Dance lessons are a great way to have fun and gain confidence.

Dancing has been around for as long as humans have existed, and many people experience something satisfyingly primal and joyful when they move their bodies to the beat of music. Today, the world of dance represents a vast collection of different styles, from tango and salsa to swing and ballet, and beginners need nothing more than a little optimism and a willingness to learn in order to join in on the fun.

Anita Christina Calcaterra is a teacher at the Waldorf School in Lexington, Mass. She's also a professional belly dancer, and instructs students in many styles of dance. Here she shares her enthusiasm for the simple joys of dancing and gives beginners some advice on how to get started:

• Music. According to Calcaterra, the best place for prospective dancers to start is anywhere that will teach them how to dance to the music they love. If you've got a thing for swing, many swing dancing clubs provide pre-hours instruction. If rap or funk is more your style, you can check out health clubs or dance studios that offer hip-hop dancing classes.

• Lessons. Look for an instructor who will be sensitive to your feelings and desires, and who isn't obsessed with turning you into an instant expert. Your lessons should offer you equal amounts of learning and enjoyment.

• Confidence. Calcaterra sees confidence building as one of the primary benefits of dance instruction. She's constantly meeting people who don't think they'll ever be able to dance well, but after a few lessons, their self-esteem goes sky high.

• Partners. Dancing is also great for relationships. Whether you learn on your own and let your partner reap the benefits of your newfound confidence, or get closer by taking lessons together, dance is a great way to have fun and connect with a loved one.
  

American Dance Legacy Institute
Box 1897, Providence, RI 02912
401-863-7596, http://www.brown.edu/Departments/Theatre_Speech_Dance/Amer._Dance_Legacy_Inst..html

Dance Art
www.danceart.com

Dance Magazine Online
www.dancemagazine.com

Ballroomdancers.com—Ballroom Dancing links.
www.ballroomdancers.com

Planet Funk Online—Hip-Hop dance information.
www.pfunkonline.com