Dancing is a fun and effective way to exercise, meet friends, appreciate music, and feel a sense of accomplishment. Whether you're just starting dance lessons or have been attending for a while, you may be looking for ways to optimize the benefits. The first action to take is to prepare yourself to give your best effort. 

5 Ways to Get Ready for Dance Classes 

1. Show Good Manners 

Arrive early so that you have plenty of time to warm up and get focused without delaying or inconveniencing everyone else. Make sure your cell phone is on silent or completely turned off and that you're not wearing loose jewelry, which could harm or distract others while you're moving. Give space to your classmates and listen politely whenever the instructor is talking. 

2. Be Attentive 

Listening is important, but it must be accompanied by watching. Pay close attention to the teacher's movements so that you can mimic them. Take it one move at a time, asking for help if you need it. With time and practice, you'll develop an intuition for dance steps and choreography, and you'll pick up on movements easier. 

3. Focus on Growing 

Dance lessons are for learning, not showing off. Emphasize what you need to improve rather than doing what's already comfortable for you. Trust that your dance instructor knows what they're doing and incorporate their advice into your efforts to master the steps and movements. Review the basics sometimes to reinforce what you're learning. 

4. Develop Relationships 

Everyone benefits more from dance lessons when they feel supported. Be friendly and encouraging toward your classmates, cheering them up if they struggle and applauding them when they do well. They'll be inclined to do the same for you. Also, talk with your dance teacher before and after class about your goals and concerns so that you can establish a professional relationship based on trust. 

5. Stay Healthy 

Your body and mind will perform better if you take care of them outside of class as well. Eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise, and establish a good sleeping routine, ensuring that you always have the energy and strength to do your best. If you become injured, do modified movements in class so that you don't worsen the problem.

By following this advice, you'll progress quickly with the dance lessons offered at Dance Lessons by Lenny. Based in Chattanooga, TN, instructor Lenny Seasonwein has been teaching students of all ages, genders, and skill levels for over 40 years. Whether you want to participate in person or online, he'll personalize his teaching so that you meet your dancing potential. To learn more, call his studio at (423) 463-5591 or send a message online.