Q&A for How to Ballroom Dance

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

How can I learn ballroom dancing at home?

Lorena Bravo, MA
Professional Dance Instructor & Competitor
Lorena Bravo is a Dance Instructor and the Founder of Bravo Dancing Ballroom Academy based in Los Angeles, California. Specializing in ballroom dancing for both American Smooth and International Standard Divisions, Lorena has over 20 years of professional dance experience. Along with running Bravo Dancing, Lorena has served on the faculty of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and is currently on the faculty at Chapman University’s dance department. She is also the head ballroom coach for the University of Southern California (USC) Ballroom and Latin Dance Team. Lorena holds a BA in Psychology and an MA in Bilingual Education from USC and is certified in Associate American Smooth by the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing.

Lorena Bravo, MA

Professional Dance Instructor & Competitor

Expert Answer

Look at different online videos of people ballroom dancing. BallroomDancers.com has a lot of really good resources. Make sure to find videos with music so that you can learn the counts and rhythms involved in ballroom dance.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 9
Question

What are the steps of the waltz?

Community Answer

Assuming you are asking about Viennese Waltz, it's a box step. Right forward (1), left to the side (2), close with the right (3) then left backwards (1), right to the side (2), close with the left (3). Your feet are tracing the outline of a square. The leader starts with the forward part, the follower backwards. The step is then rotated, to to the right in quarter and finally half turns. When you start making your way over the room like this, remember the dance direction is always counter-clockwise.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 54
Question

Do I have to dance with a boy when ballroom dancing?

Community Answer

No. You can dance with whoever you want.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 10 Helpful 75
Question

How do I choose the right music?

Community Answer

The music you choose will depend on which type of ballroom dance you want to do. Alternately, you could pick the dance based on the music. Take a look at the different genres of music and dance that are available and see which ones match up together.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 47
Question

How much does it cost to learn ballroom dancing?

Community Answer

It varies. In general, public groups will charge between £25 - £40 per month, whereas private lessons can cost £15 and upwards per lesson.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 13 Helpful 47
Question

When lesbians slow dance, is there a preferable method for doing it?

Community Answer

It all depends on what you and your partner want to do. It doesn't matter if you are dancing with a boy or a girl, you can change it to suit either of your abilities and comfort zones.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 60
Question

What style of ballroom dance suits the after-party of my pageant? The guest is German so what should I pick?

Community Answer

Choose the waltz to go with the after party of the pageant, they'll surely know that dance.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 82
Question

What is appropriate posture when you dance the waltz?

Community Answer

Shoulders above hips, closed ribs (imagine you are tying them like shoelaces), and place your weight on the balls of your feet. It will also help to hold your head high.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 79
Question

So if I've been dancing for 6 months and I don't have a a partner. Should I be concerned or should I wait for my teacher to address me?

Community Answer

Your teacher will give you a partner eventually, whether it is a boy or a girl. Don't sweat it!

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 71
Question

Which waltz dance pieces written by Johann Strauss the second are appropriate for the after-party?

Community Answer

Try the Treasure waltz, the Blue Danube and so on. These are good pieces for the after-party written by Johann Strauss the second.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 60
Question

Is it ok to wear a ballgown while you dance in a ballroom setting?

Community Answer

Yes, a ballgown is the appropriate dress to wear for dancing in a ballroom. Ensure it is not so long it will catch on your heels though.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 38
Question

What are some romantic flavors to add to waltz dance music?

Community Answer

A kiss or joining hands.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 5