Breaking Down Barriers: The Importance of Welcoming New Dancers to the Community

Learning how to dance can be a daunting experience. There are so many aspects to consider, from learning the steps and techniques to getting the timing and rhythm right. And let’s not forget about the challenge of leading or following your partner. It takes time, dedication, and practice to master these elements, and the best way to do that is by attending private lessons, group classes, and dance parties.

The importance of a supportive dance community

However, the dance community can sometimes be unwelcoming to newer students, which can discourage them from continuing their dance journey. I remember my very first practice party vividly. I had been learning how to social dance for two months, and I felt ready to test out my new skills at the studio’s Thursday night dance party. I was having a great time dancing every dance and meeting new people until I danced with one woman who was considered an advanced dancer.

Halfway through our waltz, she stopped and asked me if I knew what I was doing because I was not dancing right. My timing was off, I wasn’t leading her right, and she didn’t like it. So she stopped in the middle of the dance and walked off the floor. I was crushed. Unfortunately, this is a scene that I have seen all too often as a dance teacher. Some students will refuse to dance with newer students because they aren’t “good enough,” or they will struggle through an entire class because they refuse to switch partners.

When a student feels and acts this way, they are missing out on an excellent opportunity to improve their dancing. Dancing with people of different levels is essential to becoming a better dancer. Skilled leaders can become better by dancing with newer followers, and skilled followers can become better by dancing with newer leads. Even newer dancers can benefit from dancing with more experienced dancers, as it can increase the speed of their learning.

Dancing with New Dancers is Beneficial

Not only is dancing with newer dancers beneficial, but it’s also just the right thing to do. Every single dancer was once a beginner. We have all experienced the struggles of learning, and we don’t want to discourage anyone from learning how to dance. The next time you get to dance with a newer dancer, remember to enjoy the experience. They are helping you become a better dancer!

In conclusion, learning how to dance takes time, dedication, and practice. Private lessons, group classes, and dance parties are essential in mastering the elements of dance. Dancing with people of different levels is vital to becoming a better dancer, and it’s important to remember that every dancer was once a beginner. So the next time you get to dance with a newer dancer, enjoy the experience, and help them on their dance journey.

Check out our Group Classes and Party Schedule