The Ultimate Guide To Cruise Ship Dancing
Discover the Joy of Dance on Your Next Cruise Adventure
If there's one thing cruise holidays are famous for, it's the boundless entertainment and unique experiences offered at sea. Each day presents an opportunity to explore new interests, discover hidden talents, or simply savor the joy of being at sea.
Do you know what is one experience that can profoundly enrich your holiday? Dancing!
The thought of dancing in such a social setting might seem daunting to some, especially to those with little to no dance experience. Are you eager to make your cruise journey memorable? This blog post shows you how!
We will guide you through the essential dances that are most popular on the high seas and will show you how adding dance to your cruise itinerary can elevate your adventure.
Why Dancing
1. Extra Layer of Romance
We would highly recommend dancing on a cruise to couples for a multitude of reasons.
Firstly, it's a fantastic way to add an extra layer of romance to your holiday. There's something incredibly special about moving in sync with your partner, especially with the backdrop of the ocean's vastness and the moonlit sky.
It enhances the connection between you and your partner, creating unforgettable, intimate moments that only dancing can offer.
2. New Friendships
Dancing is an exceptional way to break the ice and meet other people. Cruise ships thrive on the social interactions between passengers, and hitting the dance floor can lead to forming new friendships that may last well beyond the voyage.
It's common for others to express enjoyment and admiration for those who take to the dance floor with joy!
3. Staying Active
It's also a fun, engaging way to stay active. Instead of hitting the gym, you can whirl around the dance floor every evening, combining exercise with pleasure.
How a Cruise Experience Transforms Couples
Here at Arthur Murray, we often hear stories from couples who were inspired to dance after witnessing others on a cruise trip. They saw the joy, the connection, and the sheer fun other couples had while dancing, and they decided they wanted to create those moments for themselves.
Many of these couples, initially motivated by what they saw during their cruise, have continued dancing together for years since then.
Have we caught your attention, tempting you to add a swirl of dance to your next sea journey?
If you're nodding yes, you're probably wondering where to start. How can you make sure your dance-infused cruise hits all the right notes?
How to Prepare for a Cruise
1. Start with the Basics:
Learning any dance begins with mastering the fundamentals. Break down each dance into its basic steps, rhythm and timing. By focusing on the core elements, you'll build a strong foundation that will make learning more complex steps easier down the track.
2. Progress at Your Own Pace:
Learning dances for a dance cruise is a journey, and it's important to pace yourself. Start with a couple of dances that complement each other at a time and give yourself time to practice. Breaking the learning process into smaller, achievable goals will help you build confidence and prevent overwhelm. Remember, every little step is an achievement!
3. Consider Taking Dance Lessons:
Preparing for a dance cruise is both exciting and rewarding and doing it in a dance studio will give you the chance to learn the basics and gain confidence in a structured environment.
Having the support of professional dance instructor can significantly smooth your learning curve and enhance the pleasure it brings.
If you or your partner find that you’re struggling with a certain move or step, your instructor will ensure that you master it without any drama.
Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time to learn and practice. Starting your dance lessons a few months before your cruise can help reduce pressure.
4. Practice, Practice, Practice:
Consistency is key when it comes to learning dances. Set aside specific times each week to go over what you’ve learned. Practice not only helps you memorize the steps but also improves your muscle memory and coordination, and builds stamina.
Consider joining practice sessions and social dance events in a dance studio where you can dance with others in a friendly and supportive setting.
This would be a great practice of navigating around the busy dance floor.
5. Have Fun
Remember, the primary goal is to enjoy this time with your partner. Don’t be too hard on yourselves if you don’t get a step right away. Laugh, enjoy, and keep dancing.
What Dances To Learn For A Cruise
To fully enjoy your cruise, consider learning a variety of dances that cater to different tempos and complement each other. The number of dances you should learn ultimately depends on the amount of time you have available.
Rumba - The Dance of Love
Slow, sensuous, and simple to learn, the Rumba is perfect for those romantic tunes played under the stars. Its compact steps allow you to dance even in limited spaces, making it a versatile choice for any cruising couple.
Swing - Groove with the Waves
For more upbeat rhythms, the Swing has you covered. It's a lively dance that invites you to twist and twirl to the ship's vibrant tunes. Even a basic understanding of swing steps will have you jiving the night away.
Foxtrot - Smooth and Sophisticated
The Foxtrot is a timeless dance, suited to the classic standards often played on cruises. Elegant and easy-going, it's a must-learn for couples who appreciate the sophistication of old-time glamour. It offers beginners the chance to flow rhythmically to a variety of music genres. It's elegant, yet simple — a perfect starting point for new dancers.
Waltz - Elegance on the Ocean
The Waltz may require a bit more space for those sweeping movements, but even on a crowded dancefloor, the poised and graceful balance steps of the Waltz can still shine through. Classic and elegant, it’s a perfect match for the formal nights on a cruise ship. You'll feel like royalty as you gracefully maneuver through the waltzing crowd.
Merengue & Salsa - A Dash of Latin Flavor
No cruise dancing repertoire would be complete without lively Latin dances like Merengue or Salsa. These styles add some spice to your nights, and with Salsa's popularity, you're sure to find the perfect rhythm for those hip-swaying beats.
Bachata - Romance with a Beat
Bachata is yet another Latin dance that's both romantic and straightforward. Its repetitive side-to-side movements make it easy to pick up, perfect for swaying with your partner as the ship sways with the waves.
Making the Most of Your Dance Experience
Once you've dipped your toes into the world of dancing on a cruise, you'll discover it's not just about the steps or the music—it's about the experience.
Don't forget to take advantage of the dance opportunities offered onboard.
Many cruise ships feature themed dance nights, live music performances, and even dance competitions. Participating in these events is a fantastic way to showcase your new skills and learn from other dancers.
Pro-Tip: On-board dance lessons, often led by the ship's performers, will be easier to follow if you've had some practice beforehand. While many shipboard classes are led by professional dancers who are amazing on the dance floor, they may not always have extensive experience teaching beginners.
Dancing on a cruise doesn't just offer a way to fill your evenings—it's a portal to new experiences, connections, and memories.
Don't shy away from the dancefloor! Happy Cruising!
