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A little advice for anyone thinking of joining my classes, or already there and feeling a little overwhelmed:

1. If you are new, line dancing can feel overwhelming. At times, you may feel pushed a little beyond your abilities. Let me reassure you - you are doing great! I see everyone in my classes, even the newest, making great progress. You can DO IT.

2. Remember that there are a wide variety of experience levels in the beginner line dance class - true newbies, people who just like beginner level and stay in it, and experienced dancers who love to dance as often as possible and help new people along. DO NOT compare yourself to someone next to you who seems to pick things up with ease. They may already have learned the dance years ago and are there to help you have someone worth following.

3. You are learning a new SKILL when you begin line dancing, which takes PRACTICE. If you practice line dances once or twice between lessons, you won't be starting from scratch each week. You'll begin to think more fluently, able to think in terms like "grapevine" instead of "side, behind, side, step." It comes with PRACTICE.

4. YOU ARE DOING GREAT! I see you. Yes, even when you're "hiding" in the back, in a corner, behind someone. Yes I do! I see when you struggle, when you feel frustrated. I try hard to give everyone the chance to learn a new step, practice the patterns. Sometimes it will feel like I'm going too fast - or too slow! - depending on your skill level, because I'm trying to keep a wide variety of skill levels interested and happy. It's a hard balance to achieve.

5. The best way to practice? Aside from watching the video links I provide here, COME DANCING! Come to my Saturday dances! Come to class regularly! Go dancing elsewhere, too! There is only so much I can do if you only show up once a month. Make yourself a priority. If you were teaching a kid to play piano, you'd make them practice every day for a half hour, even when their friends want them to come out and play. Do the same for yourself. Carve out that time. Reserve it for yourself. I promise you, the REWARDS ARE WORTH IT! 

Dancing is so much fun when you truly learn the steps and can just move to the music. And you'll have good friends on the dance floor to join in your joy. 

I PROMISE!

Ginger Kozlowski teaches in Bedford , NH. 

Reach me at apljacker@gmail.com.