Between Tuesday and next Tuesday
Practising dancing at home, with or without a partner
A week between classes is long enough to forget half of what you learned. Ten minutes of the right practice a few times a week fixes that, and you can do most of it alone, in a small space, in socks you’ll change out of first.
- Rated 4.9 on Google
- Founded by World and British champions
- Adults only
- No partner needed
Solo practice that actually helps
Partner dancing still has plenty you can practise alone. The highest-value work is timing: put on music in your style and do the basic step on the beat, over and over, until you stop thinking about it. Then do it while looking up instead of at your feet.
Next, work on whatever your teacher corrected last class. One fix practised properly is worth more than running every pattern you know. If timing is your sticking point, our guide to finding the beat has listening exercises you can do anywhere.
- Two songs of the basic step, eyes up.
- Five minutes on last class’s correction, slowly.
- One song where you just dance and enjoy it.
Small space, wrong floor, no problem
Shrink the steps
Keep the timing and shapes; reduce the distance. Most social dances fit in a square metre or two.
Pick the right surface
Rugs grab on turns and socks slip on hardwood. Smooth-soled shoes on a clear patch of hard floor are safest.
Mind the neighbours
Practise softly, without stamping, or with headphones. Footwork drills don’t need volume.
If you have a practice partner
Practise the connection, not just the steps. Run patterns slowly with the follow keeping their eyes closed for a few repetitions; it shows instantly whether the lead is coming from the body or the arms. Agree to give each other one note per session, not ten.
Getting ready for a wedding instead? Our guide to practising your first dance at home has a routine built for a choreographed dance.
Little and often beats long and rare.
Bring it back to class
Home practice makes the next class easier. If you’re not in a class yet, a four-week beginner course gives you something to practise.