Learning to dance in a new environment is challenging and at times overwhelming. We carefully pitch our classes to allow new dancers to be able to survive on the dance floor. It will take time for beginners to get the finer technique points which is why we must allow them to progress at their own pace.

We often get feedback from beginners that while they enjoyed themselves overall, they didn't appreciate other dancers trying to correct them or teach them new material.

Give encouragement rather than unsolicited advice.

While we all want to help the newer dancers, often they receive conflicting advice as they go round the class. It is best to let them listen to the teacher, smile and help only when they ask for it.

Here's what is helpful and what is not:

"The basics are the first thing we learn but the last thing we master" so the saying goes. The beginners class is therefore a great opportunity to work on one's own dancing:

• Focus on improving your posture through the whole dance
• Work on having accurate timing
• Concentrate on lead/follow technique
• Learn the opposite role
• Observe teacher and demo styling variations
• Practise the suggested footwork (right-left for leads, left-right for follows)

You'll get more exercise and socialising by turning up early and that warm fuzzy feeling from helping grow the dance community just by being there.