Free Ballroom Dance Instruction Videos

Finding Free Ballroom Dance Instruction Videos

The following sources provide free lessons and courses in various styles of ballroom dancing.

BallroomDancers.com

BallroomDancers.com divides its lessons by style, with international standard, international Latin, American smooth, American rhythm and social and nightclub dances. Each dance is divided into several steps. For instance, Waltz instruction includes the following dance steps:

• Left box turn
• Right box turn
• Closed forward changes
• Closed backward changes
• Six-count underarm turn

Each step begins with an introduction to the dance, including the basic rhythm and tempo, then presents written instructions for the men's and women's parts. Most pages complement these directions with several video clips, so students can view the steps in action.

The Dance Store's Online Learning Center

The Dance Store's Online Learning Center includes online lessons for more than 20 dance styles. Just a few of the dances available on this site include:

• East Coast Swing
• Foxtrot
• Tango
• Waltz
• Night Club Two Step
• Salsa
• Mambo
• Bolero
• Merengue
• Bachata

Each lesson gives a short overview of the dance, including history and helpful tips, and features an instructional video. The videos are available in multiple file formats, so you should be able to find one that works with any computer system or web browser. If you need some background instruction before you begin learning a specific dance, the site also features information on ballroom basics.

LearnToDance.com

LearnToDance.com combines video clips and written explanations to provide online dance instruction. Viewers should start with the ballroom dance position video to get a feel for the basics, and can then move on to clips in Foxtrot, Rumba, Mambo and more.

The Library

Your local library can be an unexpected source of free ballroom dance instruction videos. The disadvantage to all of the videos offered online is that you must view them on a computer connected to the Internet. You can't always find one of these in a location suitable for practicing new dance steps. Online videos can also be small, making them difficult to see for older dancers and those with vision problems. If you don't want to invest money in a ballroom dance DVD, libraries are a great source of instructional videos. Check with your local branch to find out what titles they may have in the catalog. While they will be available for free in many locations, some library systems charge a small fee for audiovisual loans.

Online Video Sites

Online video sites like Youtube and MySpaceTV offer dozens of user-submitted ballroom dancing clips. You can search for "ballroom dancing" or a specific dance style to get started.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Video Learning

Before deciding whether video instruction is right for you, consider the following advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

• Convenience – The class is ready whenever you are.
• Cost – Free dance lessons can fit into any budget.
• No self-consciousness – If you've never danced before, you don't have to feel self-conscious about your beginning efforts.

Disadvantages

• You get what you pay for – Some instructors command high fees for their lessons because they have a proven track record of helping dancers succeed.
• Less motivation – Will you follow through on your goal of learning to ballroom dance if you're only using videos? It can be too easy to just not practice during tough, stressful weeks. Having a set class time can be an excellent motivator.
• Lack of feedback – A video can't give you feedback. An instructor is an invaluable resource in improving your dancing abilities. Positive feedback can also be a source of inspiration for dancers to reach new heights.

An ideal mix would be to supplement online instruction with traditional classwork. And of course, spend lots of time practicing your new moves on the dance floor.