Any dancers about?

[LollipopViolet]

I am giving serious thought to joining my uni's dance society. I've never had lessons or anything, but they say they'll take beginners :) I'm 20, if that makes any difference. They say they do jazz, hip hop and are going to start ballet this year.

I know what ballet is, but have NO CLUE about the other two. What do the styles involve?

What would I need to wear (I'm big, a size 16/18), will I eventually need special shoes? I've just had a look at shoes and there's full and split sole, what's the difference?

I really want to dance!!! :) I always wanted to, especially ballet, but never got the chance!

Any other info I need to know. Also, I'm an ice skater, will this set me up for figure skating when I move somewhere with a rink closer than an hour away? Will it help for ice hockey at all (I'm thinking primarily balance here).

Jazz could be standard jazz (think classic musical theatre style) or street jazz (more modern version.

Hip hop think rap star style dancers/Diversity etc.

Full sole jazz shoes are fine and especially good for young beginners who havn't yet developed the strength in their foot (split sole don't have as much arch support).

Split sole make your feet look nicer when pointed.

Split sole jazz trainers are much more expensive but look cool (to teens and street dancers)They have more flexibility in the soles than normal trainers.

I don't dance myself by the way but work in a performing arts school (drama/singing)and have a dd who dances.

Being an ice skater will give you all sorts of help on the balance/poise front. I think you will find they compliment each other. I have always found that ballet teaches posture, body control, balance and poise and modern dance like jazz & hip-hop are great for freedom of movement etc. Both are great for toning and cardiovascular exercise, plus its bloody good fun.

Jazz is the short of thing you see on the West End stage as part of musical theatre - think Chicago, Cats, West Side Story
Hip hop is more like street dance, rhythmic athletic movements to string music.

Initially you could wear fitness type clothes - t shirt and leggings/jazz pants - and trainers with a soft sole or barefeet. dd has split sole jazz shoes so the ball ios separate from the heel but not sure it is crucial tbh. Wait until you've tried a few sessions before buying speicialist kit and maybe others will resell theirs.

AGree with everyone else re shoes etc

havefun

Thanks everyone!

Will certainly do a taster session. At the moment my skating equates to going every month or so and skating round, but hopefully after uni I'll move closer to the rink and be able to do lessons, leading up to figure skating stuff.

Also good to know I don't have to invest straight away.

My uni course is quite stressful and often I'll have to grab something quick to eat, meaning my diet suffers, so anything that can help me stay fit and maybe lose weight is awesome, although I'm really going to try and make healthy choices this year. :)

Right, got my taster session at the uni, 3-5pm today. Quite excited actually. They all seem really nice which is the main thing, they don't mind if you've never danced before and seem really supportive. :) Will let you know how I get on!