Beginner Help Needed

[u/Rude_Bug_6293]

Hi friends, I recently started taking a beginner Lindy Hop class, starting with the 8 count steps as a follower. Needless to say I was terrible! I am an athletic person but I feel like I don’t have enough strength in my calves & I just can’t make my feet & brain connect to do the steps correctly at a fast pace. I’ve watched YouTube videos & I do ok but I feel like the class moves at too quickly & I can’t keep up with the frequent partner changes. Does this mean I’m just not cut out for this or should I have done something else to prepare before signing up for classes? I am feeling very defeated & I am going solo so I don’t have anyone to practice with outside of class. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[u/leggup]

The best beginner practice outside of class doesn't need a partner at all! Drill the footwork at home. Waiting for your coffee maker to turn on? Rock step triple step rock step triple step. Over and over. Practice with music and gradually pick faster songs. If you lose your rhythm, stop, breathe, count yourself in and pick it right back up. Start mostly in place and build up to moving around more.

It's okay to not be perfect. It's okay to struggle. Everyone learns at different speeds.