Becoming a Dancer in Adulthood, How to Start and Flourish!

It is never too late to start dancing.

If you've had concerns around this, let's address that first by realizing — no one has a monopoly on the art of dance.

Dance is for everyone!

Dance has been around since humans populated the earth, and long before dance competitions came to be. It is movement. It is art. It is expression. As much as we like to classify genres and define steps, there truly is no right or wrong when it comes to expressing yourself through dance.

You can learn to dance at any age and from any starting place.

So now that we have that reminder, let's look at 5 simple steps to start dancing as a teen or adult who is set for success.

1. Pick a Genre

If you have the means to try multiple classes, that is often the best way to decide what kind of dance really speaks to you. You may be surprised by what you're naturally good at!

Some dancers like to focus on one genre, such as ballet, and really dive deep to master their form as jazz, hip hop and other styles have a very different way of using the body. However, if you are unsure of where you fit or if you just love all kinds of dance, taking various classes is a great way to explore your potential and expand your vision.

If you decide to choose just one or two styles of dance but don't know where to start, consider the type of music you like to listen to. Do you like soulful music that tells a story? Maybe lyrical or contemporary will speak to you. Do you enjoy funk music? Popping and locking may be a good fit. Think about what kind of music makes you want to dance and you'll have a good start in determining where you might have the most fun.

2. Find your Home Base

Finding the right place/way to learn is important in making dance a JOYFUL part of your life. Try searching for local studios on Google but be careful about typing in "Dance Studio Adults" or similar searches, as some studios that offer great adult classes won't come up if you get too specific. I like to start with the studios closest to me, go to their website, and then look at their current schedule to see if they teach my age group and have what I'm seeking.

Calling is also a great way to better understand the atmosphere and ask questions about instructors or get more information that may not be listed on their website. They should be happy to help you navigate and learn more, if they aren't kind and supportive, move on.

Dance can be expensive. If budget is of concern or if you don't have a local studio that offers what you're wanting, consider online classes. There are many online studios and classes that can give you more variety that might otherwise be available to you. Some amazing instructors even offer free mini classes/choreography on Instagram or YouTube.

3. Dress for Success

Prepare before your first class by finding appropriate clothing. Different styles of dance require different shoes and fits. Many studios are relaxed and allow you to wear whatever you can move safely in. If you have questions about what is appropriate never hesitate to reach out to the studio. If you're dancing at home, look at photos/videos of dancers who dance the style you're interested in and notice how their clothing aligns with their movement.

If you are taking ballet, some studios have required "uniforms" such as a basic black leo and pink tights. This is less common for adult students, but always check the website or call the studio if attire details are not provided on the website. Showing up prepared always feels better, and wearing appropriate clothing that you like can give you a confidence boost!

Basics:

* make sure you're comfortable (not too tight, too big, too small, too lowcut, etc.)

* check if there is a dress code

* look into appropriate shoes, call a studio or dance supply store for recommendations (barefoot is appropriate for certain dance styles such as contemporary or lyrical, but it's good to have some basic dance shoes like these if you aren't sure what works for you yet)

4. Challenge Yourself and be Patient

Dance is such a fun way to express yourself, but mastering the body takes time!

Let it be fun.

The moves you want to master will come with practice and patience.

If you're stumbling around in your first class or slow to pick up choreography, that's normal! Don't quit just because it felt hard. You'll be shocked at how quickly it can all start to click. The key is consistency. Just keep going and let it be fun.

Consistency is sometimes the hardest part, especially for adults, as life can tell us other things should come first. Setting small goals is a great way to keep yourself from bailing on your dream.

Try starting a challenge like 100 days of dance in the next year.

You can use the Dance 100 guided journal to keep yourself moving and joyfully motivated.

5. Don't Compare

Some dancers start at age 3 some start at 60, don't compare your first day to someone's day 8,000. No one ever perfects dance. That's part of the fun, there is always a way to improve, more to learn, and new art to create.

Studio time and class time is just that... class!

It's a time to play with movement, test your boundaries, learn, and make mistakes.

Mistakes are how we learn (and sometimes how we invent new things!).

So appreciate other's hard work and talent but stay away from unconstructive comparison and you'll be sure to blossom.

Prepare, be patient, and have fun. If you want to dance, then dance is for you!

So get started!