Do You Need a Partner to Learn Ballroom Dance?

Ballroom dance has been around for ages! There are many reasons someone may want (or need) to learn to dance. This brings us to a very popular question many people seem to have… Do you need a dance partner to learn ballroom dance?

This held true when we asked our instructors in the studio what the number one question they get asked is… YES, they too said it’s…“Do I need a dance partner?”

Since this might surprise you, in this article, we are going to dive a little deeper and share why you do NOT have to have a dance partner to learn to dance! The short answer is… NO!” you do NOT need a dance partner to learn ballroom dance!

Do You Need a Dance Partner?

This simple answer is “No!”

Both men and women have walked into our studio to learn ballroom dance. In fact, there are benefits to being a ‘solo dancer’ when taking ballroom dance lessons.

Whether solo or partnered, this information is for you.

7 Benefits of Being a Solo Dancer

1. Learn at Your Own Pace

At Arthur Murray; we want you to be comfortable with your dancing. Our instructors work with you to get you moving to the beat. Dancing at your own pace allows you and your dance instructor to customize your learning experience. Plus, you get to choose what dances you want to learn and begin to learn them from day one.

2. Faster Health and Exercise Results

Whether your goal is to lose weight, body sculpting, or just fit into an old pair of jeans…

Working with one of our instructors one-on-one will burn more calories than working with a partner. Your instructor will keep you moving.

3. Scheduling

This might not seem to be a big deal, but scheduling can be a challenge for couples. Trying to coordinate busy schedules might actually hinder you from ever stepping into the studio. Dancing with an instructor allows you to learn to dance on your own time.

Whether you are a solo dancer or dancing with your partner, spending one-on-one time with an instructor can vastly improve your dance skills.

4. Creating You Time

Creating ‘you time’ is essential. All work and no play makes for a very stressed life. Dancing can help reduce stress and add a little fun to your day. Plus, you get to connect with friends and make new ones. Our students say that coming into the studio is like being part of a family.

As one of our wise dance instructors says, “We all start as beginners.”

5. Improve Your Dancing Skills

If you’ve heard yourself say, “I want to do it the right way, the first time,” working one-on-one with an instructor is the perfect fit for you. This allows you to work on your dance styling and your role in ballroom dancing. Either the role of Lead or Follow. Each is important in dance.

One-on-one allows for custom-tailored dance lessons that suit your dancing needs as you learn ballroom dancing.

6. Reinforcement

By being a solo dancer, you don’t quit dancing. It’s quite common for couples to have one partner feel like they aren’t making progress. This might lead to both quitting.

The truth is, we all start at the beginning, and everyone can improve their progress by grabbing a private lesson with their instructor.

Your instructor is there to help you and create a fun, relaxing environment around your dancing.

7. Personal Health

Learning to dance is a healthy addiction; just ask our current students! Dancing can improve your mental health, physical health, confidence, muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility.

You get all the benefits of going to the gym and learning a skill you will have for the rest of your life.

FAQ – Learning to Ballroom Dance Without a Partner

Q: I’m married, but my spouse doesn’t dance, are there options for me? 

A: Plenty of students choose ballroom dancing to create ‘me time.’ If your spouse doesn’t want to learn, invite them to come to watch and cheer you on. Who knows, they might even want to try after they see how much fun you’re having.

At Arthur Murray, our instructors can work with you one-on-one. There are plenty of options. Contact us to find out more.

Q: How will I find someone who knows what I am learning?

A: This is a common concern for anyone learning to dance. What we focus on is the role of Leading and Following. No matter what you dance or where — this foundational training can help you look amazing on the dance floor.

A man who can lead can show off his partner no matter their dancing skill level. Someone that follows learns to follow and have fun.

This gives both partners the confidence to take the floor and show off their moves.

Q: “I’m a little worried about working one-on-one with a professional dancer. Is that normal?”

A: All of our professional instructors are there at the studio for one reason, to help you learn and enjoy dancing. They go through continual training in developing their teaching skills, develop their communication, and how to break down downs moves so that they are easy to learn.

Trust that every step you take across the dance floor is celebrated by your instructor. You’re not there to become their professional dance partner; you’re there to learn to dance at your pace and at your level. Come and have fun!

What’s Next?

If you are just getting started with us, grab your New Student Offer. It is designed to give you a chance to make an informed decision about your dance lessons. You’ll be dancing within 5 minutes of walking into the Arthur Murray studio.

Now no one ever said, “I’m so glad I waited all this time to learn how to dance”… Partner or Solo, now is the time to make your move.