Beginner Ballroom Dance Course

Lesson 1 • Posture and Body Alignment

Correct spinal alignment, head position, and weight distribution are established. Proper posture underpins every technique introduced throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Ballroom Dance Etiquette

Floor craft rules, partner respect, and social dance norms are introduced. Understanding etiquette ensures safe and enjoyable participation in any ballroom setting.

Lesson 3 • Balance and Weight Transfer

Students practise shifting weight smoothly between feet without losing stability. This skill is essential for executing all ballroom footwork patterns.

Lesson 1 • Closed Hold Position

The standard closed-hold frame is taught with correct hand, arm, and body placement. A solid frame is the communication channel between partners.

Lesson 2 • Footwork Coordination with a Partner

Synchronised stepping patterns are introduced so partners move as a unit. Coordination drills reinforce the link between frame and footwork.

Lesson 3 • Lead and Follow Principles

Students learn to send and receive movement signals through frame and body weight. Clear leading and responsive following are practised in both roles.

Lesson 1 • Waltz Box Step and Variations

The box step provides a stationary pattern for practising timing and frame simultaneously. Variations add interest and prepare students for more complex figures.

Lesson 2 • Waltz Timing and Musicality

The 3/4 time signature and characteristic ONE-two-three count are internalised. Musical phrasing guides when to begin and how to accent movement.

Lesson 3 • Natural and Reverse Turns

The two foundational turning figures of waltz are taught step by step. Turns allow couples to travel around the floor and change direction.

Lesson 4 • Linking Waltz Figures Together

Students connect turns, box steps, and progressive steps into a flowing routine. Smooth transitions between figures are the hallmark of polished waltz dancing.

Lesson 1 • Building a Foxtrot Routine

Learned figures are assembled into a continuous routine danced to full foxtrot music. Routine practice develops musical sensitivity and partner synchronisation.

Lesson 2 • Foxtrot Basic Walk

The heel-lead walking action specific to foxtrot is practised solo and with a partner. A smooth, gliding walk is the foundation of all foxtrot figures.

Lesson 3 • Feather Step and Three-Step

Two core foxtrot figures are introduced to build traveling movement around the floor. These figures establish the progressive nature of foxtrot.

Lesson 4 • Reverse Turn in Foxtrot

The reverse turn allows couples to change direction and navigate corners. Correct body rotation and footwork prevent loss of balance during the turn.

Lesson 1 • New Yorker and Spot Turn

Two popular cha-cha figures are taught to add directional variety and visual flair. These figures are widely used in social and competitive cha-cha.

Lesson 2 • Latin Hip Action Mechanics

The Cuban motion hip action is broken down into foot pressure, knee straightening, and hip settling. Authentic hip action distinguishes Latin dance from ballroom styles.

Lesson 3 • Open and Closed Cha-Cha Positions

Students transition between closed hold and open facing position during figures. Position changes expand the vocabulary of cha-cha and enable partner interaction.

Lesson 4 • Cha-Cha Timing and Footwork

The two-three-cha-cha-cha count is applied to basic forward and back steps. Precise footwork timing creates the characteristic syncopated feel.

Lesson 1 • Rumba Box Step

The rumba box step is the primary building block for all rumba figures. Mastery of the box step ensures correct timing and hip action in partner work.

Lesson 2 • Rumba Timing and Rhythm

The slow-quick-quick count in 4/4 time is applied to rumba's characteristic delayed hip action. Timing accuracy creates the romantic, unhurried quality of rumba.

Lesson 3 • Rumba Expression and Musicality

Students interpret rumba music's phrasing and emotional character through movement quality. Musicality elevates technical steps into expressive performance.

Lesson 4 • Cuban Motion in Rumba

The deeper, slower Cuban motion of rumba is contrasted with cha-cha hip action. Controlled hip movement conveys the expressive character of the dance.

Lesson 1 • Rock Step and Triple Step

The rock step and triple-step chassé are the two core footwork patterns of swing. These patterns combine to form every basic swing figure.

Lesson 2 • East Coast Swing Basic Figure

The six-count East Coast Swing basic is assembled from rock step and triple steps. This figure is the foundation for all swing partner work.

Lesson 3 • Underarm Turn and Tuck Turn

Two essential swing turns are introduced to add variety and partner interaction. Turns develop spatial awareness and connection through hand leads.

Lesson 4 • Jive Timing and Chassé

Jive's faster tempo and distinct chassé rhythm are introduced as an extension of swing. Students adapt swing skills to jive's higher energy and precision.

Lesson 1 • Tango Basic Figure and Promenade

The tango basic and promenade position are the two foundational figures of the dance. Promenade introduces side-by-side partner positioning unique to tango.

Lesson 2 • Tango Routine and Musicality

Figures are assembled into a dramatic tango sequence danced to authentic tango music. Students interpret musical accents and pauses to enhance performance quality.

Lesson 3 • Tango Character and Posture

Tango's distinctive head position, flexed knees, and close embrace are established. Correct posture creates the dramatic, grounded look unique to tango.

Lesson 4 • Progressive Link and Corte

The progressive link and corte add directional change and dramatic pauses to tango. These figures develop the leader's ability to control pace and direction.