Beginner Starter Pack (5 Dance Lesson DVDs & Free Shipping!)

This is an easy one to write about. I just put this collection together as it's absolutely the mix I'll be recommending 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 of the steps 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)

You'll be so impressed with yourself that you'll have a hard time not telling all your friends what you've done...

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 Cha-Cha 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 important skills relating to timing, rhythm, and step development regardless of whether you intend to pursue line dancing as a hobby. Then, you'll go through Slow Dancing Volume 1 to get a solid introduction into the fundamentals of couples dancing as you will quickly build the lead & follow components that are essential for all couple's dancing (frame, positioning, leads, etc.). Next, is Swing Dancing 101. Here, you'll learn different timings and be ready to dance to a wide variety of music. Next, you'll have fun with the Salsa. You'll be able to quickly pick this dance up and be ready move in several directions with Salsa 101. Last, you'll get to dance the cheeky Cha-Cha-Cha with Cha-Cha 101. Each of these videos works on specific pieces that are essential to your long-term foundation.