Sample: Essay/Journalistic

Would you like to dance? So, have we got you interested yet? Ready to try hitting the dance floor? Well, if you’re ready to try this swing dancing thing, you’re going to need some lessons. Unlike most types of dancing done in clubs, swing takes a combination of formal instruction and lots and lots of practice. Luckily, those things are easy to come by in most cities throughout the U.S. Through a combination of group lessons, private lessons, video instruction and dance camps, even the sheer novice can be confident on the dance floor after a period of time. In this article, I’ll cover group and private lessons, the two most common ways for a beginner to learn to dance. Group Lessons Group dance lessons given at clubs are probably the single most important factor in getting new dancers on the floor, and a big part of the reason why the swing scene is going strong today. When clubs began booking swing bands and hosting DJ’d music nights, it became immediately apparent that they needed to offer some sort of instruction to get people dancin’. At most clubs, a group lesson is held immediately before the band or dance starts. No partner is needed, and basic East Coast steps (either single or triple time steps) are taught to the beginners. Some lessons are taught in a format where you are matched up with a partner right from the start and stay with that person throughout the lesson, typically one hour in length. In another version, usually when there is an uneven number of leads and follows, the group will form a circle or a line and rotate partners every few minutes. This is especially helpful in an uneven group so that everyone gets a chance to learn the steps, and helpful overall so that each participant can experience different partners. Sometimes getting over the shyness of actually touching your partner (eek!) is the hardest part of learning to swing, and a rotation lesson can be a huge boon. Don’t be intimidated. Everyone else on the floor is out there trying to learn, just like you are, and they’re nervous too! Many classes are taught on a one-shot basis, meaning that the same beginner steps are offered each night that the club is open. However, a number of swing dance groups and some nightclubs offer series lessons which run over the period of a month or more, offering the chance to build your repertoire over time, and build on what you’ve learned. The real benefit of group lessons held in a dance club is the chance to immediately practice what you’ve learned. When the lesson ends, you’ve got your steps fresh in your mind, and a whole class full of other beginners to practice with all night long. A couple of great places to find group lessons in your area are www.swingmap.com or www.sonicswing.com. These two sites maintain nationwide lists of swing dance clubs, organizations and nightclubs offering free or low-cost group lessons and dance nights. Many community centers, health clubs and adult schools are also offering swing dance classes these days too, and can be great sources. Private Lessons Private lessons are a costly, but fantastic, way to learn to swing. Many dance instructors have studio or club space available to them to offer private instruction to dancers wanting less distraction or greater detail. The cost is often prohibitive—$50 an hour or more—but the benefits are great. By working one-on-one with a skilled instructor over the course of an hour, you’re able to get individualized help on specific moves, posturing, lead or follow techniques or problem areas. Privates are a great follow-up to group lessons especially, once you’ve learned the basics, but want to improve your form or add some new moves to your routines. The only disadvantage to private lessons is that you don’t get that immediate chance to hit the dance floor with a variety of partners, and for that reason alone, group lessons might be the way to go for the absolute beginner. Finding private lessons is a bit harder than finding a group class, but many of the same sources apply. The instructors teaching a group lesson at a club or dance might very well offer private instruction or have information on who does in your area. Many dance camp weekends also offer private lesson time with their instructors, usually nationally- or world-renowned teachers and competition champions, which is a fantastic opportunity to learn from the best of the best. Get out there and do it! Whether you learn to swing in a group lesson or from a private instructor, the most important factor is practice, practice, practice. The steps you learn tonight are going to be a distant memory to your feet three days later if you’re not using them. Learn the moves, then hit the floor.