Where can dance games be played?
HomeThe most common place to practice dance gaming is at home with a personal computer or game console. It is both easy and inexpensive to take up the hobby since a dance game and dance mat combination doesn't cost much. All you need is the courage to try it out and have fun with it!
Practicing home alone and with friends can be fun for a long time, but often active dance gamers get together to practice and have fun together. There are multiple possibilities including the use of internet messaging boards and chat software and of course getting together at events, tournaments and local public arcades.
Arcade
Many active dance gamers visit their local arcades which have dance gaming equipment. These placed act as meeting points and also allow for people interested in the hobby to try it out without buying the game and dance mat themselves.
The arcade dance game machines are often held in higher standard than home equipment. Especially professional level players prefer playing on an arcade machine due to better accuracy and feeling. Therefor most larger tournaments are held on arcade machines.
Schools, youth centres and gyms
Dance gaming has been accepted as an official sports and an official dance style through the International Dance Organization in Norway and Finland. The positive effects of dance gaming on ones physical and mental health have been studied in multiple countries and the results have been promising. Many schools, youth centres and gyms around Europe offer dance games for people to maintain and improve their health.
Your local school, youth centre or gym might already have dance gaming equipment or you could contact them and convince them to try it out. There are larger projects going on in Brittain and Finland to spread dance games to more places and you could be a part of making the future in your area.
Events and competitions
Player organizations and private enterprises arrange events and competitions for dance gamers around the world. There are small scale local competitions, larger regional championships and even European and World Championships. Other events include parties, weekend events with other rhythm games and activities and so on. The more players there are in an area, the better chances there are that some of them take the time to arrange an event or competition. These happenings also tend to cause more interested people taking up the hobby so it is always a good idea to put something up yourself if no one in your area is arranging events.