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Step 1
Have fun! This game is not intended to make you look goofy. No one will laugh at you for playing on beginner mode. Don't worry if you're not breezing through each song. Even the most fumble-footed player improves with practice.
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Step 2
Play together! Bring a friend! It's always more fun to dance with a partner. This game is no exception! Plus, if you’re self-conscious, a partner helps you laugh at anything embarrassing.
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Step 3
Stretch! Like any workout, a good stretch beforehand can work wonders. Make sure to stretch your legs, and arms. Even though your legs do most of the work, your arms need to be loose, too!
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Step 4
Drink lots of water before you start! This reduces your soreness afterward. Staying hydrated keeps you playing longer, too.
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Step 5
Bring some nice shoes! Dancing with sandals is not just dangerous; it hurts! Find yourself a good pair of tennis shoes--something light with a shock-absorbing sole.
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Step 6
Find a game. Most arcades have a DDR machine of some kind. Or, you can purchase them for your PS2 or Xbox. For the home version, make sure you buy dance pads as well.
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Step 1
Start with beginner mode. If you're feeling lucky, try light mode.
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Step 2
Take note of the number of stars or feet next to a song. The more there are, the harder the song. Try not to start on a song with more than two stars/feet.
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Step 3
Stand on the pad with your feet placed on the left and right arrows. Sure, the guy on the screen is standing on the center of the pad; but don’t follow him. You’ll see why soon.
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Step 4
Choose a song and get ready to have fun!
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Step 5
Throughout the song, arrows move up the screen toward a corresponding arrow at the top of the screen. In beginner mode, they point either up, down, left or right.
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Step 6
Step on the appropriate arrows when they reach the ones at the top. Depending on your timing, you will receive a rating ranging from “boo” all the way to “perfect.” If the game tells you you're "perfect," keep doing what you’re doing! If it says "boo," keep trying. Adjust your timing to complement the song. All beginner and most light songs are timed quite well with the beat.
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Step 7
Jump when you see two arrows arriving simultaneously, pointing in opposite directions. For now, this will always mean a jump with your feet either on the left/right position or on the top/bottom position.
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Step 8
Keep your feet on the arrows! It's important to learn this quickly. If you take a step, bring your foot right back to the center. Otherwise, you'll loose valuable stepping time in light mode. It's perfectly acceptable to leave your foot on the arrow. It doesn't count against you! In fact, you have to do this on harder songs!
Comments
LegendaryN8 said
on 12/20/2008 Good article! Anyone reading this article just remember to keep the bass beat of the song in your head - this will help you time the arrows well!
-N8
http://beatspace.wordpress.com
Icaterus said
on 6/23/2007 Probably the best way to train for DDR is to play with someone who can pass more difficult songs. Tag along with a skilled friend or just jump on and play when a better player steps up.
The game won't be over if at least one of you passes. So be sure to pick songs that you can't quite pass yet but the other player can.
...OK that's all my advice lol.
Icaterus said
on 6/23/2007 The trick to DDR is to listen to the music and follow the beat.
I know it sounds completely obvious, but most players won't even pay attention until they're reaching the advanced skill levels...
The arrows at the top of the screen flash to the beat. So don't worry if you can't recognize a beat by ear alone.
Learn to touch your feet down on the beat and you'll get a lot more prefect scores on arrows.
Icaterus said
on 6/23/2007 My advice for someone just starting DDR is to learn to use alternating feet ie left, right, left, right and so on.
Later on heavy you'll hit two arrows in a row with one foot, actually it depends on your play style and if you spin etc. But right at the start, learning to alternate feet right will make it easier to progress up the songs.