Dance Videos

Are dance videos tools of inspiration and knowledge that will fill you with confidence and loads of invaluable dancing tips? Or are they unforgivably cheesy exercises likely to put you off dancing forever?

They can be either. And that’s why you need to choose your videos very carefully.

First, have a foretaste. Here's a clip from our own Ballet Class video...

Do the rest of this Beginner's BALLET Class RIGHT NOW!

The idea of dance videos is to give you a true taste of the fundamentals of dance. And to give you enough knowledge and confidence to go to a live class and fit right in. Here's where you learn how to get that from a dance video and how to avoid the other type.

**Note from the Editor** "In the name of research, I have sat through a great many learn to dance videos. And I mean just that. I have sat through them. Unmotivated to join in. Uninspiring productions that were cheesy or patronizing or both. I felt talked down to, excluded and bored. But dance documentaries have always made me want to join in with them. And now these wonderful products are available to buy, at our own On-Line Store! "

The Best Dance Videos

Here are some of the most recognisable types of dance videos.

Firstly, you have the ‘Hollywood Production’ style.
This isn’t a dance class at all. It is a thoroughly rehearsed production, with flashing lights and futuristic sets a-plenty. It looks like a pop music video and while you may well enjoy watching it once, it is unlikely to teach you a great deal about dance.

Anyone who thinks sunshine is happiness has never danced in the rain.  - Anon

This is mainly because none of the people featured in it need any instruction – they are all experienced dancers. So the moves aren’t broken down far enough for the complete beginner to grasp.

Secondly, you have the other end of the scale.
The dance video done on a budget of five dollars. Someone who has borrowed a video camera, set it up in their living room or local church hall and ‘taught’ dance moves to it. It might have some useful moves broken down well, but it’s not exactly aspirational. It’s not likely to get you up out of your armchair and desperate to get to a class as soon as possible.

Lastly, thankfully, there is a different breed - the documentaries mentioned by the Editor and now available at our on-line store.
It is this type of dance video that is far more use than any other. It is this type that is actually going to show you dance moves that are well explained, but will also show you what a real beginner's dance class should be like...
**OUR TOP VIDEO TIP**

Use a dance video that most closely resembles a beginners class.

This way, you get to see real beginners being taught at the true starter level. It feels like you are in the class with them.

What is the point of trying to pick up some moves from one of the first two dance videos described above, and then getting to a class and finding that the moves are taught differently or not at all?

You need to have been taken through a class in order to get the confidence required to see you through your first lesson. So you need a dance video that is like a documentary of a beginners dance class.

There aren’t many like this, but the ones that exist are worth their weight in gold. That's why it is only programs like this that we sell in our store.

Dance Video Benefits

In no particular order, here are a few of the reasons why learning at home to begin with is a good idea.

It is your own private lesson that enables you to join a class but remain invisible. It has no embarrassment risk – as long as you make sure you’ve got the house/room to yourself!

It means that you can try doing a class before you commit to a course. And with that in mind, it is certainly cheaper to do one class at home with a video than to sign up for a course of lessons only to realize after your first ‘live’ class that the dance discipline isn’t what you thought it was, or isn’t for you.

It is fabulously convenient. You don’t have to leave the house to do it and you can switch it on at a time that suits you.

You can do a dance video in any old clothes you choose. You should pay attention to whatever advice the program gives you in terms of what is suitable to wear. But most dance video lessons can be done while wearing anything you like – as long as it gives you freedom of movement. So, apart from buying the video, there is no kit or shoes to pay for.

Once you’ve done a video lesson all the way through and know its content, it is possible to dip in and out of it a little. If there are any moves that you find too hard, you can take them at your own pace and can pause and rest if you want to without feeling self-conscious.

If it has a posture check or a good stretching warm up, you could just do this for 10 minutes every so often to keep your posture in good shape.

You can do a video class over and over, as many times as you need to build up your courage, strength and stamina.

And of course it enables you to try out different dance classes that maybe aren’t available in your local area.

A really good dance instructional video is an invaluable aid in learning dance. It can teach you not only the basics of the dance, but will also show you how a good teacher should teach and what a good class should feel like.

Dance Video Information

As with any new course of study, it is always recommended to take a broad view of the process first. So why not watch the video all the way through first without actually doing it?

This way you’ll know what you are letting yourself in for!

The only trouble with this method is that it’s likely you won’t be able to sit still.

Good instructional programmes always motivate you to get on your feet and join in. This is great – it is exactly the result that any dance teacher wants – you feel moved to join in.

I don't want people who want to dance, I want people who have to dance.  - George Balanchine

If you do, just make sure that you’ve followed any advice given, for example on what you should wear, or simply pause the programme and fling on your sweats!

BUT don’t ever forget to warm up. You have been warned.

How much space will you need? Do you need to shift the furniture around a bit?

Do you need any props? Like a chair back to use as a Barre in Ballet?

Try to get your space worked out and everything you need around you before you begin.

Make sure it’s quiet. Turn your phones off! If you get half way through and are working out well (heart rate is up, sweating etc) you can’t answer a call. You’ll go cold without cooling down properly and will end up stiff and sore.

And once you start, do try to do the whole programme right the way through, including the cool down if there is one. You'll be glad you did!

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