Everyone can dance. Yes, even you with the two left feet can bust a move when the need arises. Whether you did not have an interest in dancing up until now or just simply cannot get the hang of it, there is always a way to get your body moving the way you want it to. All it takes is a little bit of patience, some dedication, and several beginner tips to help you get started.
If you are just learning how to dance or about to start, here are some of the best tips to help you build your confidence and learn in the best way possible:
1. Sign up for a dance class
A beginner dance class is designed to help aspiring dancers learn the basics and build their confidence along the way. If you absolutely have no experience and need someone to help you, going to a reputable dance school is the best way to go. Moreover, you won’t feel shy because the people around you are also beginners, and you may find it more comfortable that way.
Sometimes, the most daunting part about dancing is doing it in front of other people. This way, you get to learn to dance alongside other people and will feel more and more comfortable dancing with others as time goes by. Apart from that, having an instructor to help guide you is also a great way to learn the basics faster than when learning on your own.
2. Watch tutorials online
If you’re not yet confident to dance in front of other people, learning from online videos is perfectly fine. Start with the basics and work your way up from there. There are countless dance tutorial videos on Youtube and other video streaming sites in different styles as well as various levels of difficulty. The best part? They’re free and you can watch them on your own time.
3. Dance in front of a mirror
You can’t exactly know how you’re doing if you can’t see it. Furthermore, dancing without a mirror tends to make people look at their feet, which is not a great way to learn choreography and feel the steps you’re making. So as much as possible, dance in front of a full-length mirror. If you don’t have one, try recording yourself and then watch how you did afterward (but it may be better to invest in a full-length mirror for this).
4. Feel the music first
Before you let your body start moving, you have to feel the music first. Listen to the track you want to dance to and get a feel for the rhythm. Become familiar with it. Let it seep into your bones. Then, when the music is pumping in your veins, start dancing to it. You’ll find it much easier to move your body when you have a good feel of the rhythm and melody of the song.
5. Practice, practice, practice
Whether you’re gearing up for a social event or just want to dance for fun, it’s important that you pour time into practice. Even it’s just half an hour every day, practicing will help you build your skills over time and make you more comfortable moving your body in a way that it has never moved before. It’s the same with learning an instrument; the more frequently you practice, the faster and better you will learn how.
6. Dance with a partner
Dancing with someone else can help you build better coordination because you have someone else’s body to be mindful of. Moreover, it is a great way to build rhythm since your movements have to be in sync. That said, find time to dance with a partner, even if they are not great dancers themselves. But if you know someone who has advanced dancing skills, practicing with them is a great way to learn and avoid common mistakes as a beginner.
7. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes
Mistakes are a natural part of any learning process. It can be frustrating or embarrassing to make mistakes while dancing, but these mistakes can help you become a better dancer. With enough time and patience, you will eventually get it right and be able to look at these mistakes as past learning opportunities. Sometimes, these mistakes can even become your strongest suit once you get the hang of them.
If you are a complete beginner, learning how to dance can be incredibly daunting. However, the first step is to set aside your fears and just start. Everyone, even the most talented dancers, started somewhere, and these tips can help you make your own journey in this art a lot easier.
