Posts Tagged ‘seattle dance lessons’
Learn to Dance in Seattle
When I moved to the Puget Sound area a few months ago, it was a struggle to meet new people. Despite registering for online communities and signing up for a litany of social media sites, I had no luck establishing relationships. After a few weeks, it became apparent that I would have to employ different tactics in order to meet new people.
I began taking a more proactive approach, attending farmer’s markets and other community events. Since I have never danced a step in my life, I also endeavored to learn to dance in Seattle. Not only has this given me enough confidence to head out on the dance floor alone, but it was also an ideal atmosphere to meet new people and make local connections.
What is the Waltz?
Traditionally, the term waltz describes a ballroom dance that is performed in 3/4 time. However, there are several variations on the classic waltz in which the time is 2/4, 6/8 and 5/4. During the 19th and 20th centuries, several new waltz variations were developed as the dance garnered popularity and became a staple at balls and other fêtes.
Although the close nature of the dance partners was considered scandalous when the dance was first developed, the waltz quickly became a mainstay at upscale events. Some of the most popular waltz variations today include the Viennese, American Style and Cross Step. If you’ve never done the dance before, consider looking into Seattle waltz dance lessons.
Dancing in Seattle
Since I’ve moved back to the Pacific Northwest, I have been searching for a venue that offers a variety of dancing in Seattle. Several locations provide classes and instruction, but there are only a few styles to choose from. Much to my surprise and delight, I was able to find the Rockin’ Horse Dance Barn in Renton.
They offer a wide range of classes throughout the week for people of all skill levels. When I first started I was a seasoned line dancer and immediately began in one of their more advanced classes. Now that I have been attending the classes for awhile, I have begun branching out into some of their nightclub and Latin dance programs.
I’ve never danced where should I begin?
Of course you should start with a beginner, novice or introduction level dance class. First you need to choose whether you want to dance with a partner or do line dancing.
Partner dancing or social dancing is usually done in connection to your partner. There are many connections, holds and positions for partner dancing and every style has different ways to connect with your partner.
Line dancing can go to all types of music and you never need a partner. It is done with as many dancers as you can get but you don’t have to hold on to a partner. Line dancers get in lines all facing the same direction. They dance in unison with memorized steps with turns and many different rhythms and footwork. There are thousands of line dances out there done to every type of music you can think of and almost every song has at least one line dance that works to it.
If you choose partner dancing then you need to choose what style of dance. That begins with what type of music you like or what type of music you would like to dance to. The main types of social dance music is Ballroom or Big Band, Country music, Swing music, Latin music and Top 40 or Pop music. There are more but these are the main ones.
Ok, you have decided on the type of music you want to dance to. Now you need to choose which dance or dances in that genre (type of music) you want to learn. If you are still unsure, you can call or email a dance studio like the Rockin’ Horse Dance Barn that offers Seattle dance classes and Renton dancing or look on Youtube for videos in those types of dance lessons. There is sure to be a video for every type of dance out there.
Seattle Ballroom Dancing
One of my favorite hobbies is reading, and I particularly enjoy classic novels. I tend to read stories that are set in bourgeois society during the 1800s, and one of the mainstays that transcend the cultures of that period is the formal ball. At the balls, the guests would entertain themselves for hours with various dances, but the dancing of modern parties usually only consists of perverse “grinding.”
In an effort to experience some of the allure of classic ballroom dancing, I decided to take some lessons. My girlfriend and I began taking Seattle ballroom dance classes a few months ago, and personally, I love the nostalgic feel that it gives me. While we don’t sit around eating caviar or gossiping about high-class society, I feel like it gives some insight as to what the balls of my favorite novels were like.
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