Kingston is a bit further than I'd like but I could do it. Am concerned about going alone in case I get lumbered with a horrible partner

Just posted this on another thread but think this may be a better place to find a 'dancing companion'. Got classes lined up next week in West and central London. Anyone interested?


Have been truly inspired by Alesha and Matthew to take up dancing this year. Spent most of the day looking up dance schools/classes and have got plans to visit one every night next week! Unfortunately I'll be going on my own so want to visit a few initially and see which one I like the feel of. That is unless anyone on here lives in London and fancies accompanying me.

Looking to take up:
a) Salsa
b)Cha Cha Cha
c) Waltz

Am scared of:

a)the people not being friendly
b)being paired up with a smelly old (or young) man

Have just got in from my dance lesson! I really really enjoyed it and the age range was good. They taught us the Waltz and the Cha Cha Cha - can already feel the burn on my hips! Really loved it and have decided to sign up for the rest of the course.

Next week - the Tango and Rumba!

Hi faye

Great to know there's someone else from Kent. Looked at her website, looks lovely - lucky you.

I'm based in Canterbury where I go to group classes in Cuban Salsa and AT.
Ballroom and latin studios are in Lenham and Faversham. There's a great studio in West Wickham (haven't danced there but have watched and its very good).

Glad I'm not the only Kentonian here too, gritty!

I did start out at another school in Tonbridge, but it just didn't suit me - there's a piece of advice I'd give for someone looking for a dance school or class to join. If you're not sure about the first one you try, find another. The teacher, the other people in the class, even the location can all massively affect how much you enjoy it.

Where I go now has a really good atmosphere - and a bar, in case anyone needs any Dutch courage!

I dance in Kent sometimes, too - Beckenham - although I live near Liverpool.

Well done, CloneClown!!!!!!!! So glad you enjoyed it!

I have not yet met an unfriendly person at a dance lesson! Everyone there is generally a lot of fun, and very warm and open - especially to new people in the group, as we have all been the new person at some point and remember only too well how scary it can be to walk in for the first time. Everyone will make you very welcome.

You will usually dance with various partners throughout the course of a group lesson. Even in the course of the two-hour group lesson that I go to with my specific partner, we still both end up having a few dances with other partners, just for variety. So you won't get lumbered with anyone unwholesome for any long period!

Thanks to everyone who encourage me to go. I woke up today with 45 minutes to go until I had to be there, and I was so sorely tempted to go back to sleep and not go as I was so scared. But since everyone told me how good it was from tehir experience, I went and loved it.
We did the Tango and Cha Cha Cha. I now know the cha cha cha is more confusing than it looks, but I eventually got my head round. I'm not that great, but I really enjoyed learning the dances and I can't wait to go back.
Thanks everyone for encouraging me - I feel stupid having been so nervous

dont feel stupid for being nervous its only natural!

the main thing is you have gone, throughly enjoyed and are going back - well done for plucking up the courage to go - I know its not easy to go alone

keep us informed with your progress pls

Thanks for that - makes me feel a bit better. Would still like someone to go with though!

If you say where you live I'm sure someone would be able to give you some advice on where to get started

Have you tried the IDTA wedbsite? They list all IDTA registered dance classes in the country and contact details. You can e-mail ones in your area to enquire about classes. That's what I did.

Yay

Anyone on here with any advice for me? I've seen some Essex posts to help - I'm looking probably around the Romford area of Essex. Would like to try all the Strictly dances, mostly the jive though - or any of the 'wartime' dancestyles as I'm quite into the 40s/50s stuff, i.e. films set in wartime, the clothes, homefront, etc - would love to do the ones they would have done when they went to a dance in wartime with the GI's!! Thanks in advance. MAMBO x

I know it may sound a strange request what I asked!
By the way anywhere in Essex would be a helpful start.

Ta everyone.
MAMBO

http://www.idta.co.uk/schools/essex.html - I don't if that's any help, but there are about 10 dance schools on that list that off Ballroom/Latin. I don't know if they're near you though as I don't know Essex very well.

Thank you Mutinta -will check that out!

Lovely post! This just sums up what I love about going dancing!

Great news Mutinta, glad you enjoyed yourself

I've been on Yell (its how I found mine and the IDTA site ) and depending what part of Romford you're from I've found some for you.

http://www.yell.com/ucs/UcsSearchAct...rd&M=0&x=0&y=0

Most of them do have websites, some don't so it maybe just giving them a quick call and asking what styles they'll teach.

I'm going to my first one tonight

Have fun

Good Luck Psychosis

Make sure Rumplebums teaches you all she knows about not injuring your dance partners - that should take all of 30 seconds

However, you may need to sit comfortably for her lecture on 'injuries I've caused in dance lessons' - 'cos you could be there a while.....

You'll be fine, I'm sure - if I can survive, anyone can!!!!

Cheeky bugger!