How to Dance at a Spring Formal

For some people, the most daunting part of a spring formal is the actual dancing. Even though no one there is likely to be a professional dancer, it's easy to feel intimidated. Learning a few dance moves will go a long way in helping you enjoy your night at the spring formal.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Assess your dance skills long before you go to the formal. If you have time, consider taking a hybrid dance course that includes elements of ballroom, modern and hip-hop dance.

2. Practice dancing along with your favorite music videos. Choose a video that isn't heavily choreographed because it will mimic a real-life dance more closely.

3. Move your body with the music. If you follow the beats with your feet and legs, you can easily fake dancing ability.

4. Talk to your dancing partner or your group of friends while you dance. If you do this, you can usually get away with a sway and call it dancing.

5. Learn to do the choreographed dances. Many formals will play old classics like "YMCA," "The Macarena" and "The Time Warp." Even if you don't know the steps to these dances in advance, people at dances are usually happy to teach you.

6. Ask someone for a slow dance. All you have to do is put your arms around her waist while she puts hers on your shoulders and sway. It's simple and will give you time to talk.

7. Jump! Lots of rock music is great music to jump to, but only do this to songs where it seems appropriate. If you can, get a whole group of dancers to jump with you.

8. Snap your fingers or clap your hands occasionally as you sway side to side. If you do this enough and in time with the music, you will loosen up and find other dance moves to try that you can do comfortably.

Tips & Warnings

• Less is more. If you don't feel like going all out, just stand and sway to the music. There will be plenty of other spring formal revelers doing the same.
• Don't dance with clenched fists. Tightening any part of your body while dancing will make you seem stiff and robotic. This only works if you are actually doing the dance known as The Robot.
• Avoid making large motions with arms that will draw unwanted attention to you on the dance floor. There are few good dance moves that involve flailing your arms, so settle for putting that energy into your feet instead.