Music Suggestions: NC2 & WCS

Here are some music suggestions for two of the dances I teach...more dances to come in future posts... until then, happy dancing!

Night Club Two Step
Home - Michael Buble
Thinking About You - Norah Jones
I Turn to You - Christina Aguilera
I Believe in You and Me - Whitney Houston
Just Like Heaven - Katie Melua's version
Back at One - Brian McKnight
From this Moment On -Shania Twain
Run to Me - Clay Aiken
A Moment Like This - Kelly Clarkson

West Coast Swing
Cause I Love You - Mike Morgan & The Crawl
Alone - Susan Tedeschi
Give it Back - Gaelle
Heartattack & Vine - Tom Waits (slow)
Multiply - Jamie Lidell
Put Your Records On - Corinne Bailey Rae
Secret or She Will Be Loved - both by Maroon 5
Shoes of Another Man - Brother Yusef
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow - Inger Marie Gundersen
You're All I Need to Get By - Kenny Lattimore

Dancing for Beginners

Lots of people ask what style of dance to start with...

I like starting students with a slow couples' dance called Night Club 2 step. It's simple, casual and can be done to so many different styles of popular music. A lot of people start with salsa because it's really hot right now, but many beginning dancers have difficulty with the rhythm. As you build your skills and get used to having a partner attached to your movement you'll find it easier to add more dances little by little.

But what if you have a specific kind of dance you want to learn?

If you already know what you want to learn, or there is a specific kind of music you enjoy and want to learn to dance to, give it a try! Also keep in mind that everyone's background is different. If you and your partner are musically inclined and/or feel you both have a good sense of rhythm, you may have little or no difficulty starting with one of many different styles. Pick an instructor you feel comfortable with and ask his or her advice before getting started.

Keeping it Fun!

It's easy to get stressed out when we're learning something new. Remember, this is for fun, be patient with yourself and your partner. Breathe. Don't take yourself too seriously, and if your partner is feeling frustrated, be sure to smile and try to find ways to let him or her know you appreciate them dancing with you!

What to Wear for Dancing

Comfortable Clothes: Just wear clothes you are comfortable in - ladies, make sure you can raise your arms up comfortably.

Shoes: For both men and women make sure you have either dance shoes or a shoe with a leather sole. (Ladies: choose a shoe with a back to it or a back strap, otherwise your shoe will hit the floor each time you take a step and possibly fall off potentially causing injury to you or other dancers). Don't wear rubber-soled shoes if you can help it; they inhibit turning and could cause knee injury if you try turning in them.

Purchasing Dance Shoes: There are many places to get dance shoes. The two places I recommend the most are Carmen's Dance Shoes for social dancing and Ballroom Boutique for competitive dancing (but call first as their hours vary: 619-291-1601).

How To Get Started Dancing

1. What kind of dance do you want to learn? Fast? Slow? Romantic? What kind of music do you like? Maybe start by learning to dance to your favorite music. Email me at gottadance.nicole@gmail.com and I can help you out!

2. Do you prefer group classes or private lessons?

Group Classes: You will typically rotate partners. Some instructors will allow you to stay with the person you came with, but in general rotating is encouraged. You usually are not required to come with a partner, but always ask to confirm.

Private Lessons: You will have your own dance tutor. You may take a private lesson by yourself or with someone else. Private lessons are often a good place to start for men. I have often heard from male students that they prefer private lessons - especially at first - because it is less pressure. Email me to schedule your first lesson.

If you are serious about learning to dance and you want to speed up the process take both group and private lessons; you will learn different things in each.