How to Get Started as a Ballroom Dancer
Ballroom dancing is made for anyone who appreciates rhythm, connection, and fancy footwork — it's never too early or too late to join.
July 9 2025, Published 10:00 a.m. ET

It's never too early or too late to join the thousands of ballroom dancers showing off their fancy footwork on the dance floor. Children as young as 5 years old can grasp the concepts of ballroom dancing, while adults as young as 85 can impress onlookers with their razzle-dazzle dances. Ballroom dancing is made for anyone who appreciates rhythm, connection, and fancy footwork.
Are You a Good Contender For Ballroom Dancing?
A few special people wake up one day and dance their hearts out. It's as if they were born to dance. Others aren't so lucky, but with a willingness to learn, the right instructor, and dedication, anyone can let loose and learn the Tango, Waltz, Foxtrot, or one of the dozens of other ballroom styles.

Dancers need specific skills to be successful on the dance floor, like:
- Ability to work well with and connect to a partner
- Flexibility
- Passionate about dancing
- Creativity
- Body awareness
- Adaptability
- Confidence
- Range of motion
- Good balance
Additional skills dancers should bring to the dance floor that often aren't discussed:
- Fashion sense: Choosing costumes and women's and men's dance shoes is half the fun of performing dances like Tango and Waltz. The wide selection of stylish, fun shoes offers every dancer the opportunity to find what works for their movements and personal fashion sense.
- Musical interpretation: Dancers who feel the nuance of the music deeply and passionately move on the ballroom floor. These individuals understand the energy of a song, how to respond to accents and changes in tone, and how to convey messages through their movements.
- Practice makes perfect: Dancers spend countless hours training with a top-notch ballroom expert to learn performance-tier moves. Anyone considering ballroom dancing should be willing to devote their extra time to practice and performances.
If you aren't born with it, Maybelline cannot help in this situation, but all hope is not lost. Read below to find out what you can do to learn ballroom dancing efficiently and effectively.
How to Get Started in Ballroom Dancing
For individuals who appreciate the freedom to express themselves through dance, ballroom dancing is an excellent way to express themselves through sultry, emotional movements and dances. Getting started as a dancer may seem complicated or nerve-wrecking, but is fairly simple if you know how.
Use the information below to assist.
- Choose a Style: Ballroom dancing encompasses a diverse range of styles, offering dancers the opportunity to move to the rhythm of their favorite beat. Whether you appreciate dances that allow you to move your hips or prefer getting up close and personal with your partner, Ballroom dancing has a style perfect for your needs. Latin, American, and International Ballroom dancing are the most popular dance style options available.
- Find a Ballroom Training Instructor or Class: Not every ballroom instructor or class is created equally. Do your research to find someone who resonates with your personality and dance goals. Online reviews are easily accessible and offer firsthand knowledge from previous clients. Use them to your benefit. Use online reviews to guide you toward a great instructor.
- Shop for Costumes & Ballroom Dance Shoes: Before your first instruction or practice session, shop for a costume and practice shoes. Take time to find shoes that are aesthetically pleasing yet offer qualities designed to protect a dancer's feet and enhance their movements. While purchasing performance shoes isn't necessary at this point, you do need at least two pairs of shoes for practice.
4. Practice Makes Perfect: With weekly lessons or private instruction, many dancers can show off impressive dance skills in as little as three to six months. Becoming competition-ready, however, takes considerably longer. Expect to practice and train for 2 to 3 years before you are ready to enter competitions and perform in front of crowds. Several factors influence the time it takes dancers to perfect their skills, including age, background, teacher quality, and the amount of practice time.
5. Find a Mentor: A dance mentor can offer insight and inspiration for aspiring dancers. They can also provide instruction and secrets to a stunning performance. Find a good mentor and add them to your list of BFFs.
6. Enter Competitions: When you are confident in your dance skills, take it to the next level by entering a competition or two. It is a great way to improve confidence on the dance floor, become a known name, develop a fan base, and do what you love.
Ballroom Dancing: For Love or Money?
Is ballroom dancing something you can earn money from, or should it be reserved only as a hobby for fun in your spare time? Some people make it big as ballroom dancers. Others dance for fun. It is great exercise and loads of fun for all ages. If you are patient, persistent, and dedicated, ballroom dancing could become a full-time career, although many prefer to do it just for fun.

It's possible to earn money as a ballroom dancer. The amount of money, however, may not be
enough to survive. Your dedication, networking skills, likability, and other factors all come into play when it comes to your success as a ballroom dancer.
Performing ballroom dance at a level capable of earning money requires time, practice, and a significant personal investment. Hair, makeup, costumes, shoes, dance instruction, and accessories all cost money.
It's important to consider all aspects before deciding if ballroom dancing is something you'll enjoy in your spare time or as a full-time career. It is undoubtedly a lucrative opportunity for individuals with dedication and talent.
Live Life to the Fullest as a Ballroom Dancer
Whether for fun or money, ballroom dancing is the perfect way to live life to the fullest. It allows dancers to utilize their creativity and adaptability to stun audiences with precise hip and foot movements. If you weren't born with it, instruction helps turn you into the ballroom star you dream of being. Don't let an opportunity pass you by another day.