On the other side of ballroom dancing. Dancing as a sport: choosing the right direction

For various reasons, people who want to take up dancing do not want to do it in special schools. In the age of progress, you can learn to dance on your own, at home. Many women do not intend to become professionals, but strive to lose weight and maintain their figure. Dancing classes at home will help you achieve your goal.

How to learn modern dance at home

Many people are interested in the question of how to learn to dance on their own at home. Street dancing, break dancing, Latin and oriental dances are especially popular. Each direction has certain features that distinguish them from other styles. Decide what you want to dance and the method of teaching dance (video lessons or instructor).

Choose a dance direction

Among the variety of styles and trends, the following can be distinguished:

Latin American. The direction is very popular. Rumba, cha-cha-cha, salsa and bachata are highly active and look very impressive. The principles of dance are based on simplicity, openness and emotionality of movements.
Oriental (belly dancing) is suitable for girls and women of any age. The structure of the figure and complexion for this style do not matter. The dance movements are smooth and mysterious.
Club modern dances are created to be performed on the dance floors of discotheques. When dancing, you need to carefully monitor the rhythm so that your movements exactly match the music. TO club dancing relate:

hip-hop;
street jazz;
brakedance;
Go go;
funk.

National dances have gained great popularity. It is very interesting to join the culture through movements certain people. The most common are Irish, Indian dances, tango and flamenco.
Strip plastic is suitable not only for seducing men, but also for maintaining the shape of your body.
Ballroom dancing is useful for graduation, wedding or other special event. Beautiful, smooth execution adds sophistication and elegance to a person.
The famous ballet adds flexibility to a person not only while dancing. The grace inherent in ballerinas is also noticeable in everyday life. This style is very difficult for adults to learn, but you can borrow some connections.

You need to choose a direction for yourself in accordance with your musical preferences. If you don't like music, you won't be able to practice for long and won't get high-quality results. Character plays an important role when choosing a dance. If you are a modest person, choose a style with smooth movements; if you are an active person, choose a style with rhythmic ones.

Create a training schedule

When learning to dance, it is important to make your workload systematic. Creating a training schedule will help with this. At home it is more difficult to fight laziness, because the dance school requires payment, so the motivation to dance is more developed. It’s much easier to skip training on your own or with a guest teacher. Remember that you will learn to dance really beautifully only with discipline. The dance schedule can be whatever is convenient for you. The most common frequency is 2-3 times a week.

Types of homeschooling

You need to choose a way to learn dance according to your budget and required quality training. You can easily learn how to dance modern dances at home for free using the Internet. By spending very little money, you can purchase full-fledged video lessons. If you want to study more seriously and are willing to pay a lot, invite a private instructor.

Dance tutorials

Video lessons are suitable for teaching how to learn to dance at home. It is also useful to read books to get a feel for the atmosphere and history of your chosen destination. In mastering dance on your own using training materials, you need to follow the following steps:

To start classes, you need to find videos with detailed lessons. You can find them on the Internet on the websites dance schools, V in social networks or on video. The problem is that it is almost impossible to get a full course online, since they are posted for informational purposes to attract clients. If you want to fully master the desired style, purchase discs in the store.
When the manual has been purchased, create a study area in the apartment. You will need a large space and a mirror so you can monitor your movements.
Training should be carried out several times a week, mastering 2 classes at a time. First, repeat the movements after the instructor on the video, then try it yourself.

Private lessons at home

If you want to avoid going to school, but want to study with a teacher, you can hire a specialist privately. Please note that his services will cost you a lot, but the teacher will help you work on every movement and not miss training. If you decide to go this route, follow the instructions:

Check out the list of dance schools in your city. This can be done using the Internet.
Carefully read the reviews of those who study at this school regarding the teachers. If you cannot find the information, contact one of the students with this question.
When the teacher you need is found, take his phone number and call. During the conversation, find out about the price of classes and when you can meet.
When you meet, discuss the frequency of training and its duration. Find out what equipment you'll need for your workout.

