General Info For Everyone

* A Ceroc class is meant to be fun - so relax and smile - believe it or not it is easier to dance if you relax and don't try so hard!
* Don't worry if you don't get all the moves in the Beginners Class - you can ask all your questions in the Beginners Progression Class.
* Make sure you ask your Beginners Progression Teacher about the First Timers classes.

Hot Tips For Guys

* In classes they teach you the footwork for all the moves, but when you are just starting out this can be very confusing - Don't worry it will all come together.
* What is really important is that you lead the girl through the moves as well as you can.
* The secret to a good lead is to keep your hands low, around the girl's waist level - it gives the girl good tension and keeps her close to you.
* Stay close to your partner and take small steps - it really helps.
* It's not that easy for the girls in the beginning either. They have to spin and turn and they sometimes get dizzy. Try to give them as much help as possible and be understanding.

Hot Tips For Girls

* Turning and spinning are the hardest things to do when you first start - Don't worry!
* Try to relax when turning and spinning - it's easier to spin if you don't try so hard.
* It helps to take small steps and don't step back too far.
* Give the guy some tension, by keeping your hands low and arm bent. This makes it easier for the guys to lead.
* Try to help your partner and be understanding - he has to lead the next move, concentrate on his footwork and think of the next move.

That's basically all there is to it, except for practice! Most of all remember - make sure you enjoy yourself!

Hints and tips from some of our teachers:

Adam Says:

1. It is ok and good to practice it takes a while to get a good move right.
2. When watching dancers do it with an educational eye not just for pleasure. What makes someone good? How do they get the hits? That's a good combination? So that is how they do that?
3. Ask yourself tough questions and set goals. I will practice this tonight or I want to ask this question.
4. Listen to the ladies the majority of times they know what they are talking about.
5. Be fanatical about improving your lead or follow. Guys lead the moves at the ladies speed not yours to assist with her balance.
6. Concentrate and master proper technique before style. Guys you want to lead as smooth and effectively as possible, ladies you want to be centred and wait for the guys lead. Once this happens you will have the time within the move to style.
7. Actively listen and watch in class and then implement.
8. Don't be afraid to try variations and style.
9. Don't be so hard on yourself it is only dancing and meant to be fun.
10. The beginners class is a place to practice all of this as you already know the move and can focus and try different things with the routine.
11. The lady is the picture and the guy is frame so show her off and let her shine.
12. The ultimate is when you feel the music and your partner's motion moving to it. This is the best.
13. Make your partner feel as though she is having her best dance of the night.
14. Look your partner in the eye and find the connection.

Gary Says:

1. Protect your partner! If she gets bumped, stepped on, or dropped, it is your fault. Be alert, be careful.
2. Remember hygiene. Shower before class. Bring spare shirts, towel. Use toothbrush/mints/whatever. Wash and dry your hands after using the bathroom.
3. Smile, relax, have fun. Even if you're not relaxed or having fun, smile!
4. Take responsibility. You're leading -- if a move doesn't work, it's your fault. Get help on how to lead it better. Concentrate on your leading, don't try to teach the girl what she "should" be doing.
5. Find the beat. Practice every time you hear music. Find the on-beat/off-beat. (Advanced) Learn where you are in the 8-count. If you're behind the beat, slow down and get the next one.
6. Hang in there. The first six to ten weeks are very challenging. It gets lots easier. Aim to learn one move each week.
7. Practice lots. You need repetition to get moves into muscle memory. If you don't know many moves, just practice the ones you know. Dance one song each with every girl in the room: you'll get lots of practice and won't bore anyone too much. If you follow tips 1-5, girls won't mind (for one song) that you don't know many moves. When freestyling, don't stop, keep going (even if it's just with very very simple moves).
8. Get feedback. Ask "how's my tension? did that feel awkward? too rough? too unclear?". Don't get offended or defensive (or you won't get any more feedback). If she thinks it was too rough, it was too rough. Always get at least one dance with the dance guide, and ask for feedback.
9. Write moves down. Look over the list occasionally. Before dancing choose the move(s) you'll work on in freestyle ("I'll practice the Pretzel this week "). Beginner videos/DVDs can be fantastic when you know moves but need to be reminded of them.
10. Body basics. Don't step back too far. Keep knees slightly bent. Keep constant light tension. Keep arms at girl's waist height.
11. (Advanced tip): Listen to the music. Make your moves/styling/timing fit in with what the music is saying. It may be a few months before you have enough space in your head to think about this, but start listening to what the music is suggesting as soon as you can.