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Attending Your First Dance Class

Your first dance class can be an exciting and also nerve-racking prospect. You may be equally enthralled and anxious about the event. But try not loose too much sleep over the thought. You will not be alone in the class, remember, the first time you take a dance class is probably someone else’s first time too. Your first dance class is going to be a fun, rewarding experience and a great way to stay in shape. Here is a checklist of the things you will need and the ways to prepare before you take your first lesson.

Dance shoes.

The type of shoe will depend on the type of dance you are going to take. If you are taking a ballet lesson for the first time you will not begin with pointe shoes, instead you will start with ballet flats. You may be slightly disappointed, but your feet will thank you later. Flats help you to learn the movements and how to use your feet properly. You can buy these from most dance supply stores. The best kind are flats with elastic straps across the middle, these keep the shoes securely on your feet.

If you are taking couple's dance classes for the first time, you may want to buy a black leather closed toe flat shoe. This will be much easier and safer to learn the movements in than wearing heels. Progress to the heels as you advance in the class.

If you are attending a modern dance class for the first time you can wear a regular pair of sneakers or tennis shoes. Although there is a shoe available from a dance supply store that is very similar to a tennis shoe only it is more flexible in the arch, these can also be used for jazz class.

Dance clothes.

For your first lesson, the most important thing you want is to be comfortable. While dance supply stores will supply specific clothing, you can find similar clothing in a sporting goods store or even at home in your wardrobe. Any active wear or gym wear will suffice for your first lesson. Wearing a sports bra is a very good idea and many women with larger busts prefer to wear two sports bras, for extra security.

If you are taking ballet for the first time, you will most likely be required to wear pink tights and a leotard. You don't need to worry about a ballet skirt for your first time, and many studios discourage wearing a ballet skirt altogether.

Safety.
No matter what style of dance you are going to be taking, keep the amount of jewelry you wear to a minimum. Necklaces and earrings are all potential hazards in a dance class; not only to you but also to the person you are dancing next to as well.

Remember to bring a bottle of water to your first class. Hydration is important and your first class is most likely going to be a challenge for your body, so keep up on your fluids. If you feel overworked or dizzy during the lesson, don't be afraid to take time out and have a drink of water.

If you take ballet, you will be required to wear your hair up into a bun, but you should wear your hair up no matter what style of dance you are taking. Not only will this keep your hair out of your face, and keep you from rolling on it if you are doing floor movement, it will also prevent you from possibly whipping one of your fellow students with your hair.

Extra ways you can prepare.

Try and prepare mentally for your first dance lesson. It is going to be a fun learning experience and you will get more out of it if you go into the class with a positive attitude. Remember, everyone there will be in the same boat as you.

A dance studio will usually have mirrors. Try and position yourself so that you can see the instructor and your reflection. This way you can check your posture and see how well you are doing.

Don't go to your first class on a full stomach. This could make you lethargic and it's no fun dancing when you are full.
You may want to warm up with deep breathing and stretching before you start the lesson. Your class will have a warm-up and stretch phase at the beginning and at the end of the class, but if you prepare yourself beforehand you will be one step ahead.

This checklist should help you walk into your first dance class prepared and ready to enjoy the experience. Have fun learning to dance. It's a great way to exercise and make new friends.

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