I started learning dancing at Studio D in Glen Waverley, Melbourne for 3 years. I dance jazz and ballet styles, and I *LOVE* it! Now I dance at Danceflow, my own small adult dance group, and Electric Dance Connection in Bayswater, Vic.

Dancing is one of my passions. I learned to dance when I was younger, but had to give up after a few years when we moved house. I always looked out for classes, but there weren't any where we lived, and by the time I started university I didn't have the time or money any more. When I moved to Melbourne it was with the intention of doing something new. When I saw a local dance school advertising adult classes at the local shopping centre over christmas I decided it had been long enough. I enrolled for adult beginner ballet and beginner jazz.

My first year, I went to class each week, and enjoyed it, but never took it any further. I struggled to remember the steps and get the new moves. Finally, just before the concert I booked a couple of private lessons to try to get to grips with what I was doing. Suddenly everything clicked...

My search for knowledge took me to dance.net, a discussion board for dancers of all disciplines, and a great place to get advice and learn more about all aspects of dancing.

Dancing is about beauty - about using your body to the fullest. To dance well requires discipline and focus, understanding of how your body works, strength, stamina, teamwork (in group classes), ability to see the big picture as well as your own part of it; it requires practice, work, flexibility and confidence. But most of all it requires passion: a dancer can be as technically correct as possible, but unless they dance from within they will never be truly beautiful. Those who feel the music, as they feel their heartbeat, they are the dancers people will not be able to take their eyes off; they are the dancers people will want to be.

I'm still learning to dance, and it's a very long path I've set out upon, but I'm already seeing improvements - I can jump higher, I can dance longer, I'm stronger, healthier and more confident. My balance is better than it was (but still not great) and I'm more flexible (but still a long way from the splits). But I'm happier than I've ever been.

Here are my tips for late-starting dancers...

• If you've ever had the dream of dancing, ever wanted to learn to tap, or dance ballet, go for it!


• It doesn't matter how old you are - find a class nearby where you feel comfortable (most will let you sit in and observe classes to see if you like them without any commitment) and start dancing.


• Don't expect to be perfect to begin with - set realistic targets. If you want to be able to touch your toes, aim for that.


• Join an adult class if available (and appropriate) - adults are very accepting and supportive, and most of them probably started late, just like you!


• Get to class early the first time, and get to know a couple of the other people. If you've broken the ice to start with, it's easier to ask for help later. Make sure you introduce yourself to the teacher too.


• Do your best - the teacher won't expect miracles in your first class, so don't expect them yourself! Just try each thing.


• If the teacher suggests you do something different, they're not criticising, they're just trying to help you improve. Take a deep breath, then focus on their suggestions and try again!


• At the end of the class ask the teacher to go over anything you didn't understand - they'll appreciate your interest!


• If you can, practice at home. Even if it's just stretching or warming up, it all helps. Coordination and flexibility come with time.


• Most important: Just love what you do. Dance comes from within. It doesn't matter if you don't get the steps exactly right, just smile and keep going. And if you find you're doing your own solo, just go with it! :)