Hints & Tips

Stay For Freestyle

Making use of freestyle is possibly the best thing you can do to develop your dancing skills. The more you practice, the quicker you develop. There is just no substitute for dancing with a range of people.

• Chat to people in the lines during the class. Ask the people you have enjoyed dancing a move with if you can have a dance with them during freestyle. Assuming they say yes - and they will - make sure you do seek them out.
• If you have come with a partner don't only dance with them during the practice freestyle. The phrase 'the blind leading the blind' comes to mind. Spot the dancers who seem to be dancing well, pluck up courage and go and ask them for a dance. Tell them you are new and ask to practise the moves you have just done. They were all beginners once.
• If a move goes wrong try to ban the word 'Sorry' from your vocabulary. Grinding to halt, appologising and giving the impression of somebody who is 'not worthy' to dance with is not helpfull. Don't forget, the person you are appologising to remembers well what it was like to fumble a move. Try not to stop, just keep moving and then pick up the beat again. Easier said then done, I know, BUT, after all - it's only dancing.
• At Ceroc both women and men ask each other to dance. If you don't dance very much one night it is as much your fault as anyone elses. Pluck up courage and go and ask someone. They will say yes.
• As a beginner sit in a 'prominant' position. If you are wedged behind a table or hidden behind a pillar you are making it hard for someone to get you up on the floor. And if you are still not getting enough practice follow Tip 4.

Quick Guide to Etiquette

Some do's and dont's to make your night as fun as possible.

• Man Leads
  Although this may go against the reality of life, in Ceroc, it is the man who takes the decisions and leads the dance. Ladies, please allow your dance partner this one chance to take control. Deciding to do something else will not help the dance to flow.
• Relaxed grip
  The dance is led by subtle nuances and a gentle grip, not by locking your partners hand in a vice like grip. Please, no gripping with thumbs. This applies to both leaders and followers.
• Relax
  It is extremely difficult to lead a partner who is tense. Relax into the rhythm of the music and following and leading the moves become so much easier.
• Listen to the Teacher
  Please avoid the tendency to race ahead during the class. The Teacher will help you to improve your style, smooth out problems and help you to remember the move. This is difficult to do if you're not watching and listening to what the teacher does.
• Taxi Dancers
  Use them or lose them. Taxi dancers are there to give you opportunity to practice to your moves and to give a limited amount of personal coaching. The earlier you start taking advantage of this opportunity, the sooner your skills and confidence will grow.
• Women can ask too
  Although Male led, ladies can also ask men to dance and not sit on the sidelines looking on hopefully.
• Never say no
  It is etiquette that you never turn down an invitation to dance unless you really are too tired or you dislike the music being played. If you do decline, please try to meet up for a dance later.
• A cat can dance with a King
  Whether you are a novice or a professional, you can ask anyone to dance. No one is too good. If you are a beginner don't be afraid of asking the teachers or advanced dancers for a dance. Everyone had to start somewhere.
• If in doubt ..... ask.
  If you are having problems, ask someone to help. Teachers and taxi dancers are always there to help but many of the more experienced dancers are usually only too happy to help.
• Clothing
  Wearing some is advisable…..but it is advisable to wear something which is loose fitting and light. Ceroc can be an extremely aerobic activity and so a change of top, a towel and deodorant are useful, if not essential.
• And finally, don't forget to .....
  Introduce yourself to your partner when asking them for a dance.

How Can I Improve Quickly?

Apart from using the freestyle time to the best the best way to imrove rapidly is to come on a workshop - often called CerocShops in the world of Ceroc. These are organised by Dance-Ceroc and provide an excellent way to improve your dancing - whatever your level or experience. Unlike weekday classes, you will receive 'hands-on' advice from the teacher. Numbers are strictly limited and, apart from the rare exception, there are the same number of males and females. However, for most workshops there is no need to apply with a partner, as we will balance the numbers.

Once you've been to Ceroc a few times, you may benefit from a short Beginners workshop. In this, the teacher focuses upon a selection of the beginner moves, developing basic technique and style. Attention is also given to combining moves and the essentials of freestyle. You should depart a better (and more confident) dancer, and will be in a position to enjoy your regular night that much more.

As you progress, you might then be interested in the other workshops that may be on offer: Intermediate or perhaps more advanced style or drops workshops.

For more detailed information go the the 'Beginner's workshop' page.

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