A shared hobby is something many couples wish for; it should be fun for both and feasible for both. It makes no sense if one person is already very good at tennis and the other is just starting. The beginner will be demotivated accordingly, and the pro will be frustrated because they cannot play the way they actually want to. Numerous examples could be added here. We also had our initial difficulties and tried a few things. My husband then had the idea to go dancing. For us, the Tanzschule Chris in Gänserndorf is on Wiener Straße and actually just around the corner for us. Here I would like to share our experiences, because there is quite a lot to consider:
Dancing as a shared hobby
Which dance class for beginners?
First, you should decide which dance class is suitable for both of you. There is a large selection here, from couples, students, singles, or seniors. Furthermore, there are Wedding & Crash courses, workshops, Latino Special, Standard, Boogie/Disco, Technique & Posture, West Coast Swing, or Zumba.
We decided on a basic standard course for couples at the Tanzschule Chris in Gänserndorf. Here, you are slowly introduced to common ballroom dances such as Boogie, Slow Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Cha Cha Cha, Samba, Mambo, and Disco Fox. Our goal is to be able to dance together to common music at a ball or an event.
At Tanzschule Chris, you can register for this online; there is a Ballroom Couples subscription that should run for at least 3 months, entry is possible at the beginning of every month, and it can be canceled monthly thereafter. You receive a card that you must show every time you attend a class. In these 3 months, you learn the basic steps of the dances mentioned above, as well as some figures.
Class attendance is unlimited, so you can also attend several basic courses per week. In Gänserndorf, for example, you have the opportunity to attend a class 3 times a week in the basic couples course.
Extra tip: Of course, it is advisable not to attend a class only once a week. However, we didn't manage more often at the beginning and were back in the basic course after the 3 months because the steps simply weren't solid and figures (unfortunately!) were forgotten. We watched the Bronze course a little bit every now and then, but only now, towards the end of the 2nd basic course, do we feel more confident and will probably join in on the Bronze course soon.
The right dance outfit for a dance class
As with all sports, equipment is very essential when dancing.
Which dance shoes should I buy?
I find dance shoes really important, because you wouldn't go running or play soccer in slippers or sandals either. You have to be a little careful here; every dance has its own shoe requirements. The right shoes protect you from injuries and offer the foot good positioning. I keep seeing dancers in our classes wearing sports shoes; you can't glide over the parquet floor as well in those. Boots or ballet flats are also often used, which provide just as little support when dancing, and as I said, gliding over the parquet makes a big difference. Furthermore, as a lady, you have a completely different posture with a small heel, and I think it helps a lot with dancing if you have the right posture.
I wished for special dance shoes from Diamant for Christmas (it's a great gift!), for Standard & Latin. The heel seemed much too high and too narrow to me, as I have hardly worn heels for a long time, BUT it is really great and fits perfectly. When dancing, it is much more comfortable with a heel, and in these great shoes, I had no pressure points or blisters from the beginning, and that rarely happens to me. Furthermore, the sole is equipped with suede so that you can glide over the parquet. The strap is adjusted once and closed easily and uncomplicatedly using a snap button. I can really highly recommend that you treat yourself to really good and suitable shoes; it's just more fun.
Extra tip: these shoes can of course also be worn at a ball or dance event, although you should really only stay indoors with them because of the special sole.
Extra tip: I recommend closed shoes for women, especially for beginners (!). At the beginning, it always happens, whether man or woman, that you step on each other's feet, and that is very painful with open shoes.
My dance shoes:
The dance shoes from my husband:
What dance clothes should you wear?
Don't panic, no one expects you to show up to the basic course in the perfect dance outfit. But the right clothing is important when dancing, because you don't want to constantly pay attention to your clothes and want to be able to move well. The clothing should not slip and should fit really well so that you are not distracted and constantly having to adjust something.
Freedom of movement is very important; restrictive clothing is useless. Even if many don't believe it, you sweat a lot here (especially during the waltz!), so breathable materials are an advantage. You can avoid noticeable sweat stains by choosing black or white clothing. Do not choose clothing with many details; ruffles, sequins, strings, or long chains are completely unsuitable because you can get tangled up while dancing.
Be careful with dresses or skirts; do not choose tight miniskirts or tube skirts; you need freedom of movement for your legs. Skirts that are too voluminous or prone to slipping are also not recommended, as you can get tangled in them.
Dance clothing for men: As a man, choose comfortable trousers and a T-shirt; if you want to look a bit more elegant, then nice fabric trousers, a shirt, or a polo shirt.
Dance clothing for women: Women should choose comfortable, elastic trousers, a shirt, or a nice blouse or tunic. For dresses or skirts, choose well-fitting garments, not too voluminous and medium-length (not too short and not down to the floor!).
Extra tip: From experience, you always end up sweating, even in winter; here I recommend the layered look: a shirt with short sleeves, a vest, or a cardigan that isn't too long over it, which you can take off. You really don't need to wear sweaters here.
Conclusion: Dancing as a hobby for couples:
We are currently very satisfied with dancing; it is a really nice hobby, you practice it together and spend time together. It is very important to take the pressure off; take it easy, see it as fun. It is difficult at the beginning, like everywhere, to remember the steps, so what? Please don't scold here. Unfortunately, we keep seeing couples attacking each other because something doesn't work out immediately. Don't get annoyed, take it with humor. Sometimes dance instructor Chris shows us the steps, we dance them somewhat, then Chris says how not to do it, and we very often say: "oops, I just did exactly that!" So what? No master has fallen from the sky, that's why we are in the basic course and not at dance tournaments. And if you are that ambitious, then practice, practice, and practice again.
We feel very comfortable at the Tanzschule Chris in Gänserndorf; there are several places to sit, you can get drinks at the bar, the parquet floor is large and has a mirror. Of course, the course lives from the dance instructor. Dance instructor Chris and his team really do a great job here. The steps are always practiced with a lot of humor and super great instructions. Corrections are also made immediately if something just doesn't work. I also really like how much humor is always used to convey everything; the typical mistakes and postures are always explained in a cabaret-worthy manner, but praise is also not spared. If something works, it is mentioned again and again, or if the whole class understands something quickly, a figure from the next course might even be taught.
So a clear recommendation from us, try it, dare to do it! This is what we look like after a successful dance class, the beads of sweat are real:
Contact:
Tanzschule Chris
Wiener StraĂźe 106-108
2230 Gänserndorf
Website: www.tanzschulechris.at
Tel.Nr.: 01 212 12 00
Email: i[email protected]
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Photos by Sabine, meinhaushalt.at
