Ballroom Dance Lesson ~ Take 3

Yesterday, The One and I had our third dance lesson. We spent most of the lesson asking questions and working out some issues we were having with the previous steps we had learned. Then at the end of the lesson, we learned another step to the Rumba. So far we have learned 4 of the 6 step sequences that make up the dance.

The One said he felt like we accomplished a lot with the lesson, and he felt pretty good about it. I felt the exact opposite. I guess I felt like we wasted a bunch of time going over things we should have already learned instead of learning new things. However, I guess he is probably right because the things we asked questions about do seem much easier now. I suppose I was just frustrated because one of the things we went over was a turn that I was struggling with. I seriously have no rhythm and can barely find a beat in songs, and I have to find the beat and turn to it, and I was failing miserable. But, before asking about it I didn't even realize I was supposed to be turning in time to the music, so at least knowing what I'm supposed to do is progress, right?

Tony said that next week he thought we should try learning another dance, but I'm really not wanting to do that. Instead, I'd rather learn the last two steps to the Rumba, so we will know them all. I'm one of those people that needs things wrapped up all nice and neat and tied with a bow. Switching dances in the middle is really going to bother me. Plus, it would be nice to know all of the steps to at least one dance if we don't decide to continue our lessons.

When we got home from the lesson, we practiced for a while. We went over the things we had covered and attempted to do the new step we had learned. At first we weren't doing so great, but we found a video to watch online of the step. That seemed to help, and we finally figured it out. At least, I think we figured it out.

Starting tonight, we will begin our group dance classes. We signed up for a starter type package just to get our feet wet with this whole dance thing. It included four private lessons, of which we've done three. It also included for group dance classes. We've settled on the classes we are going to take, and they are Beginner Swing/Hustle, Beginner Cha Cha, Beginner Rumba/Tango, and Beginner Waltz/Foxtrot. That should give us a good feel for the different types of dances that are out there, and help us to decide if we find any we like and want to learn, possibly for a wedding dance. Or even if we like them enough to continue with the lessons.

I have to admit I'm much more nervous for the dance classes than I was for the private lesson. I don't think I'm going to like being in the group setting trying to learn the dances for the very first time. Tony also warned us that in the classes they don't keep you with the person you came with so you can get experience dancing with other people. Which I totally get as a concept, but The One and I are still trying to figure out how the heck to move together. I really don't care if I can move with someone else at this point. I'd be much more comfortable at this stage in the game fumbling my way through the beginning of these dances with The One. After I know the steps is another ball game, but I tend to get easily frustrated with new things, and having a new partner is going to add to that immensely.

We were told that we could stand off to the side of the class and participate without changing partners if we really wanted to, but that we would be missing out on some of the things we could be learning if we did that. The One and I haven't really talked about it yet, so I guess we'll have to see what we ultimately decide to do. Wish us luck!