Wallflower pt.2

[dahliaoleander]

Can anyone recomend some cool retro dances that are good for a beginner of 17?

Swing I suppose.

Charleston? (Does anyone teach that in my area (Eagle Rock therabouts.)

Any ideas?

I suppose dancing is a good form of exercise. (I'm used to pilates but haven;t done anything in years.)

I want to trim my waist & lose a bit of pudge is all. I'm 18 and I look 12. (5'6 but 12. lol )

Do I need any special shoes or outfits for it or what?

Details please.

 

[Miss_Bella_Hell]

East Coast Swing...there's also this: http://www.pontanisisters.com/gogorobics_deal.html

 

[dahliaoleander]

That's a good idea.

And weird as it may seem. I've always (At least for the past year or so.) Wanted to learn this odd little number.

Joan Crawford - Got a Feelin For You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArdIDM2bd-A

Basic no?

 

[Miss_Bella_Hell]

Well, that's the Charleston alright. The basics of the Charleston are incredibly easy (I'm no expert myself, I only know the basic step)! I bet YouTube could teach you it right now!

 

[crwritt]

The best dances for waist trimming are latin dances, such as salsa and merengue, since they isolate the upper and lower body and involve more hip movement than swing dancing.
Swing is also fun, it mostly depends on what you like.
You don't need any special outfit to learn to dance, but you might be most comfortable in a skirt and short sleeved blouse. Make sure the sleeve does not bind when you raise your arm to turn. I see a lot of people dancing in jeans, but I find I get too hot myself.
Shoes should be comfortable, and not grip the floor when you turn. Heel height does not matter too much as long as they are comfortable and turn well. A smooth leather sole works very well. rubbery soles are not good.You can test your shoes on a wood floor, put your weight on the front part of your right foot, push off with your left. You should be able to turn easily without the sole gripping. The shoes should attatch securely to your feet, mules or flipflops are not good for dancing.

 

[miss_elise]

my friend recently took up belly dancing and (along with a balanced diet) she has lost about 15 kg...

so i figure any dancing is better than no dancing...

perhap when you join a class they will give you an idea of what you should be wearing to the lessons...

 

[Idledame]

This site shows places to swing dance.
http://www.lindyhopping.com/danceplace.html
This page shows where to take lessons:
http://www.lindyhopping.com/learnplace.html
Also check your local community colleges and adult schools. They often have dance classes.

 

[Paisley]

Did you check out my thread called Learning to Dance in the Golden Era section? It should answer all of your questions and then some.

 

[Snookie]

Hey, you're in Eagle Rock? I went to ERHS myself. You're lucky in a way - when I was in high school, learning to dance, most everything nearby was 21+ (so frustrating!).

Do you drive? That will expand your options, of course. Eagle Rock is a good area, though, because there's a lot of dancing in Pasadena. For a beginner, in high school, I'm going to recommend you start at LindyGroove in Pasadena on Thursday nights. www.LindyGroove.com It's a nice crowd, all ages, not too expensive, and there's lessons before the dance to get you started. You don't need a partner, they'll rotate you through many partners during the lesson (and then you know who the other beginners are, so you can ask them to dance). If you don't have a partner, you should try and bring a friend, you'll have more fun. Heck, bring your mom. Don't worry, it won't make you uncool. Dress is casual - jeans, skirts, anything goes. Wear shoes that don't fall off your feet (no sandals).

Once you attend a couple dances, then you'll be ready to start looking into regular lessons. Watch other dancers, and if you like what they do ask them about it/where to learn. It'll be a huge compliment.

BTW, now's the perfect time to start dancing - during the summer there are lots of free outdoor dances, and those are the best. Also, Camp Hollywood is coming up in August, if you decide that you're really into dancing you should attend. There's a cheap rate for under 18. www.camphollywood.net

If you (or your parents) have any questions/concerns about venues, send me a PM. I've been dancing in LA for about 10 years, and I started while in high school too, and I remember how difficult it was sometimes!

 

[MissS]

Oh, how funny that someone started this thread - I've just signed up for tap dancing classes today! They start on Monday - should be a hoot, considering I'm the type of gal who can't pat their hat and rub their tummy at the same time!

 

[gluegungeisha]

I started swing dancing when I was 17. I found the classes through my city's alternative weekly newspaper.

 

[Miss 1929]

The basic dances you will want to know are Swing (either or both of West Coast and East Coast), Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Rhumba, Charleston and Balboa.
They often teach two or three of them together in a course.
And once you know those, you'll be unstoppable!

 

[dhermann1]

Dance to the style of music you enjoy most! It seems late 20's, early 30's is making a come back, and there are several dances for that, including Charleston and Collegiate. Then there's the classic Big Band era Swing (about 1936 to 1947). And a whole world of Latin music. But go with the sounds that move you the most.

 

[Aurora]

Hope you have fun, which ever dance you choose.

I'm thrilled to bits right now, just came back from the library where I saw the plans for the new leisure centre (to be finished soon), and there is going to be a massive dance studio.... I think I know where I'll be spending the Winter!

 

[dahliaoleander]

The basic dances you will want to know are Swing (either or both of West Coast and East Coast), Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Rhumba, Charleston and Balboa.
They often teach two or three of them together in a course.
And once you know those, you'll be unstoppable!

I'd hope aerials aren't the least bit necessary. I'm a scaredy-cat! :lol