Learning to dance?

Category: Let's talk

Post 1 by Pure love (I'm going for the prolific poster awards!) on Friday, 05-Mar-2010 15:25:48

Hi all,

just wanted to ask if anyone had dancing lessons. Like, not standard, but modern dance. Has any of you (who are fully blind or almost fully) had lessons? Where in the UK could I have lessons? Where could I find out? I'd like to know. It'd be cool if you could give me some tips here.

Thanks

Ines

Post 2 by Shadow_Cat (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Friday, 05-Mar-2010 16:48:48

There's several places this could go, I guess, but I'm putting it in Let's Talk.

Post 3 by blw1978 (I'll have the last word, thank you!) on Friday, 05-Mar-2010 17:02:27

Well, I don't know about in the U.K. But, you might just ask around, and see if anyone you knows has a good dance teacher. Since, this might require a bit more hands-on training, it might be better at first to go with one-on-one lessons. This is just my oppinion, so do what makes you feel comfortable. Modern dance is kind of a broad term, so narrow it down. Would you like tap? ballet? jazz? Would you like some salsa dancing or ballroom dancing? Do your research. The reason I say one-on-one training might be best is that if the teacher has to spend more time with you so you can feel different positions, or so they can explain things, this might be morehelpful at first. If you feel though that a class might work, then go for it. Why not join up with a friend and take a class together. This way, you're both learning the moves, and your friend could maybe help you if necessary. This worked well when I took a yoga class. I always like taking new classes with people I know. Hope this helps.

Post 4 by Pure love (I'm going for the prolific poster awards!) on Tuesday, 09-Mar-2010 17:53:31

Okay, I just meant dancing to modern music. No partner dance, but coreography to certain pop or R&B songs. But yeah I guess Ill have to ask it's just I don't know many people who are blind in this area and can't get much help here.
Okay sorry if I put this in the wrong boards at first, Alicia, I was of the opinion that learning to dance is, in a way, a type of sports but I respect your decision.

Post 5 by OceanDream (An Ocean of Thoughts) on Tuesday, 09-Mar-2010 17:57:14

Being a person who would like to get into the performing scene, I know how much the world values dancing as well as singing, so this topic is helpful for me as well. Thanks for posting.

Post 6 by Pure love (I'm going for the prolific poster awards!) on Tuesday, 09-Mar-2010 18:00:29

no problem. Yes I love singing as well. Well I do want to dance because I want it to be a bit of exercise and since I love music, it will be fun. As well as the fact that when I learn to dance a bit better I'll be less out of breath and more likely to be able to dance and sing at the same time without sounding absolutely horrendous.

Post 7 by OceanDream (An Ocean of Thoughts) on Wednesday, 10-Mar-2010 11:45:19

Lol. That's my problem too, ath the moment.

Post 8 by forereel (Just posting.) on Wednesday, 10-Mar-2010 16:52:46

Okay I am going to get on the other side of this, and I'll tell you why. Smile. Going out to a night club is your best bet, and free. Dancing like you want is interesting, because some people do it well, and some just do it. You go to a pop, R and B, rock, or Techno club for example you'll see girls just jumping up and down to the music. Guys just stand there with their hands in pockets and wiggle some. haha. Couples hug and rock back and forth. Some places, when the song comes on people like, they just move the conversation to the dance floor and stand their talking until the song is over, then they move back off. It's really no big deal. Get your I Pod, Put it in the doc, and set the volume to ass shake and move. You got it! Smile. Also if you go out just get a couple in the place and you and your mate switch and have them show you what they do. Ask to touch them. Most people out are not uptight about it and you'll have more fun then you can believe after you relax. Ask your waiter to ask a couple they think would help you out if you are shy.
Good luck.

Post 9 by OceanDream (An Ocean of Thoughts) on Thursday, 11-Mar-2010 14:46:12

I'll try that out at my wedding reception. Lol. *smiles*.

Post 10 by blw1978 (I'll have the last word, thank you!) on Thursday, 11-Mar-2010 16:14:26

Or, if you don't wanna jump right into the club scene, have a bunch of friends over, and ask them what they do. a word of caution, when it somes to dancing, unless you're into a specific type, less is more. I was at a Bob Dylan concert once, and this huge guy was a couple rows ahead of us. He was so tall, that even I noticed his goofy hand gestures. You can move your arms, but beware, I've been on many a dancefloor and gotten whapped with flying arms and hands, sometimes in the chest (not fun). As odd as it might sound, google dance tips, or something to that effect and see what happens. I only frequent clubs rarely, but I've found that just dancing in a circle with friends can really be a blast. Have a drink first, so you're more loosened up.

Post 11 by blw1978 (I'll have the last word, thank you!) on Thursday, 11-Mar-2010 16:16:33

Sorry for all those typos. Also, be sure you're into the music that's playing. I once had a guy ask me to dance, and it was a country song. (I hate country music. When dancing, keep your knees slightly bent, shake your butt, and have fun.

Post 12 by OceanDream (An Ocean of Thoughts) on Friday, 12-Mar-2010 10:59:18

yeah. that's often what I've been told. Just let loose, get into it, and have fun. Dancing should be fun.

Post 13 by forereel (Just posting.) on Friday, 12-Mar-2010 21:54:11

Hate country? That's because you never did the 2 step. Instructions good boots, wood floor, and hands out to your sides, smile on your face, and lift one foot on the count of 1 slap it down next foot on the count of 2 slap it down, move left and right and sing 2 step 2 step la la dah dah dah da. Smile soon your kicking. Oh and that shaking is not butt it's ass. haha. Seriously move your arms and head if you are not in a crowdded place, but the poster is right friends and home is great.

Post 14 by forereel (Just posting.) on Friday, 12-Mar-2010 21:59:08

Forgot about square dancing. Country too, but MMM! Last the pros that dance for a living or entertainters are really different breeds. These people can float, create magic, and make you scream. Michael Jackson comes to mind. Don't worry about that unless you are going for that, and if so you'll know how to learn and where to go anyway. Smile.

Post 15 by blw1978 (I'll have the last word, thank you!) on Saturday, 13-Mar-2010 4:18:31

No, I really do dislike country music, I wanted to be polite and not say "ass." As far as the two step, I have no intentions of learning it. I did however, learn to square dance in middle school, and although I don't like the music, the dance can be kind of intricate. I was just thinking about our squaredance lessons the other night.

Post 16 by forereel (Just posting.) on Sunday, 14-Mar-2010 1:14:29

Now swing BLW round and round, pass her to the man with the big old smile, Kiss the lady with the silly frown, then dose see dose. hahaha

Post 17 by blw1978 (I'll have the last word, thank you!) on Sunday, 14-Mar-2010 3:42:13

Okay, after I and the ladies make a right hand star. I'll pass to the man with the frown, as long is he's rich, handsome, single, Christian, Oh wait, is he a cowboy? Damn, I hate when that happens!