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Advice for men learning danceSo you can reap all the benefits and know what you are in for
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This page is specifically for men thinking about learning dance. If you are a man thinking about dance or a woman wanting to encourage a man to dance, then this page is for you.
Why do men learn to dance?
First things things first - why even learn to dance when you’re a man?
There are a few reasons:
Special advice for men
Now that we know why you might want to learn to dance, let’s talk about what it’s like.
So why do we need special advice for men?
Have you ever noticed that at parties when music is playing that women are usually moving more to it than are the men? If not, then pay attention at the next party you go to. Women have more of a connection to music and dance.
Is this genetic or cultural?
It does not really matter in this instance, the outcome is the same. You will need to try harder to pick up the skills and attributes that make for a good dancer.
Furthermore, in the dance, the man usually leads. Women can lead too, but often you will find they prefer when the man leads once they realise that following is what allows for the fun stuff that looks good! So you are also going to need to understand how to get your partner to move as well. Another challenge.
So what does this mean?
It means you will need to take your time and be ready to work at it. This might not be what you were hoping to hear, but if you do it, and other men give up, then you’re the one with the impressive ability.
So go in with the mindset to play the long game and then reap the benefits. That’s the best advice for men.
You and your dance teacher
Because men do, by default, have more of a challenge, you should start with private lessons. This is where you and a female instructor work together on improving your dance ability. Your teacher will be one of your biggest supporters and cheerleaders. Whatever you want from dance, they will be helping you achieve that. The more you respect this unique type of relationship, the more you will get out of it. At times, some men make such relationships weird - be a man different from them.
One other thing to note
Women like a man who can dance. And they get annoyed when he can’t. They will appreciate you when you can dance, but not so much the effort. This seems unfair, but that’s just the way it is. Accept it - and focus on the long game.
How long will this take?
In Latin cultures a 12 year old boy would be taught to dance by his aunts. Getting him ready for when he was 15 or so.
In Argentina, a man would learn tango from other men in practicas for about 3 years prior to going to an event where he could dance with a woman. In the modern dance syllabus, it would take about 3 years to get to silver level in all the major styles (assuming you are focused on that), which is what would make one a polished dancer.
So while you will be able to try dancing with women earlier, you can expect it to take about 3 years for you to be a confident dancer who can ask any woman to dance and then dance with little fear of any mistakes.
This might seem a long time, but there is dancing along the way as you steadily improve. So you will still enjoy the benefits of dance earlier - but, as mentioned above, be ready to play the long game.
It is worth it!
Why do men learn to dance?
First things things first - why even learn to dance when you’re a man?
There are a few reasons:
- It can be as simple as looking for a hobby that offers all the benefits that come with dance - if you want to ensure your health in its many forms, then dance is ideal.
- For the macho! In mostly Latin cultures, there is a notion that a man is not yet a man until he can dance with a woman. If you want to be that kind of man - a James Bond or Rhett Butler type - then dance is something to learn.
- For a better relationship with women. This relates a little to the second point, but it is still a little different. When you can dance, you have a way to meet women - no more need for a pick up line, you just ask her if she would like to dance. Also, you now have something to do with your wife or girlfriend - in many instances, dance makes for an excellent addition to any social event.
- You might just like dance - hard to think of a better reason than that.
Special advice for men
Now that we know why you might want to learn to dance, let’s talk about what it’s like.
So why do we need special advice for men?
Have you ever noticed that at parties when music is playing that women are usually moving more to it than are the men? If not, then pay attention at the next party you go to. Women have more of a connection to music and dance.
Is this genetic or cultural?
It does not really matter in this instance, the outcome is the same. You will need to try harder to pick up the skills and attributes that make for a good dancer.
Furthermore, in the dance, the man usually leads. Women can lead too, but often you will find they prefer when the man leads once they realise that following is what allows for the fun stuff that looks good! So you are also going to need to understand how to get your partner to move as well. Another challenge.
So what does this mean?
It means you will need to take your time and be ready to work at it. This might not be what you were hoping to hear, but if you do it, and other men give up, then you’re the one with the impressive ability.
So go in with the mindset to play the long game and then reap the benefits. That’s the best advice for men.
You and your dance teacher
Because men do, by default, have more of a challenge, you should start with private lessons. This is where you and a female instructor work together on improving your dance ability. Your teacher will be one of your biggest supporters and cheerleaders. Whatever you want from dance, they will be helping you achieve that. The more you respect this unique type of relationship, the more you will get out of it. At times, some men make such relationships weird - be a man different from them.
One other thing to note
Women like a man who can dance. And they get annoyed when he can’t. They will appreciate you when you can dance, but not so much the effort. This seems unfair, but that’s just the way it is. Accept it - and focus on the long game.
How long will this take?
In Latin cultures a 12 year old boy would be taught to dance by his aunts. Getting him ready for when he was 15 or so.
In Argentina, a man would learn tango from other men in practicas for about 3 years prior to going to an event where he could dance with a woman. In the modern dance syllabus, it would take about 3 years to get to silver level in all the major styles (assuming you are focused on that), which is what would make one a polished dancer.
So while you will be able to try dancing with women earlier, you can expect it to take about 3 years for you to be a confident dancer who can ask any woman to dance and then dance with little fear of any mistakes.
This might seem a long time, but there is dancing along the way as you steadily improve. So you will still enjoy the benefits of dance earlier - but, as mentioned above, be ready to play the long game.
It is worth it!
Yes! I want to learn to dance.
Take a look at the dance lessons options to see how you can start your journey into the world of social dancing.