Hi all!!
Just joined and I thought I would take a moment to say hi!
I've been dancing for a little while at a social level and I really enjoy it. I'm taking classes in Salt Lake City and I'm getting really excited about it.
I look forward to talking to you folks around the forums :-)
Jim

Hi! Welcome!

Hi Jim,
As with Laura, we also welcome you to the forums and please share your experiences, not only as a new member, but also as a new dancer! Where are you learning and what dance styles do you take?

We're doing a lot of "behind-the-scenes" upgrading to all our systems so we'll be interested in your comments in the next few months.

Thanks again!

Thanks for the welcome!
Hi Laura!
I used to dance at the silver level in Foxtrot, Waltz and a few latin dances some five years ago but had to move and lost my instructor. (Couldn't find another good one)
I'm back though and last night was quickstep, and tonight I'm heading for Mambo land!
See you all around the forums!

I know how you feel about moving and starting over. I started learning to dance a long time ago with an excellent instructor in New York. Then I moved to San Francisco, and didn't dance at all -- not even social dancing -- for 3 1/2 years. Fortunately when I decided to start again I found a wonderful instructor almost right away.

Some days I wish I hadn't taken that 3 1/2 year break, though!

Heya, I'm also a new member here. I'm a newb, tho. =D

Welcome! What type of dancing do you do?

I am also knew to this site...I really love watching all the styles of ballroom dancing, and I would love to start learning how to dance them myself. I have taken ballet, tap, and jazz for 8 or more years, and was quite an accomplished dancer...then I stopped, but I would really like to get back into it and try this partner dancing...any tips?

Hi Belle_of_the_Ball!

Welcome to DanceScape and wonderful to hear about your interest in Dancing!

The best place to start is probably to see if there is a local USABDA chapter (United States Ballroom Dance Association, or now known as USA Dance - see http://www.usabda.org). If you speak to a representative, they may be able to direct you to local dance studios or clubs in your area that offer lessons. BTW, in which City/State are you located?

If you are interested in trying out lessons but not quite ready for "private" ones ... try "GROUP" lessons. They are generally lower cost and if you start out in Beginners, you can "sample" dances. You might love them all, or you might love certain styles (like Latin versus Ballroom, etc.)

Private lessons are more expensive than group, but you get more personal attention. It is also possible to tailor your lesson to certain dances.

One thing about Ballroom is that it is a "team" dance and you will need a partner at some point especially if you decide to go into competition dancing. It does tend to take a little longer to find a male partner as dedicated as you might be. However, there are competitions called "Pro Am" where it is possible to compete with your dance instructor.

Some dance clubs have "singles" only dances so it might be possible to begin networking, depending on your age.

Hope this helps and if you have any other questions, please feel free to post. Try also www.globaldancedirectory.com as we have member studios possibly in your area!

thanks bunches... I will work on getting a place, and I will let you kow how it goes