The 3 most important things:
- Ask: Don't be afraid to ask questions. Ask for the steps to be repeated once, twice or many times until you understand it.
- Be patient: Try to obtain the dance sheets & practice. No one walks on the dance floor for the first time & automatically does it perfectly. No one is perfect we all make mistakes or should I say variations.
- Come Often: Go to a class as regularly as possible. The more you attend the easier it becomes. Don't try to learn many dances at once, pick your favorite & work on it. What you don't get today, you will get tomorrow.
- Take the alternatives: If turning is not one of things that come easier, try to learn the dance without a turn. Some dancers have a difficult time with sailor steps & vines for example. Learn an alternate step but keep the count the same.
- Learn Terminology: Try to learn the steps. Once you have the steps mastered, when you hear them called you will automatically know what steps to take. It will take a little time to transfer the terminology from your brain to your feet. Then it will be automatic.
- Comfortable shoes: Make sure your feet are comfortable. Wear dance sneakers or tennis shoes with tubies on them. Cowboy boots are still worn but that is a matter of individual taste.
- Music Variety: Line dancing is done to all types of music now. It is no longer just country. It is done to funky music, Irish music, oldies, religious & Latin. If the music is not suited to your taste, just wait for the next song. You may like that one better. Some dancers like newer stuff & some like the golden oldies. Just wait a few minutes & you will hear one you like.
- Posture: One important thing to remember is to keep your eyes off the floor & center your body weight. Keep your arms around waist level in front of you. Shoulders back & head up.
