How to Find the Right Dance Teacher for You

 Fancy disco, jazz or jive? Rumba, foxtrot or soul? How about a bit of pole dancing? Or are you worried that you have no sense of rhythm but want to be able to dance at clubs or parties?

 Well, it can be a daunting choice for any beginner who wants to learn to dance. The atmosphere of the venue is important as while some students prefer a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, others might prefer the more serious approach you will find at conservatoires. Here are some ideas for you:

 Step one is to choose the dance style that you want to pursue! Now, that sounds obvious but look at the range: Tango, Ballet, Salsa (Cuban or Puerto Rican), Tap Dance or even Hip-Hop Dancing.

 You can find dance lessons at dance associations, certified and uncertified dance schools, national and regional conservatoires, national dance centres, theatres and music schools, or you can look in the classified ads for tutors who offer private dance tuition. Look out for free tester sessions, so that you can get a feel for the course and for the venue and, of course, the tutor(s). Watch how they work and get feedback from other students.

 Private lessons can be cheaper than dance schools or conservatories, and there are many benefits to getting private tutorials, as you can’t beat one-to-one training before you hit the dance floor. Hiring a private tutor is a good choice for couples, youngsters and adults, since you'll be the focus, as opposed to part of a large group. Also, if you’re getting married or preparing for a special occasion, learning to dance together could be great for you and your partner — it’s fun, and you'll stand out. Think about the level where you'd put yourself. There are usually three main levels: Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced. Also, keep your personal goals in mind — talk to the tutor about your objectives before your first lesson, so you can plan and be assured that they're the most suitable person for you.

Once started, your first lesson can be a checklist for you, so look out for the following:

 Here’s a brief list of what you should look out for during your first dance tutorial: how they teach — are they patient? Do they explain well? Do they adopt the choreography to suit your level? Are they creative and broad-minded, with a good knowledge of music? Are they good at motivation? Also, are they safe? Do they allow you to warm up and give good advice re. physical conditions?

 Ifyou want to check their training, then look at the qualifications your tutor might have: a level 3 qualification, a degree, a postgraduate degree or a PhD. However, a dancer or choreographer who’s been in a famous show or video is probably pretty experienced — but the downside is that they may charge more.