There is the “diminishing returns” aspect in dancing too. Learn five basic figures from each dance I mentioned above and you are the king; already a better dancer than 90% of men around you in a random situation. Also at that moment you will know enough to make your own decisions.
You need Waltz for 3⁄4 music, there is no other choice; and in social situations 3⁄4 music will happen. Quickstep, Jive, Cha-cha and Salsa are quite flexible; for any 4⁄4 or 2⁄4 music one or more of them will fit; if there is a lot of space go for Quickstep or Cha-cha, if there is less space Jive or Salsa will do. (Not sure which one? Choose randomly; and if it feels too slow or too quick, try another.)
An important part is learning to lead your partner. The rule of thumb is that your partner cares about moving her feet properly, while you gently push/pull/rotate her body at specific moments. If your timing is good and the signals are clear, the moves will come “natural” to her even if she is a total beginner. (How well the couple dances depends mostly on how well the man dances. Which makes it a great opportunity for signalling your skills.) So after you learn the steps in the classroom, as a next lesson try alternating them randomly with only nonverbal communication. Learning this not only makes you a better dancer, but it extends your opportunities in real life, when your partner either didn’t attend any dancing lessons, or she learned different dances than you did.
My personal preference is: Waltz (+Viennese Waltz), Quickstep, Jive, Cha-cha, and Salsa. With this set you have all bases covered.
There is the “diminishing returns” aspect in dancing too. Learn five basic figures from each dance I mentioned above and you are the king; already a better dancer than 90% of men around you in a random situation. Also at that moment you will know enough to make your own decisions.
You need Waltz for 3⁄4 music, there is no other choice; and in social situations 3⁄4 music will happen. Quickstep, Jive, Cha-cha and Salsa are quite flexible; for any 4⁄4 or 2⁄4 music one or more of them will fit; if there is a lot of space go for Quickstep or Cha-cha, if there is less space Jive or Salsa will do. (Not sure which one? Choose randomly; and if it feels too slow or too quick, try another.)
An important part is learning to lead your partner. The rule of thumb is that your partner cares about moving her feet properly, while you gently push/pull/rotate her body at specific moments. If your timing is good and the signals are clear, the moves will come “natural” to her even if she is a total beginner. (How well the couple dances depends mostly on how well the man dances. Which makes it a great opportunity for signalling your skills.) So after you learn the steps in the classroom, as a next lesson try alternating them randomly with only nonverbal communication. Learning this not only makes you a better dancer, but it extends your opportunities in real life, when your partner either didn’t attend any dancing lessons, or she learned different dances than you did.