When watching an instructional dance video or DVD, check to see which foot to use, which direction your body turns, and which hand is doing the leading. For example in swing or in cha cha, notice whether the lead's left hand or right had might be causing an underarm turn for the follower. Don't be afraid to use the rewind button and watch and practice along with the video. Try to stand tall and also be working on your posture; look and feel as elegant as possible ... it helps one's attitude and appearance. Learning the foundation or basic step is far more important than learning a fancy pattern first. When you watch someone else dance, it's not how many patterns they know but how well they move.
Learn, in the beginning, one step at a time. practice it over and over and over until you can do it naturally. Practice with your arms and body, using proper position and dance frame; how you practice is how you dance. Keep the arms rounded in front of you, for example, if you're working on smooth dances like waltz or foxtrot. When you learn a second or newer step, when you're comfortable with the newer step, do it before the first step (the one you are most comfortable with). Each time you learn a new step, put it in front of the routine instead of at the end of the combination or dance amalgamation. Do it over and over with the video while you're watching your part. Don't study or practice sitting down. Be an active participant.
