1. Learn the box step.

If you are nervous going to your first class with absolutely no knowledge of
ballroom dancing, you may want to practice a bit with the help of websites or videos online. Start by
learning the box step, the foundation step of many ballroom dances.

When doing the box step you are moving your feet in a square. Start with your feet together with your
weight on your right foot. Move your left leg straight forward in a small step and shift your weight onto
that foot. Next step your right foot up but to the side of your left foot, so that there is a gap of about a
foot between your feet. Finish this first sequence by shifting your weight onto your right foot and
bringing your feet together by moving your left foot over to meet your right. Now you will do this
sequence again, only backwards. Shift your weight to your left foot and move your right foot straight
back in a small step. Shift your weight and move your left foot back but to the side. Finish the box step
by moving your right foot over to meet your left.

If you are having trouble, remember that it is always the outside leg that moves around the square you
are making.

2. Practice a few more steps at home.There are many articles on the internet that can give you the basic
sequence of steps and body movements of other ballroom steps including: How to do the Rumba, How
to do the Cha-Cha, How to Samba, How to Dance the Tango, and How to Dance the Waltz.

3. Attend a ballroom dance class. While you may have some basic knowledge of ballroom dance steps,
classes will help you with all the other important aspects that make up a dance, including posture,
communication, and dance etiquette. Some classes require that you come with a partner but many are
designed for people without a specific partner.

4. Listen to ballroom music. Ask your teacher for a list of songs in the rhythm you're working on. Buy
them and listen to them in the background. You might also find some musical collections selected
specifically for a particular dance.

• Pick out the dance rhythm and count it aloud as the music plays. Many beginning dancers benefit from
first clapping the beat with the music. Yet also as you listen, visualize the dancers moving to the music.
Feel the style of the dance, in addition to its rhythm.

5. Go to a practice session at your studio. Most studios have practice sessions outside of lessons but you
can also just practice on your own. Don't be afraid to ask more experienced dancers for help.

6. Find a partner to practice with outside of class. Perhaps you have a friend that would like to learn how
to ballroom dance as well. Maybe you can convince your partner to join you in the adventure of learning
to dance.

7. Go out and dance! You're in this to learn how to dance, so go dancing. Even after your first lesson feel
free to go out dancing in public. If you have learned two moves at that lesson just use those. That's
enough to go dancing and have a great time on the dance floor.