Dancing is one of the most enjoyable pastimes, hobbies, sports, and/or arts that you can participate in. It’s a wonderful way to tone your body, become graceful, and get in some fun exercise. Maybe you’re thinking that you could never become a dancer because you’re not athletic enough or fit enough. Nothing could be further from the truth! Almost anyone can learn how to dance in at least a nominally good way – and usually much, much better than that.
If you’re interested in trying out this whole dancing thing, then why not read through our tips for beginning dancers and see if dancing is the path for you? Below are six tips on how to dance for beginners and rookies:
1. Figure out what kind of dancing you would like to pursue
There are dozens and dozens of different dancing styles and methods able to be learned today – by you! But when you are first learning how to dance, it’s vital that you figure out exactly which type of dance discipline you would like to focus on first. Ballet? Ballroom dancing? Salsa? Tap? The options may seem overwhelming at first so it’s a good idea to experiment with a few different dancing styles until you find one or two that seem almost made for you.
If you really have no idea where to start, why not take a ballet lesson or two? Ballet may look and sound like an incredibly hard form of dance (and, trust us, when you reach the higher levels of ballet dance, it is difficult at times). The first few ballet positions are attainable by almost anyone – and they will help your body begin to stretch and accustom itself to the dancing lifestyle. So why not give ballet classes and lessons a try?
2. Let the music truly live inside you
Music is arguably the second most fundamental element of almost any type of dancing (the first element is YOU). In order to truly embrace dancing as one of your passions and really let your talent and creativity flow, you need to be in the right mindset. And to be in the right mindset, you need to allow the music to wash over you and carry you away to another place. A place where you can express yourself through dance and come wholly alive as you master even the most difficult steps.
As you embark on your dancing journey, take a couple moments each lesson to center and ground yourself within whatever music your dance instructor plays. Once you figure out your place within the music, you can adapt each of your movements, each of your dance moves, to fit the music’s mood. And your dancing will be all the stronger for it.
3. Practice self-confidence
If you want to learn how to dance properly, you will need to be in tune with your mind and body. And one way you can do that is to have confidence in yourself. You don’t need someone holding your hand as you learn how to dance. (Unless you’re taking a form of couple’s dance, of course!) You have the power and ability to dance beautifully, all by yourself.
When you make a mistake on the dance floor, don’t be discouraged. Have enough confidence in yourself to get back up and keep practicing. You will never learn if you doubt yourself and your abilities. So keep going, above all else!
4. Keep your eyes focused up and focused on you
When learning how to dance, especially when trying out a more difficult, complicated dance move, you may be tempted to watch your own feet constantly. Not only can this provide problems with your dancing form, but it also leads you to focus on your mistakes instead of on the joy that can be found through dancing (regardless of whether or not you dance perfectly).
As you face the wall mirror, focus on your whole body – not just your feet. Picture what you want to do in your mind’s eye and then watch yourself do it. You may not always be graceful, but you’ll be focused on the right things.
5. Make sure your back is straight
This piece of advice almost goes hand in hand with the one above, but it is somewhat different. As you learn how to dance, it’s advisable to almost focus more on correct posture than it is on getting the dance moves right.
You may have the bare technique down perfectly but it won’t look as good if your shoulders are slumped forward and your back is curved. Stand straight and tall as you practice and you’ll gain that professional way of moving in no time.
6. Don’t forget to have fun
Dancing is a lot of work. Even if you only focus on the simplest, easiest dance moves (and there’s nothing wrong with that!) you will probably have to practice extensively in order to do the steps and positions well. But in the middle of all that practice, don’t forget to take a deep breath, smile, and realize that dancing is actually supposed to be fun and enjoyable. Because it totally is.
