You want to start dancing. What’s holding you back?
I mean, you clicked on this because you want to start dancing.
You wanna tear it up on the dance floor, hold it down in a battle, look cool and be sexy, have fun and impress people... ALL THAT!
But you’re not quite sure how to start dancing.
Maybe the only way you think you can start dancing is by taking classes at a dance studio... but you're too insecure to take a class IRL (and you've never heard of STEEZY Studio – the best place to learn dance online 😉).
Or maybe you think you’re way too old to start a new hobby (which, you’re not – just read Why It’s Never Too Late To Start Dancing).
Or maybe you’re always “too busy” with school or work.
But we’re here to tell you something very, very important: There is nothing that makes you different or less capable than the great dancers you know.
The only thing that separates you from being a good dancer is… the act of dancing.
Once you dance, you’re a dancer. So start dancing! But starting to dance can be confusing because…
There is no single, “right” way to start dancing
Unlike technical styles like Ballet or Jazz, popular choreography and street styles don’t really have a set curriculum that’ll tell you exactly which techniques you need to start with.
In fact, older dancers didn’t even have access to studios or workshops when they first started dancing.
They just copied moves they saw in music videos or made up routines for their high school pep rallies.
So really, your way to start dancing can be as simple as playing some music and letting your body wiggle.
But since you’re probably looking to become a better dancer in a way that’s more efficient and planned out...
And now that you know you already have everything it takes to be a dancer…
Let’s talk about some ways to train.
How to start dancing
Taking dance classes
Going to a studio and taking a dance class is an great way to start dancing.
It’s much easier to start if you have a friend who is already into the dance scene that can introduce you to places. However, if you’re venturing into it solo – all good!
That's what the internet is for.
Do a Google or Yelp search using key words like "Dance classes in ____" or "Dance studios in _____" or "Dance classes in _____"
Once you have a list of nearby dance studios, go on their websites to see what kind of classes they offer.
Instagram is also a great tool for finding dance studios and dance classes!
Don’t have any dance studios in your area? STEEZY Studio offers over 1000+ classes in different styles, from the world’s best choreographers.
It’s a great way to get quality classes without driving 5 hours to get to the closest dance studio.
Which dance class should you take?
You should begin... With a beginner class! I mean, there are plenty of reasons Why Every Dancer Should Take A Beginner Dance Class, not just beginners.
But if you’re figuring out how to start dancing, any class with a “beginner-” prefix is a great starting point.
If you’re not sure which style you want to learn, then try everything. Really.
The most liberating part about being new to something is that you’re not restricted by any habits or boundaries.
In fact, many of the dancers dominating the choreography scene came from super diverse dance backgrounds – Breaking, Popping, Contemporary, Cultural dance styles, and more.
Whatever you choose, the main things to focus on in classes are: how your body feels and how you connect to the music.
Take class consistently – dancing is, after all, a skill, so you’re exercising new parts of your brain and body. Give yourself time to practice and build.
Take a dance class at least once a week!
Freestyle
Another way to start dancing that doesn’t require a studio (or any money) is to freestyle.
Not sure what this means? Read: How To Freestyle Dance
Even if you are taking classes, it’s a great idea to keep freestyling anyway.
When you get so caught up in the “correctness” or cleanliness of dancing, you end up restricting your natural style.
So put on a playlist of your favorite dance songs and let yourself improvise. Go to a bar or a club or get a group of your friends together to session.
You’ll learn a lot about your own body – what feels comfortable, how you react to certain sounds, and patterns of movement that you gravitate towards.
Get into the culture
If you love dance, then you probably love a lot of aspects of it, not just the act of it. So immerse yourself in the lifestyle and the community.
Watch dance videos, attend different dance events, hang out with other dancers, and most importantly, learn about its history.
Now get up...
Yes, the initial hump of being too intimidated, lazy, or confused about where to start...
That hump is hard to get over.
But trust us – once you take the first few steps, everything will snowball from there.
The more you learn, the better you get. And the more you do, the more dancer friends you'll make. And the more you try, the more fun and rewarding it will feel!
Basically, the more you love dance, the more dance will love you back. And you’ll grow so quickly as a dancer – without even realizing it.
And start dancing!
Once you use these tips on how to start dancing, your goals and desires will take more form as you continue.
Maybe you’ll find that you love choreographing, or find a team in your community that becomes your family.
Or maybe you just wanna freestyle all the time and start going to battles. Whatever you end up wanting to do, the first step is to start.
Bianca Vallar's beginner program on STEEZY Studio is the best starter pack for all beginners who wanna start learning right at home.
She teaches the basics of movement, from clapping on beat to basic grooves. If you’re starting from scratch, this is perfect place begin.
Stop wishing – make your move now.
