Are you someone that’s always wanted to try a dance based fitness class but didn’t know where to start? Maybe you didn’t want to waste your time in a class that wasn’t fun, or end up in a class that was too hard. Here are a few tips to get you started shaking your booty and shaking off a few pounds. This post may contain a few helpful affiliate links.

It Doesn’t Feel Like a Workout

The best part about dance based classes, is they feel more like a party than a workout. Get the right teacher, with the right playlist and that hour will be up in no time.

A great teacher will be able to get your heart rate up, throw in a few strength moves, maybe, and help you on your way to your fitness goals. If you keep going back you’ll be surprised at how you’re burning calories and having fun at the same time.

Picking your Class

What type of movement are you into? Is your favorite music world music, pop, Latin or a mixture? Do you want to learn a routine? Or just get out there and dance?

Start by asking the front desk team at the gym for some instructor and class recommendations. Ask who’s got the most popular class and scope it out.

If you’re not ready to commit to class, after doing research, stand outside the class for a few minutes to see if you like the vibe.

Do you like the music? Does it seem fairly easy to follow along? And most importantly, do class participants seem to leave happy? All of this matters.

You decided on a class? Great! Now let’s go get groovy!

Taking your First Class

You’ve asked the front desk for recommendations. You’ve even scoped out a class or two from the sidelines. Now, it’s time to get ready to go sweat and groove.

Take a look at the class schedule. Pick the class you plan to take and put it on your calendar. Set a reminder in your phone so you don’t forget. Pack your gym bag and put it in the car so you’re ready to go if it’s a class you plan to take after work. If it’s a class before work, set your clothes out and set your alarm so that you don’t need to search for anything.

What to Wear: Clothes and Shoes

Be sure whatever you pick to wear to your first class is comfortable. If you’re not sure how to dress, wear layers that are easy to remove. A sports bra, tank top and leggings, or shorts are great options. Just make sure that whatever you wear allows you freedom of movement.

A cross training shoe is your best option to dance in next do a dance shoe that’s high top. Don’t worry, if you don’t have a cross trainer or dance shoe. Any athletic shoe will do for now.

What to Bring

Pack your water bottle for class. One that allows you to access your water easily is your best option, like this one. Breaks in dance class can be brief. So you want to be ready to hydrate quickly and get back into the groove of things.

Get a small towel to keep next to your water bottle. If you don’t sweat much, you can skip the towel in favor of showering when class is over.

It’s best to keep your hair out of your face while you dance. Put your hair in a hair tie, or place one around your wrist for easy access. It’s a good idea to keep hair ties in your gym bag. If you’re not into hair ties, a headband will also keep your hair back off your face.

If you want to keep track of the amount of calories you burn during class, wear a fitness tracker. Be sure to set it at the start of class, and take a look after. You would be surprised how many calories you can burn in a class that’s fun.

Arrival

If it’s your first class, arrive at least 5 minutes before class start time. If it’s a popular class, 10 minutes is probably better.

Instructors show up a few minutes before class to get music set up and chat with members. Feel free to introduce yourself and let them know it’s your first class.

Take up space where you feel comfortable. Being on the front row, but off to the side, allows you to see the instructor but still be over in a corner in case you’re self conscious. You minimize distractions and have the opportunity to get a good view of what’s going on.

But don’t feel compelled to take the front row. If the back row is best and you feel that’s where you need to be in case you want to let go, or head out early, it’s all up to you.

Class is Over

At the end of class, if you did get the chance to introduce yourself, go let the instructor know what you thought. Did you have fun? Will you be back? Or did you just feel like a fish out of water? They want to know! It helps them improve future classes. And perhaps they teach another that you can take.

Hope this helped you feel more confident tackling your first dance based fitness class. Let me know what dance class you’ve got your eye on and when you plan to go.