This is just what you've been looking for! A well-organized set of dance lessons that will take you from "I've never danced before" to "take me dancing tonight!" in an easy-to-follow format that guarantees success. Included here are the best dances for beginners to go through, broken down into 5 easy to follow DVDs that will get you dancing with confidence, fast!
From Line Dance 101: "Shawn Trautman is the best dance instructor yet! A great teacher in addition to dancer. I've tried several dance instruction VHS and DVD's... but I didn't stick with them, because they would move so fast that you'd get lost. I would get tired of starting them over and over just trying to pick up the steps. But Shawn makes it so simple to learn, keeping it at a slower pace for the beginner. He also throws in some variations for more challenge. They're so good, I have added 4 of his DVD's to my collection. But his aren't collecting dust like the others." Linda Nelson, FL
From Dance Lessons 101: "This is a great tape for beginning dancers. It is easy to follow and understand. It makes you feel like you can do it and makes you want to learn more. Carol Taberski, Traverse City, Michigan
From Swing for Beginners V1: "I have many swing dance DVD's at home but this one is by far the best. The instructor breaks down each step, arm position, and dance position into its most basic form allowing a person who has never danced before to master the basics. Each step is repeated many times so that there is no need to stop and replay each section. Split camera angles are used effectively to show the proper position of each partner. I highly recommend this DVD for anyone who has no prior experience in dance." Connette Blalock, OR
From Salsa for Beginners: "This is the third DVD from Shawn Trautman that I have gotten (Swing and Cha-Cha are the others), and they are all exceedingly well done. They start from ground zero and progress in very small steps that are a snap to follow. By the time it's over, you will understand the logic behind the dance and know enough to do well on a social dance floor. It will also get you pumped to learned more advanced steps; you won't feel intimidated. I highly recommend it." A. Johnson, Minneapolis, MN
From Slow Dancing for Beginners V1: "I found these 2 DVD's to be a great starting point for learning how to dance. First, dance foot positions are explained. Next, connection points are expalined. These serve as a foundation for all dances. Furthermore, the dance moves (i.e. Lunge, underarm turns) that were explained could apply to many different dances. Also, there was an excellent review at the end of each DVD to summarize what was taught. This DVD seies would be a great place to start if one has never danced before." John Christoffer, Milwaukee, WI
This is now my # 1 recommendation for beginner dancers, whether for ballroom, country, swing or salsa. I've put my 5 top-selling beginner dance lesson titles together in a convenient and affordable set to get you up and dancing in no time. Why do I recommend the Beginner Starter Pack? Read on...
Line Dance 101
Steps You Will Know After Dancing Line Dance 101
Dance Lessons 101
Slow Dancing
Waltz
Swing Dancing (East Coast Swing)
Hustle
Two Step
Salsa
Cha Cha
West Coast Swing
Slow Dancing for Beginners Volume 1
Swing Dancing for Beginners Volume 1
Salsa for Beginners
This is an easy one to write about. I recently put this collection together as it was constantly the mix I'd recommend when I spoke with folks over the phone. It's unique in the sense that my recommendation for getting into couples dancing is to start with line dancing. "What?" you say. Let me explain...
Let's say you and your partner have never danced before (very common) and you're ready to get started. What's the first thing you're going to do in a group class or a private lesson? You're going to dance together. Well, let me forewarn the guys here - if you've never danced before and you're about to learn your first dance pattern (the basic Swing for example) with your feet, you're about to be surprised at the other parts of your body that are now connected and need attention to. What you get out of doing Line Dance 101 first is an extensive introduction into rhythm and dance steps that will make your transition into couples dancing infinitely easier. You learn things like tap steps, side steps, body placement/alignment, triple steps, single and triple timings (for swing), rock steps, etc. Each step of the 30+ that you learn will help you with one of your couples dances. I started out in line dancing and have a great appreciation for it as I knew many of the steps, timings, and rhythms already when I took my first ballroom lesson (not to mention it sped up the instruction which then saved me money as private lessons are at an hourly rate).
The other 4 DVDs in the set provide a great foundation of social dances that every person should know. Salsa, Swing, Slow Dancing, and then the variety on Dance Lessons 101 really make this set worthwhile. Here's an overall breakdown of what you get and what order you should do them in.
The best order for this set of DVDs is to go through Line Dance 101 first (as I mentioned above). This will build critical skills relating to timing, rhythm, and step development regardless of whether you intend to pursue line dancing as a hobby. Next, is Dance Lessons 101. Use this DVD to familiarize yourself with the different styles of dance before getting too far entrenched in the major details of each dance. Third, you'll tackle Slow Dancing for Beginners V1. This will quickly build the lead & follow components that are essential for all couple's dancing (frame, positioning, leads, etc.). Fourth, is Swing Dancing for Beginners V1. Here, you'll learn different timings and be ready to dance to a wide variety of music. Last, you'll have fun with the Salsa. You'll be able to quickly pick this dance up and be ready move in several directions. Each of these videos works on specific pieces that are essential to your long-term foundation.
Overall, this is a great collection that you'll be extremely pleased with. You'll be so impressed with yourself that you'll have a hard time not telling all your friends what you've done (please let them know where they can get their own or maybe you can get them one for Christmas - call me at my office at 877-326-2301 if you're looking to put 2 or more collections together and I'll make it worthwhile for you!)
Shawn put together this series of DVDs specifically for beginners and recommends learning them in the suggested order to achieve maximum results in minimum time. This set includes 5 full-length dance instruction videos: Line Dance 101, Dance Lessons 101, Slow Dancing for Beginners V1, Swing Dancing for Beginners V1, and Salsa for Beginners.
Key features of the DVDs include multiple camera angles, picture-in-picture formatting, practice time with music alongside the instructors for each dance, and an extensive library of dances that will keep you busy for hours.
Call our studio directly at 877-DANCE-01 or click the links below to read more on the following dance video lessons:
Call our studio directly at 877-DANCE-01 or click the links below to read more about the other dance videos from Shawn Trautman Instruction: