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Jazz Dance

What Kind of Dance Class is Right for You?

by Melanie Rembrandt on March 29, 2011

Did you just catch an episode of “Glee” and are dying to get into a dance class?

Maybe you watch “Dancing with the Stars” or “So You Think You Can Dance” and want to start dancing?

You are excited about becoming a dancer, but where do you start?

Well, there are many types and styles of dance out there. And if you want to be a dancer, it’s important to find the right instructor and a dance class that fits your specific needs. With this in mind, here is an outline of some of the most popular dance styles today to help guide your dancing in the right direction:

Start Dancing with These Top 6 Dance Styles

Ballroom

If you have been watching the top, dance shows on television and see dancers whirling around dressed up in fancy outfits, you are probably watching some form of ballroom dancing.

Ballroom involves different styles of partner dancing. Some of the most popular styles included: Cha Cha, Foxtrot, Jive, Lindy Hop, Mambo, Paso Doble, Quickstep, Rumba, Samba, Tango, and Viennese Waltz

This means you have lots of choices if you want to be a ballroom dancer. And don’t worry. You don’t need to take a partner with you when you start your classes. Ballroom instructors encourage students to dance with different partners in order to become dancers and learn how to dance with different people.

Ballroom is very social, and it’s a great way to meet new people, start dancing right away, have fun exercising, and get the opportunity to wear some fabulous outfits!

Hip Hop

Hip Hop is an energetic style of dance that became popular in the early 90’s. With roots in break dancing, Hip Hop dancers usually perform solo or with a team of people with most dance combinations.

And unlike break dancing, Hip Hop choreography usually stays away from long combinations on the floor and includes many of sharp, strong and upright movements.

And while these movements tend to flow and appear to be simple, Hip Hop dancers practice for hours on their technique.

As a beginning dancer, you will learn basic techniques and build your skills over time. With Hip Hop, you wear casual clothes that are non-restricting and shoes that provide some support for jumps and stamping.

Jazz

Jazz dance has been around for a long time and was huge in the 70’s and 80’s. Today, you will find all kinds of jazz classes that include lyrical, musical theater, classic jazz, and combinations of ballet, modern and jazz. The style of jazz you learn really depends on the instructor.

Most jazz classes start with a warm-up with a good stretch. Then, you will do short combinations from one side of the dance studio to the other (“across the floor”) where you work on turns, leaps and other techniques. Then, in the last 30-45 minutes of class, you will learn some choreography and then perform it in groups.

Jazz classes provide excellent exercise that includes cardio and stretching. Plus, it’s great for your brain to learn new steps on a regular basis.

If you are not sure what kind of dance class to try first, look into a jazz class. It is more relaxed that a ballet class. Plus, you can wear comfortable clothes and move to the latest dance tunes. It’s a lot of fun and will give you a great introduction to becoming a dancer.

Ballet

Ballet provides the technique for all other dance forms. If you want to increase your flexibility, stamina, coordination, and strength, try a ballet class.

You will start with some exercises at the ballet barre that include bending, stretching, arm movements, and footwork. Then, you will step away from the barre and practice turns, leaps, footwork, and choreography on the dance floor.

Ballet is more formal, and you will need to wear ballet flats and an outfit where the instructor can see your body movements while dancing. Call the studio in advance to find out the clothing requirements in advance.

It takes some time to learn the ballet basics, but in the process, you get to listen to classical music and escape from everyday stresses.

Tap

If you’ve every wanted to be a tap dancer, go for it! It’s lots of fun, and you can burn many calories in one class because it tends to be very aerobic.

In a tap class, you will start with a warm up and then review different steps and combinations. Some instructors do not use music and others use current dance music or show tunes.

Note that it takes some time to master tap dance and can be frustrating at times. But stick with it. You will enjoy the process, get some exercise and enjoy making sounds with your feet.

For tap class, you can wear comfortable clothes, but you will need a pair of tap shoes. I suggest starting with an inexpensive pair to start in case you find that tap is not for you.

Modern

If you are not interested in energetic, Hip Hop classes or the technique involved in jazz, tap or ballet, you may want to check out a modern dance class. Modern dance is more about expression and telling a story.

If you want to start dancing right away and concentrate on the music and expressing emotions, try a modern dance class. Usually, you can just wear comfortable clothes that you can move in and go barefoot.

Try Them All!

If you want to be a dancer and are not sure where to start, I suggest trying all forms of dance! You may find that you love several styles and that one technique helps you with another. Or, you may find that you really have a talent for one, particular dance form.

Whatever you decide, you have nothing to lose! You’ll learn something new in the process, get some exercise and get the opportunity to express yourself through dance movement!

For more information, check out these articles:

Tap Dance for Fun and Fitness!
http://dancefullout.com/2010/10/tap-dance/