I love ballroom dancing because it is always challenging and because every day is different. It is a never-ending learning experience.
I can dance for hours on end because dancing is emotional as well as physical. The music can really change one’s mood, which in turn changes the dance experience.
Your partner can also affect the mood and quality of your dance. A professional can make the partnership look better if the dance partner is a beginner. And if there is chemistry between the dancers, the dance will look even better.
This is where the real work begins. Quality dance involves technique, musicality, partnership, footwork, poise and posture – and many other aspects of the dance.
Many lessons are not always about physically dancing. Dancing also requires using your brain. You may spend time viewing and critiquing a video, or listening to different music that you might consider using.
When you learn a dance, even if you think you already know it, you will always be learning new things – new steps, combinations and techniques. Even if you have been dancing for many years, things will change over time and in order to keep up, you will need to make adjustments along the way.
Just like competitive gymnastics or ice dancing, you always have to keep up with the latest developments and styles. That is why it is so important to educate yourself and attend workshops and classes. That way you are up to date on all aspects of the dance world.
Something that will help keep your dance fresh, clean and technically up to date, is to take advantage of any kind of styling or technique class. These classes are designed to fine tune what you already know and take you to the next level.
Don’t think styling and technique will make dancing harder – it actually makes dancing easier, because you are learning the correct way.
Like fashion, dancing techniques, trends and styles run in cycles. What was once old can become new again. Clothes, technique and movements will often cycle and evolve. It’s all part of the never-ending process of dance.
Sandro Virag is a partner and instructor at Hilton Head Ballroom Dance Studio of Hilton Head, located in Bluffton at Seaquins Ballroom. hiltonheadballroom.com
