Start here and learn to dance yourself Strictly FIT!

First of all think posture!
A good posture is important in dancing, stand up straight, push your shoulders back and hold you head up. This is also good advice for those who are feeling a little insecure; this posture will show everyone that you are extremely confident even if you are not!

Boost your confidence!
Most exercise, including dancing, involves meeting new people who then can become new friends. Friends can be the greatest boost to your confidence and self-esteem.

Don’t worry about what other people are thinking this will resolve in a lack of confidence, you are all new to the Strictly FIT exercise classes so everyone is in the same boat as you.

Watch others dance including your friends, find ways to incorporate styles you like into your own dancing.

Remember to stretch and release the tension before you start!

To make each dance move look effortless by stretching, this will make your body more flexible.

You will dance better the more relaxed you are, shake of any tension and unwind before hitting the dance floor

Now you’re ready! But remember...
Enjoy what you are doing, have fun and smile, if you love to dancing don’t be afraid to show it

One more thing…!
Practice the dances and techniques and strive to perfect all the different moves, this will separate the good from the best dancers

Discover the secrets of  Strictly FIT experts

 
Cha Cha
Steps should be taken with the ball of the foot in contact with the floor (no heels)
Let your hips naturally settle into the direction of your weighted leg, allowing the latin hip movement to come through

Stand slightly apart, upright, this dance frame should be sturdy and well connected

Keep steps small which will allow you to keep up with the rhythm

Waltz
Be graceful and elegant, this dance should glide around the floor effortlessly
Unlike Latin you should lead with the heel in ballroom dances

This dance has a pattern 1-2-3 1-2-3 feel the rhythm pattern the waltz is a slow romantic dance

Rise and fall. Be soft in the knees, move shoulders smoothly, this will give the rise and fall movement

Dance frame is firm and never moves. Be close to your partner, ladies head should be slightly to the left

Jive
Don't hold onto your partner for dear Life! A light hold is all that is necessary but always keep a sprig in your step

Ladies should try to match the tension the man offers, whatever the style or move but no jelly arms this will make the dance hard

Keep your shoulders relaxed rather than hunched up

Ladies dance on your tips and men dance on your balls!

When you’re not using a hand or arm don't let it hang by your side use it to add some pazazz to the routine

Quickstep
Upper body must be straight and strong throughout each move

This dance should seem like you are flying through the air

Keeping In sync with your partner and try to keep similar tension in the legs is important

A strong frame is required like the waltz

Lead with your heel and ladies keep your head slightly to the left

Fitness First Expert
Our expert dance tips are provided by Cheryl Dunne.

Trained by the Strictly Come Dancing head judge and dance expert Len Goodman at the Goodman’s Dance Centre, Cheryl started dancing from a very young age and competed in competitions from the age of 9 – 19. Taking major exams in the I.S.T.D and I.D.T.A. she competed in Latin American, Ballroom and Freestyle Disco, making the final 7 dancers in each and every competition and successfully coming 1st place in many for freestyle solos and pairs.

At the young age of 13 Cheryl became the Under 14 Champion in Latin and Ballroom, Freestyle Disco Under 18 World Trio Champion, and Freestyle Disco Under 16 and 18 Champion for Solos and Pairs.

Don’t forget to come back for your future dance tips!