First time using DDR pad - tutoring for a true noob

[Empathy]

OK, so I got this DDR game pad for myself for Christmas. Big dreams, little ability. I have never, ever used one before, and I have no clue where to begin. I was able to actually get the software StepMania going, and the pad connects and I assume sends signals but I'm not sure. I was able to get songs downloaded also and installed correctly, yay! But I ran one song that says "novice" and everything still went by so fast I couldn't do anything but stare at it and feel hopeless. Then I moved around the pad some and I just saw "miss, miss, miss, miss, etc." I have NO CLUE what to do. Like, I have an idea I'm supposed to step on the arrows corresponding to the ones on the screen, but where do the arrows need to be on the screen for me to step on them? Is there any way to slow it down, like, way, way down, so I can get into the habit seeing what's coming up and finding the corresponding arrow on the pad?

In other words, are there any tutorials, or is there a setting where I can slow it down to crawling speed?

Please suggest some videos, songs, or settings where I can take my time and step until I get the hang of it.

Thanks!!!
Empathy

PS. This is the pad I have: Dance Dance Revolution Energy HD 1" Foam Deluxe Dance Pad for PS/ PS2/ Wii/ Xbox/ PC - DDR Game
PPS. Also, the foam puzzle pieces didn't fit all that neatly and there are some white sticky pads in the box. There were no assembly instructions so I assume the foam pieces will just fit better/adjust with time/use? Also, where should I put the sticky pieces... do they go inside to keep the foam stuck well to the arrows, at under the foam pieces but inside the encasing, or are they for the bottom of the encasing to keep it stuck to the floor? I told you I was a real noob. Thanks for any help!!

[Thumbsy]

[Empathy]

Ooh, thank you SO much. This is most likely all I will need to get going. I'm really happy you wrote, and in such detail! I have some work to do but in a couple hours I will be all over it. Thank you so much for telling me I need to even map those keys! No wonder I think I was stepping on the right ones but it wasn't registering. I will also check out the video and yeah, much more informed/ready now. I really appreciate it, I will let you know how I do. The song I was trying to dance to my first time by the way was the Numa Numa song since I'm Romanian and I can understand the lyrics. But I think it was fast :).