| How can I learn the type of rhythm or ballroom style of different songs?

How can I learn the type of rhythm or ballroom style of different songs?

Eric W asked:


I am taking ballroom dance lessons. For a lot of the older songs in fox trot, rumba, swing, etc…I am not sensitive enough yet to pick up and make a clear distinction of the rythym or exact style in ballroom. Any help or resources to help decipher and develop a better ear??

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Comments

One Response to “How can I learn the type of rhythm or ballroom style of different songs?”

  1. jg on May 5th, 2009 7:22 pm

    It just takes practice and experience. The one thing about ballroom though is that you only need to recognize the music type, know when to start (on 1, on 3, etc.) and then find that beat.

    I grew up playing music, so it’s been relatively easier to pick up the timing (although it did take me a while to get the hang of when to start cha-cha). If you don’t have a lot of music experience, you can try to find a video that teaches you the fundamentals of music timing (3/4 time, 4/4 time, syncopation, etc.) or perhaps a beginning music theory class at your local community college. Otherwise, take a few private lessons with a dance teacher specifically on recognizing the beat, and when to start, and it should clear up pretty quickly.

    Alternatively, music is great, and everyone should know how to play at least one instrument, so pick an instrument you’ve always thought was cool (piano, trumpet, electric guitar, drums, etc.) and take some lessons. First few lessons will likely be all about rhythm, timing, etc.

    Have fun! And know no matter what you choose, it will get easier to find when to start. And the more time / effort you put into it, the faster it will come.