| We would like to begin by sharing a true "reluctant | | | | way to reduce stress; it enhances the relationship by |
| partner" dance story with you. Years ago a couple | | | | improving communication; and it's incredibly romantic. |
| came into our studio for their first dance lesson. The | | | | Oh, and don't forget to reiterate "fun". |
| wife was happy and excited about the prospects of | | | | Your final small step (if your partner is not yet |
| learning to dance and the husband casually | | | | convinced to try dancing) is to "barter". Promise to join |
| commented: "I'd rather have a root canal." What? "A | | | | them at a baseball game or some other interest they |
| root canal?" Wow! This really opened our eyes as to | | | | might have in exchange for a dance lesson with you. |
| how difficult it might be to convince a "reluctant | | | | A fair trade. |
| partner" to try dancing! (The good news is he loved | | | | Ah ha! They have finally agreed to join you for a |
| the lesson and they continued with us for many years. | | | | dance lesson and they're hooked! This next bit of |
| They became beautiful dancers and to this day still | | | | advice is the "best advice" you will ever receive about |
| enjoy their dancing.) True story! | | | | "keeping" your partner interested in taking dance |
| The secret here was to get the partner in for the very | | | | lessons. Resist the temptation to correct or teach |
| first time. (Trust us when we tell you that 99% of the | | | | them yourself (no matter how experienced or talented |
| time the "reluctant one" will be the "enthusiastic one" on | | | | you may be), and always compliment and encourage |
| the second lesson.) So, before bringing up the subject | | | | them. Let them know how much you love and |
| of dance lessons to your partner, your first small step | | | | appreciate dancing with them, and don't forget to |
| is to do a little research in your area and locate the | | | | remind them how great they look on the dance floor. |
| best studio with a competent and patient instructor. | | | | Sometimes keeping your partner dancing is more |
| Remember, first impressions are lasting impressions. | | | | difficult than getting them started in the first place. |
| Your next small step is to start "buttering" them up by | | | | Good luck. It's worth the effort and someday they'll |
| pointing out the many benefits of taking dance lessons | | | | thank you for it. (P.S. In the meantime, you'll have a |
| together - key word here "together": It's fun; it provides | | | | great partner and a great hobby to share. |
| great exercise and increases stamina; it's a wonderful | | | | |
