Tips for Shoestring Start-Ups

Learning and mastering the art of Latin dance takes a lot of practice. The time you put in when you are at the studio with your partner matters. The time you put into practice outside of the studio is important. There are lots of little things you can do outside of the studio to strengthen your dance skills.

Training Tip #1: Work on Those Calf Muscles

The strength of your calf muscles plays an important role in Latin dance. Strong calf muscles help build the strength in your legs and ankles, which will give you more power when you dance. Luckily, it is easy to strengthen your calf muscles with calf raises.

All you have to do for a calf raise is rise up on your toes and hold that position for about three seconds, then very slowly lower your heels back to the ground and repeat, doing at least ten reps at a time. You can also stand on one leg, and go up and down on your toes with your other leg.

This is a simple exercise you can do whenever you are standing up. You can easily do this when you are cooking, waiting in line, or brushing your teeth.

Training Tip #2: Stretch Your Muscles

Flexibility is important if you want to master some of the more advanced Latin dance moves. You want to both strengthen and lengthen your muscles. After every workout that you complete, spend between ten to fifteen minutes stretching out. Hold each stretch for at least ten counts so you really stretch out your muscle.

You should also take the time to stretch a little bit when you get up in the morning and before you go to bed at night. All those little stretching sessions will add up and help to increase your flexibility.

You may want to consider taking either a yoga or Pilates class as well, as both of those classes are known to help with one's flexibility.  

Training Tip #3: Get in the Groove

If you only listen to Latin dance music when you are in class, you are not going to get a real feel for the music. You need to listen to dance music outside of class as well. Put some music onto your MP3 player, or make a playlist on your phone of some dance music, and listen to the dance music when you are driving in the car, chilling at home, or doing other workout activities. Become familiar with the beats and the different instrumental sounds you hear in the music; this will help you stay on-beat when you are dancing.

What you do outside of the classroom is as important as what you do in the classroom when it comes to mastering Latin dance. Work on strengthening your calves, get familiar with the music, and work to increase your flexibility. Doing these three things outside of class will pay off when you are in the studio. Start taking lessons at a studio like Dream Dance to improve even more.