Just walk through the door

There are many different reasons why people want to learn to dance, but that first step of walking into a dance studio is sometimes hard for people. Some would like to learn social dancing while some want the physical exercise. Some come with a goal in mind, to learn their wedding dance, work towards a competition or want to be in a dance show production.

From an instructor’s perspective everyone has the ability to learn to dance - they all have the potential. Many say they don’t have any rhythm or they can’t count or they have two left feet, but in reality, it is just a matter of an instructor being able to pull out what’s inside someone and use it to the fullest.

I think most people secretly would like to know how to dance, but what’s keeping them from walking through the door of a dance studio? I decided to ask some of my own students.

One student had driven by the dance studio several times always wondering what was offered but never made the move to stop in. Then a friend invited her to one of the Halloween parties and she ended up signing up for several classes. She just had to break the ice of walking in.

One of our male students was worried about learning everything that was expected from a male dancer – learning all the steps, leading the lady and maintaining the timing of the music, which meant he really had to learn a lot and thought it would be difficult. Since his wife wanted dance lessons for Christmas, it pushed them both through the door and they are still dancing today.

Another student received a coupon for a free ½ hour lesson. She decided not to waste it and pushed herself to walk through the door. This student not only continues to take lessons but competes as well.

For another student, it was on her bucket list so she had to push herself to walk through that door in order to stay on track for her bucket list.
So, all you really have to do is walk through the door – it’s easy why not try it!

Sandro Virag is a partner and instructor at Hilton Head Ballroom Dance Studio of Hilton Head, hiltonheadballroom.com