Discover the proven habits that will help you get the most out of your ballroom dance journey and keep your new hobby thriving for years to come.
16 Habits For Starting a Dance Hobby the Right Way
Think of the thrill you experienced opening the gift you always wanted.
Fast forward a year, and that prized possession ended up broken, at the bottom of your toy box, and re-purposed as a teething toy for your younger sibling.
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We don’t want that to happen with your Dance Hobby, so that’s why we prepared this list of best practices that will keep your dancing fun, interesting, and away from the bottom of the previous hobby toy box.
Whether you’re just starting your dance journey or looking to reinvigorate your current program, these 16 habits will set you up for long-term success and enjoyment.
Foundation Habits for New Dancers
1. Suspend the Myths
You will always second guess this activity if you still believe you’ve got two left feet. We’re not expecting you to show up convinced that you’re already a great dancer; all we want is the opportunity to show you what is possible.
So all we ask is that you, temporarily, suspend the myths, and we’ll help erase them for good. Remember, every professional dancer started exactly where you are now. The difference is they took that first step and committed to the journey.
2. Show Up
You’ve heard that expression, “must be present to win” right?
Here’s what you need to do:
Set your appointment, tell everyone about it, stay accountable, and show up so you can win this first, most important, fight with your comfort zone. Consistency is the foundation of all dance progress, and simply showing up is half the battle won.
3. Sign Up
Yes, learning to dance will be an investment.
As a first time investor in dance lessons we’re not expecting you to immediately connect with all of the wonderful byproducts this activity has to offer right away.
It’s nearly impossible to find value in something you’ve never tried. So the goal here is to get started, don’t overthink it, and begin with a beginner program that is comfortable for you. Your Arthur Murray team will help you design a program that fits your goals and schedule.
Scheduling and Progress Habits
4. Lesson Frequency
This is the name of the game. If you forget everything else, and just master this, you will quickly (emphasis on the word “quickly”) learn to dance, and see the value of the activity.
Think of it like this, if your dance lessons were personal training sessions at the gym, how often would you go if you wanted to get in great shape?
The sooner you’re back in, the sooner you’ll see and feel progress. Enough said. Students who maintain consistent lesson frequency often progress two to three times faster than those who take sporadic lessons.
5. Have Tunnel Vision
It can be easy to fall into dysfunctional comparisons as a dance student. The fact is, your dance journey is unique. There was a catalyst that prompted you to pursue the hobby, and the dancer you’re developing into won’t look like anyone but you… but with much greater dance skill.
Focus on your own progress. Celebrate your victories, learn from your challenges, and trust the process your instructor has designed for you.
6. The Full Menu
Your dance teacher understands your current goals, and they also understand that your current goals will evolve. So how do you prepare a dance program for the current, and future, you? You collaborate with your teacher, enlist the help of a New Student Counselor, and trust that what is planned will get you to where you want to go, even if that includes a dance or two that you hadn’t thought of. For more on this topic, check out The 4 Panic Buttons of a New Ballroom Dancer.
Being open to exploring different dance styles often leads to discovering unexpected favorites that become central to your dance journey.
Community and Social Habits
7. Group Think
Regardless of the dance, taking consistent group classes develops your balance, your role, and your confidence. Group Classes offer a unique learning environment where you can observe different skill levels, pick up techniques from fellow students, and build camaraderie with your dance community.
8. Party on the Regular
A Practice Party is like a lab for your private dance lessons. Work on your leading and following, pressure test new moves, and all with the support of the Arthur Murray staff alongside you every step of the way.
Practice Parties are where the magic happens. It’s where the steps you’ve learned in lessons transform into genuine social dancing ability. Make attending these events a non-negotiable part of your dance schedule.
9. Expand Your Network
Eventually, it will be easy to dance with your instructor. Expand your network, and build your confidence, by asking students to dance that you may not regularly dance with. Practice Parties are the perfect venue for this, offering a supportive environment where everyone is there to grow and have fun.
Dancing with different partners teaches you to adapt your leading or following skills, builds your social confidence, and creates lasting friendships within your dance community.
Growth and Development Habits
10. Keep a Notebook
A notebook is not meant to be a replacement for the dance information you’re getting. Treat it like a backup security system for your brain, especially while your muscle memory is under construction.
Write down key points from your lessons, breakthrough moments, and things you want to work on. Many successful dancers credit their progress to reviewing their notes between lessons.
