How do you get beginners to grow to social dancers?

Beginners may struggle to transition to social dancing. They may feel intimidated by social dancing and lack the confidence to ask others to social dance. Here are some ideas to encourage beginners in social dancing.

1. Have a beginner lesson immediately before the dance. This reduces the barrier to entry for new dancers and can help them feel comfortable with others at the dance. Make sure to have some beginner friendly tunes immediately after the lesson and encourage advanced dancers to ask students to dance.

2. Have an individual or group of individuals designated as a welcoming committee. Asking people to dance is terrifying for many beginners. Have a group of people designated to make sure everyone is getting asked to dance and feels welcome.

3. Have a graduation field trip. At the end of a series, plan a field trip for the class to a local dance. It can be less intimidating if students know other people and know they will not be the only beginner at the dance.

4. Let students know exactly what to expect. New students may have anxiety about not knowing what to expect. It can be helpful to tell students details, including things such as what most people will be wearing and how to ask someone to dance.

5. Make sure students have a great time when they do go social dancing. Do not let new dancers go more than three songs without being asked to dance. I try to keep an eye on new dancers and if no one is asking them I encourage friendly experienced dancers to go ask them. Make sure they are included in social interaction as well.

6. Give compliments. New dancers are very intimidated to dance with more experienced dancers. Give genuine compliments to help novice dancers gain confidence. Mention how much fun you have or something you liked that they did.

7. Have buttons or some way for students to identify other balboa dancers. New dancers may not know who else knows balboa. They need a quick and less intimidating way to find out who knows balboa at the dance other than having to ask numerous people.

8. Try having a beginner lesson and intermediate lesson right before the dance at the same time. This means that everyone is done with their lesson at the same time and is ready for social dancing. The first hour of the dance will be great!

9. Have a social dance at a bar. Students are often more comfortable in a laid back environment like a bar or restaurant. Sometimes alcohol can help people feel less anxious. A restaurant gives people something else to do and can help them feel like the dance is just another social event.

10. Offer students a free ticket to the dance. Give students a coupon or free entrance to a dance to encourage them to go dancing. New dancers need every encouragement to get out on the social floor.