[Sportsandrec] dance lessons

[Cervenka, Stacy (Brownback)]

Ashley,
	Partnered dancing is probably actually one of the easiest phys
ed or recreation classes a blind person can take; the accommodations
you'll need will be very simple. I grew up taking ballet and tap dancing
lessons and, in college, I took two semesters of social dance, a
semester of swing dance, and a semester of ballroom dance. I can often
be found on Friday nights at Nick's Nightclub, where they kick off the
night with line-dancing, two-stepping, and quick-stepping lessons. I've
taken three different blind guys (with varying levels of dancing
experience and desire to be there at first) to the dance lessons at
Nick's and every single one of them had a great time, had no problems
keeping up in the two step lessons, and say (at lest, to my face) that
they would go back again.
	As several people have suggested, having the teacher use you as
an example is a great way of learning new steps. The instructor will
show you what you need to do and the rest of the class can learn by
watching you. They're going to use somebody as an example anyway; it
might as well be you. Even if they don't use you as the example every
single time, chances are that your partner will be able to see, so he
will be able to talk you through what's going on at the front or at
least show you the steps after the teacher is done explaining. The
instructor will also mill around the class from couple to couple, giving
each person pointers. Also, in most social and ballroom dance
situations, girls usually move around the circle to the right, so you'll
get to dance with every guy in the class. So, if the partner you're with
for one song has no idea what he's doing, let alone how to explain it to
you, chances are the next guy will know what's up and be able to walk
you through the move that's being taught.
	Honestly, partnered dancing probably ranks right up there with
spinning classes as being very blind friendly and very easy for a blind
student to blend right into the class atmosphere.
Good luck,
Stacy

-----Original Message-----
From: sportsandrec-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:sportsandrec-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Ashley Bramlett
Sent: Sunday, December 21, 2008 9:00 PM
To: Sports and Recreation for the Blind Discussion List
Subject: [Sportsandrec] dance lessons

Hi all,

Since new people have joined thought I'd ask this.  If you have taken
dance, private or class, what accomodations did you have?  

I want to take ballroom dance and once again my parents don't think its
doable.  It would be in a class.  Private lessons are expensive!
Anyway, they think I'll be lost because its taught visually.  I said the
instructor would verbalize the steps.  My mom pointed out that likely
won't be enough and I need hands on guidance and cannot get individual
attention in a class.  The thing is that they may describe it but it may
be brief and fast.  That is why we think it may not be enough.  I have
trouble understanding lots of directions at once if its not slow.  So
what do you all think?
I think its worth trying but I cannot seem to convince my folks.  I am a
young adult and don't work yet which is why they have influence on me.
Its unfortunate that I am not encouraged to try.  Those of you on the
list who were active as kids are the minority and you are so lucky.
Parents generally think if you cannot see it you can't learn it.

I think that's why partly many blind adults and kids are inactive.

Happy holidays!

Ashley H Bramlett
Undergraduate Student
Marymount University
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