classes are what you’re looking for. Most jazz dance classes will teach you the basic moves. After that, it’s up to you to personalize, combine, and showcase them.
The dancing style emphasizes improvisation and individual skill. This high-energy dance style uses fast footwork, big leaps, and quick turns. Think Michael Jackson and Katherine Dunham.
Hip Hop, Modern, and Contemporary
Hip hop is a high-energy, highly-personalized dance expression. You can go solo at it but it also works wonders for groups. If you’ve got a good sense of rhythm, you’re sure to do great at it.
Newer types of dance classes include contemporary dance. Modern and contemporary dances challenge the traditional perceptions of dance. Expect to use your body as a versatile tool here.
Tap Dance and Theatrical Dance
If you love story-telling, tap dancing is one way to go about it. Instead of using your mouth to tell a story, you’re using your feet! It’s also a great way to practice your internal rhythm and balance.
If you want to be more expressive about it, try your hand at a theatrical dance. The best part of this is that you can enjoy it with props and costumes. Oh, and don’t forget, stage presence is a must.
4. What Are Other Types of Dance Classes?
There’s more to add to our list of different types of dance classes yet. With dance being as versatile as music, people are bringing more and more to the limelight. The following is a list of other dance styles you may have an interest in:
Cheer dance
Pole dance
Belly dance
Concert or stage dance
Breakdance
Capoeira
The list goes on. The specific types of African-American and Latin dances alone are so many that it could take a lifetime to learn them all! With different types of dance classes available, you’re sure to find one that offers to teach your type of dance.
5. Tips on Finding a Dance Class for You
With all the great dance classes you can choose from, it can be daunting to decide on one. Don’t worry because there’s no rule that you can’t enroll in more than one dance class. If you can handle it, sign up for more than one class.
If you want to learn and master a certain style first, sign up for one class. After some time, you can then choose to shift to the next dance style of your choice. For example, dance students begin with ballet and graduate with jazz.
You might find that a type of dance class is the one for you right from the beginning. For other people, it’s trial-and-error. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and cover all your bases.
Some dance classes are more expensive than others. Research the rates of dance classes in your area to find out if the dance class is the one for your wallet. Do note that dance teachers with more experience might have higher fees.
Keep dancing and, in time, it may even help you make a living. A statistics report states the median pay is $18.17 per hour for dancers. You can also take inspiration from professional competitive dancers who earn more than money.
Step It Up
Now, you know how to find the best type of dance classes for you. If you’re ready to get rid of your two left feet, get your dance shoes on. Or stick to sneakers if you’re going contemporary.
If you’re interested in reading more of our other guides, feel free to check out the rest. We’ve got tons of other helpful guides in abun-dance!
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