How to find the right dance instructor part 2

[ceech]

Here factor to consider is the music. Music is such an important part of dance that it's a shame that it's often forgot about. I would have to argue that before anyone starts learning to dance, you have to like listening to music.

Few years ago, in one of my class, I had asked, why each student is taking my class. One student actually said that he just wanted to learn a certain move, but he doesn't really like listening to music, he just want to learn that one move.

I was shocked and borderline confused. I couldn't understand how a person want to learn to dance but don't like the music.

Music makes the dance. There are different categories of music just as there are different forms of dance. Funk music influences funk style dancing. R&B music, house music, techno, rave, gangster rap, all influence different forms.

Listen to more type of music and feel the feeling that the music brings out. Find out which you like the most, and from there find out what style or form of dance best fit that type of music. You will have more fun learning the dance.

Comments and questions are most welcome.

[idennisinfante]

That's really interesting. I can't imagine dancing, but not liking music though. Sounds like loving to swim, but not liking water hahaha. That's all good though, everyone should be able to choose what they like and don't like.

And yes, totally agree with Ceech that you should listen to as much music as possible. What you enjoy the most is definitely the type of class you should shoot for.

Like if you end up enjoying funk or soul, then take a popping/locking class. If you like House, take a house class. etc etc bla bla

I know I definitely enjoyed other types of music when I learned the dances and steps that go with it.

[SantaCruzIce]

It feels like when you are really into music, it kinds of moves you. A lot of times you see people listening to a song they are super into and they are almost involuntarily moving. That's what it's all about. It's just about studying and having the knowledge to move to that beat you feel and not look like a rock rolling down the street.

I seem to like the more energetic harder hitting songs. Sometimes I feel like I do better with a little bit quicker beat because I think less. As opposed to a slow beat where I actually use my mind more than I should during the dance. However, I do understand that it's harder to do a dance slow and it helps to do that to make sure you have the mechanics correct. I guess it's about finding a happy medium.

[mushroom-eater]

This is great. I learned a lot. Thanks so much.

[Double You Kong]

Great tips. I have been struggling with the move vs music concept for a while. I find my myself throwing locking moves after locking moves. There was no dance.

My goal now is to listen and groove to the music and then let the moves follow.