How to Dance

How many times have you been to a club and felt utterly lost because you can't dance? This situation becomes especially tough if you are with a group of people who enjoy dancing or if your date is really into dancing. Not just that, dancing is a fantastic way to keep your body in shape and to relieve some stress. If you think that you have two left feet, the following steps will help you learn how to dance.

Instructions

1. Move your body to the music. Focus on the music and sway to the beat.

2. Dance with a partner. Follow the lead of your partner and imitate his or her steps and body movements.

3. Follow the rhythm of the song. Move your body faster when dancing on peppy numbers and slower with slow music. In case you are dancing with a partner, coordinate your steps with your partner's movements so that you do not look out of place.

4. Stick to basic movements such as swaying, moving from side to side, gently tapping along the beats, and moving your body more than your feet.

5. Sing along with the song you are dancing to. This will help you understand the rhythm and get more familiar with the song.

6. Enjoy yourself and keep a smile on your face while dancing. This will make you, your dance partner and your friends comfortable.

7. Learn a particular form of dance like salsa, jive or hip-hop depending on the kind of music you like. Join a dance class in your neighborhood and find out what options they offer for beginners.

8. Practice in front of a mirror or in front of someone you are comfortable with to learn about the flaws in your moves.

9. Search online and find out about online dance instructions, videos and other guides that can help you with specific forms of dancing (see Resources below).

10. Purchase books or instructional videos from your neighborhood bookstore or buy them online and teach yourself how to dance.

11. Have fun.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your limbs loose and your movement fluid. Relax your muscles and do not get too nervous. Dancing is about having fun. You do not have to be a perfect dancer to have a good time.

• Maintain eye contact when dancing with a partner. However, do not stare too much or you will come across as too intense. Look at the DJ, at other people on the dance floor and just generally soak in the atmosphere.

• Do not draw attention to yourself by making exaggerated movements such as clapping loudly, snapping too much, swaying your hands wildly or jumping. Also do not stare intently on the floor or clench your fists tightly.

Resources

• You can learn more about dancing at learntodance.com
• Find out about ballroom dancing from the Ballroom Dance Group