HOW TO HAVE A GREAT EXPERIENCE IN A DANCE CLASS

iFreeStyle.ca students in downtown Toronto, Canada!

Have you ever asked yourself this question?  Seems like common sense, right?  Show up to class, learn some moves, meet some people, feel awesome!  A great experience needs some self-awareness and awareness of others. Let's look at this a little closer.

Firstly, why do we even learn to dance?

8 REASONS WE LEARN TO DANCE (VOLUNTARILY)
There are umpteen reasons but here are 10 common ones.

1. Learn to dance (duh!)
2. Meet new people (for friendship or perhaps more... but don't be creepy in class)
3. Escape from the daily grind and life stresses (family, work, partners, world problems, drama, controversies, general negative energy etc.)
4. Balance life with some FUN (enjoy the music, people, energy)
5. Follow a dream or fill a void
6. Challenge yourself (competition, improve, overcome fears, build confidence etc.)
7. Start a new awesome hobby
8. Prepare for vacation to a Latin American country or dance congress (if your dance of choice is salsa, bachata or cha cha)
9. It's in your soul and it needs to be expressed
10. Connect and vibe with others!  Yes!

IT'S ME TIME
When we choose do so something like dance, we look for an experience that will satisfy our needs, and wants so we can feel great.  Dance has tons to offer...the music, the movements, the people energy,  the vibe.  Feel energized not just after class, but in the moment. Let all that goodness into your soul.  It's ME time :) And on days you need some extra energy,  the music, dance and fellow students can help lift your spirits!

IT'S US TIME TOO!
Our sheer presence in the room impacts the overall vibe of the class.   We feed off energy AND we create energy.  Sometimes we're so into our own experience that we forget about others.  They may be having a blast, totally lost, killing' it, or struggling to stay focused. Your smile or encouragement might be that thing that changes their experience for the better.  
 
HOW YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE TO A GREAT VIBE IN A DANCE CLASS

1. FOR YOU - Come with an open mind, ready to learn and have a great time!  When you're having a blast, it contributes a positive energy in the room! 
   1. Immerse yourself in the experience, leaving your non-dance thoughts at the door!
   2. Don't hold back.  When it's time to go full out, go as all-out as you can.  
   3. This is your journey.  Don't leave regretting that you held back because you cared too much about looking silly to others.   
   4. Challenge yourself and enjoy the moments when things “click”.  
   5. Be patient with yourself if it doesn't "click" instantly.  Learning is a process.  
2. FOR OTHERS - Be aware of others who are also trying to let go and enjoy the experience! 
   1. Give encouragement, smiles, share space (mirror-time), saying hi and bye... all the warm fuzzy stuff.  
   2. In partner work, take care of your partner.  Be patient, smile, participate and don't force moves.  
   3. In partner work, acknowledge when you mess up (which is inevitable).  Somehow this can relax your partner (so they don't get tempted to tell you themselves). 
   4. Leave critique to the instructors (or for when you are asked for your opinion).  Think about how you felt when you received unsolicited instructions from a fellow student.  Usual inside thought "who do you think you are? <insert other not so nice thoughts and criticisms here>".  This is negative vibe, so try to avoid this.  
   5. Learn names!  Humans feel greater connection when you call them by name.  
3. FOR YOUR TEACHERS – Share positive energy with your instructor.  They vibe off of you too!  
   1. Respond when they ask questions like "move on?", "do we have it?" ,"do it again?" "questions?",  It's more fun when there is interaction :) 
   2. Pay attention (save your conversations with friends for breaks or before/after class).
   3. Try.  It's not about getting the moves perfect, it's about effort.  Instructors love seeing you have fun, but also seeing progress over time.  
   4. If you enjoyed the class, let them know! If you have suggestions or requests, AND if they are open to hear them, tell them in a respectful way.  

Let these ideas marinate for a bit.  We all can improve our self-awareness and awareness of others.   In dance, especially in Latin street dances, the experience is shared with partners, team mates, instructors, and friends! Radiate the your best energy and create an authentic joy that will keep you and others around you smiling. 

ENJOY!