Dance Lovers

Learn the names of the steps. If you're practicing with a partner, you can then be specific about which pattern you'd like to work. Learn how to count the steps in slows and quicks and also with proper numbers. For example, cha cha has the "feel" of slow, slow, slow, quick-quick" or "1, 2, 3, 4 and." East coast swing (triple swing) would be counted "1 and 2, 3 and 4, 5, 6" or "triple step, triple step, rock step" or "quick quick slow, quick quick slow, slow slow." As you count, don't let your lips move; do it mentally. Practice with nobody watching - preferably in front of a mirror if possible; you can even video tape yourself periodically. If you take private dance lessons or group dance classes (in addition to instructional dance videos or DVDs), practice immediately after the lesson - or as soon as possible - while things are fresh in your mind. Frequency of practice is more important that just one long practice session: you can practice less time more often. People can usually find 10 to 20 minutes to practice here and there; don't be discouraged if you can't find an hour or more to practice. Frequency and repetition are very productive. For example ... 1/2 hour four times a week is actually better than one 2 hour session a week.