If you’ve ever wanted to try dancing with a partner like they do on television shows like “Dancing with the Stars,”"So You Think You Can Dance,”the “Dancesport”ballroom dance competitions, and others, now is a great time to get started.

And if you are training in classical ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, or another form of dance, ballroom will give you a completely different education on partnering that can help increase your strength and overall, dance ability.

A form of partner dancing once reserved for the upper classes, ballroom has been around since the early 1800s. Over the years, its popularity has gone up and down due to social, economic and music-style changes. And today, it’s a hot, new way to stay in shape.

Want to Learn Ballroom Dance?

Well, that’s easy! There are ballroom studios all of the country that provide many choices. You can attend one of the big, chain studios like Arthur Murray, or look at small studios or private instructors in your local area.

It all depends on what you are looking for, your level of comfort and what you want to learn. In fact, you’ve probably passed a local dance studio in your area many times without really noticing it was there!

To find the right classes for you, conduct some research online first. Some helpful sites include http://www.wdcdance.com/, http://www.swingdancecouncil.com/, http://accessdance.com/dance_lessons/ and http://www.ballroomdancers.com/Dances/.

Also, ask people for recommendations and check out our list of “The Top 10 Questions To Ask a Dance Instructor”here before signing up for classes. You’ll want to know about all of the expenses involved in advance including: lesson costs, shoe and clothing requirements, time commitments, and more.

No Dance Partner? No Problem!

And here’s more good news. If you are not attending a ballroom class because you don’t have a partner, don’t let that stop you!

While it’s fun to learn new dance styles with friends and family members, most studios do not require that you bring a dance partner with you to class. You can learn some of the top forms of ballroom dance like Rumba, Mambo, Cha Cha, Waltz, Foxtrot, Swing, and many others on your own, and meet a partner at the studio, dance club or a ballroom dance-event later. Once you join the dance community, it’s easy to find other dancers looking for partners!

Give Ballroom Dance a Try Now!

If you love watching the dancers on television, why not give it a try? You have nothing to lose, and even if you have two left feet, it’s a great way to have fun, get some exercise, listen to good music, and meet new people!