One of my fundamental flaws is that I have no rhythm. Much as I try to follow along with the music and to move my body in tune with the beat, it just doesn’t work and I look like a dork.
This is compounded by the fact that as a “Latino” I’m supposed to have rhythm hardwired into my DNA somehow (yes I know, this is a stereotype. I’m being flippant). I guess it must’ve skipped a generation.
I’ve tried dance classes, but it seems to me that it is assumed in those classes that I can follow along with the beats and can somehow put that together with the dance move being shown, which I can’t do if I can’t follow the beat to begin with. What ends up happening is that I can do the dance move perfectly, but it still looks bad when the move doesn’t match up to the song (the other problems are that I’m no good at leading and I am not good at multi-tasking movements).
There was one dance instructor that I was working with where it started to make sense. She actually began explaining beat and rhythm in mathematical terms which I could understand. We deconstructed music and for once in my life I could grasp the concept of some underlying structure to music. It was all music theory and I loved every moment of it. Unfortunately, after two lessons, Jen and I had to move and I was left stranded yet again.
What I’d like to know is if anyone out there has been in the same situation, and if so, how did you learn rhythm, if at all. Is there hope for me (I’m 25 by the way)? Will I ever look decent on the dance floor?
Are there any drumming circles near you? I’ve seen some very rhythm-impaired people make good progress in the course of an hour or two of group drumming.
There are a few drumming circles around here as a matter of fact. I’ll give that a try!
There are classes at the community college around here, but I get the notion that those classes assume at least a basic talent in music, which I don’t have. I may be wrong though, so I will go check that out.
Surely there are dopers out there who are going through, or have gone through, this same situation?
Well, I’m about as white as they get, and trust me, I fit the stereotype when it comes to rythm!
Weirdly enough, I DO have a musical ear. One false note in a death metal concert, and I’ll spot it. But don’t put me on a dance floor!
Say, these dancing aspirations, they wouldn’t have anything to do with an upcoming wedding, huh?
Impending Doom: whatever should happen when I get married to my girlfriend, and have to dance at the wedding? Miss Moves and mr Wheresthebardammit. That ought to be a sight.
When we were taking ballroom dancing lessons in prep for our wedding, WinkieHubby had a terrible time finding the beat. As a former marching band member, this was beyond me. Our solution was to practice. A lot. ALL. THE. TIME.
Listening to music in the car on the way somewhere? I had him slapping the dashboard to the beat. Watching TV? Shows and commercials have music – I made the poor guy smack his leg to the beat. Walking in the mall? It’s a perfect opportunity to walk in step to the beat. Of course, this will require the cooperation of your future Mrs. and a lot of patience :).
I will also second the drumming circles/classes suggestion. I’ve never met a drummer of any kind that can resist tapping along to the beat Good luck, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding!
I used to have no rhythm. I couldn’t even clap along with music. I was terrified of dancing and so I never did. Not at my prom, not at my wedding, zip.
And then one day I applied to be a waitress at a strip bar, and got hired as a topless dancer instead. I decided to hell with it, I’ll give it a try.
And so the first time in my life that I ever danced, was on a stage, wearing only a thong, and surrounded by men intently watching me.
And I probably sucked on ice.
But I made $90 that day in 4 hours and decided that if I could suck that bad, for that little time, and make that kind of money, I’d stick with it for a while.
After a while, I became a really good dancer, and now I can dance or move to any beat you throw at me.
I don’t really have a problem following a beat (hi all you TorDopers!) but I find it’s much easier to follow if you’re somewhere loud enough that you can feel the bass. I usually dance at very loud goth clubs with eaplugs in so I can feel the music and not go deaf. It might be worth a try. Just practice bouncing very slightly in time to the feel of the beat.
I never had this problem (I’m a white guy who plays ragtime piano). But here’s a suggestion - aerobic dance class.
A good instructor has to know where the beat is, and the music is generally easier to follow (rhythm wise) than popular music, because the point is exercise, not fancy moves. If you’re struggling, the instructor can help - if you ask.
Even if you’re not interested in the exercise, rent a video tape and watch. The instructor’s cues are a pretty good clue where the beat is.
(from someone who’s spent over 10 years at step aerobics)
