What Every Beginner Should Know Before Their First Class

Nervous about your first class? Here is a quick guideline on what to know and expect:

Be Comfortable: Physically And Mentally

Dance is for YOUR benefit not the teacher's. Be sure to wear comfortable, stretchy, clothes that you will be okay moving in. (For example: leggings, sweatpants or strecthy shorts and a regular t-shirt)

You also need to be okay with advocating for yourself. The teacher can not read your mind. Tell them exactly what you need. If they ask (and they will) "what do you need from me now?" or "is everyone good?", answer honestly. If you are lost with the choreography say so. If you need something explained more thoroughly, say so.

Hydrate.

As someone who doesn't drink much water generally, I can honestly tell you that you will not be able to get through a class well if you do not hydrate your body. Whether it's a 45 minute long class or a 3 hour class—water will help you feel better and allows you to focus more on what is going on in class.

How a class usually goes

Typically, the teacher will begin with a warm up; maybe some cardio, streatching, some even begin with a little yoga or pilates. Use this for your own benefit: this will help you feel more prepared later on in the class.

After warm-ups, you will most likely go across-the-floor doing different skills or you will learn a combo. Once you learn the combo, you are going to do it a few times in groups so that everyone can get a good feel for it.

Remember: no one expects you to be perfect. Everyone starts somewhere, and the most important thing is to show up and move. Don’t compare yourself — dance is about expression, not perfection.