11. Challenge Your Comfort Zone
This might sound crazy, but there will come a point when walking into the studio is easy and does nothing to rattle your comfort zone anymore. So try a small in-studio event to keep your comfort zone from getting too comfortable.
This is the key to building long term confidence for your dancing, and your teacher will coach you every step of the way. Studio showcases, themed parties, and social events are all opportunities to stretch beyond your comfort zone in a supportive environment.
12. Team Teaching
Teachers all have their own unique ways of communicating information. Your History teacher would probably been decent as an English teacher, but wouldn’t have lasted a minute teaching Drama. The same can be said for an Arthur Murray staff. Team teaching is designed for the student to benefit from the strengths of each teacher involved on their program.
Working with multiple instructors provides you with different perspectives, teaching styles, and areas of expertise that accelerate your overall development.
Investment and Commitment Habits
13. Dance Shoes
Not mandatory, but definitely a great help, purchasing a pair of dance shoes is a great way to get your feet better connected to the floor, and your brain better connected to your hobby.
Dance shoes are designed specifically for the movements you’ll be making, offering the right balance of grip and slide. Many students report an immediate improvement in their dancing once they invest in proper footwear.
14. Try a Routine
Breaking News: you don’t have to perform this on stage, on television, or even in front of an audience. Think of a dance routine like a container for technique, style, and groups of patterns. Eventually, you’ll have one in every dance, but feel free to start with your favorite dance.
Routines provide structure for your learning and give you a tangible goal to work toward. They also help you develop muscle memory and confidence in executing sequences of movements.
15. Plan Your Next Program
Do you know that your know-how of ballroom dance lessons will grow exponentially from lesson 1 to lesson 10? The program that you first put together with your teacher was done with more faith than experience, but guess what? Your next program will be something that you’ll plan as a dancer, and not as someone just dipping their toe in the water of this hobby.
Talk with your instructor about your progress and where you’d like to go next. Planning ahead keeps you motivated and ensures continuity in your dance education.
Giving Back Habits
16. Share Your Dance Journey
Whether you journal, write a review, video a testimonial, invite a friend, or just go out of your way to smile and introduce yourself, paying it forward is essential to the positive and inclusive atmosphere at Arthur Murray.
After all, you’re going to make progress. Not to mention, there may have been a more advanced student along the way that was kind, encouraging, and someone to look up to.
Now you are that student. As crazy as it seems, there are students that look up to you. You may not know them… yet, but make sure that you repay the favor and give them encouragement, kindness, and save them a dance at the next Practice Party.
Final Thought
While you can certainly take whichever path works for your schedule, interest, and desired outcome, this list is designed to help you progress the quickest way possible.
Because people rarely quit hobbies they enjoy and are really good at.
So how did you do? How many of these have you accomplished? Are you stuck with one, or do you have an idea for another? The journey of a thousand dances begins with a single step, and implementing even a few of these habits will make a noticeable difference in your dance experience.
Ready to put these habits into action? Visit your local Arthur Murray Dance Studio to get started on your dance journey today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I take dance lessons as a beginner?
For optimal progress, we recommend at least two lessons per week when starting out. This frequency helps you build momentum and retain information between sessions. Supplementing with Group Classes and Practice Parties will accelerate your learning even more.
Do I need a partner to start dance lessons at Arthur Murray?
No, you don’t need to bring a partner. Arthur Murray instructors are trained to dance with you during private lessons, and Group Classes and Practice Parties provide opportunities to dance with other students. Many of our most successful students started on their own.
How long does it take to become a good social dancer?
Progress varies by individual, but students who follow these habits and attend consistently typically feel comfortable on a social dance floor within 3-6 months. Remember, “good” is subjective. The goal is continuous improvement and enjoyment.
What should I wear to dance lessons?
Comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely is best. Avoid jeans or restrictive clothing. For shoes, flat-soled shoes work well initially, though investing in proper dance shoes as you progress will enhance your experience significantly.
Are Group Classes and Practice Parties included in my program?
Most Arthur Murray programs include access to Group Classes and Practice Parties as part of the learning experience. These social elements are essential for developing well-rounded dance skills and building confidence. Check with your studio for specific details about your program.
What if I miss a lesson?
Life happens! Arthur Murray studios are flexible with scheduling. Simply contact your studio to reschedule. The important thing is to get back on track quickly to maintain your momentum and progress.