What dance can you learn at home?

Today, stores and online portals offer many lessons. They will help you learn to dance Lezginka at home, oriental, Latin dances, and master modern styles. For those who want to travel back in time, classical and folk elements are suitable. A training video can be found for any style or direction you like.

Twerking for Beginners

How to learn to twerk at home:

Place your feet shoulder-width apart so that your toes are directly under your knees. Then do a deep squat and place your hands on your hips.
Start practicing your movements. To do this, put thumbs hands on the tailbone and push it forward.
To straighten your hips back, do the same with your hip bones.
When the main ligament begins to form, place your hands on your knees. The wrist area should be facing outward. Gradually increase the pace of movements.

How to dance hip hop at home

To learn hip-hop at home, you need to master several basic elements:

Fundamental movements in dance: steps (steps) and swing. First, extend your right arm up, and put your lower limb to the side so that your toe points to the right. Bend your leg and shift your body weight onto it. Lower your raised arm so that it is level with your shoulder. Turn your body in left side, place your right foot on your toes and bend your left. Make a sharp movement, lowering yourself to your right knee, while rounding your back. Try to reach the floor with your hands, then straighten up.
Turn your toes to the left, knees bent, support should be on your full foot. Place your hands with your fingers apart on your chest so that your elbows are parallel to the floor. Make a pressing movement with your hands, push your pelvis forward, round your back. Straighten your back, turning to the side, your arms should slide along your body to your waist. With the next movement, tighten your gluteal muscles, lift your pelvic area up, and round your back.

Oriental dance lessons at home

How to learn to dance oriental dances at home:

It's best to learn with an instructor or through video tutorials, but you can learn the basics on your own. Start your workout by slowly moving your hips in different directions, keeping the top part housings.
Continue moving your pelvis back and forth, gradually increasing the pace. Then try connecting the elements.
To make the dance look more impressive, put one leg forward and let your body make movements in the form of a figure eight, circle or arc. Leaning on your leg, try to make a wave, using your chest and stomach.

How to learn to dance the waltz on your own

Waltz – couples dance. You can master it well only with a partner. You need to move in space counterclockwise, circling in the opposite direction. Each element must be performed to a clear rhythm that is easy to follow by counting to three. The man's left hand should be placed on the partner's waist, with the other he takes her hand. When your movements around the square become confident, start trying to dance in a circle.

Lezginka video lessons for men

This chapter describes leading and following. Before moving on to a discussion of these important topics, it is necessary to define the terms used in the following...

The terms "leader" and "follower" do not necessarily correspond to a man and a woman, although in most cases they do. These terms are quite politically correct, but in the process of reading the paragraphs of this book you may come across the following synonyms: “partner and partner”, “gentleman and lady” and, perhaps, expressions close to them in context.

Some terms may not be entirely appropriate for you, but what can you do - social dancing is generally far from political correctness.

About leading and following

“If you don’t lead me,” my sister said, “I don’t move.” Fifteen years later, I still remember her words. During this time, I grew significantly in many of the social dances that I first learned through her, but two things she emphasized that still stick with me many years later... “If you don't lead me, I don't move!” » and “Don’t dance me into the furniture!”

The leading and following that takes place between two people on the dance floor can be analyzed down to the smallest detail and is perhaps the most complex shape communication that can exist between two representatives of the human race... At the highest and well-developed level, this communication excites and gives an immensely pleasant sensation to the dancing couple. Leading and following are skills that require a clear mind, good cognitive abilities such as learning ability, recognition of movement patterns and non-verbal communication. When you watch a pair of champions in the Jack-n-Jill category, you feel that you are creating improvisation, which is a vibrant part of the art of dance.

There are many misconceptions about leading and following, expressed by both partners and partners. Less trained dancers sometimes think that their partner is only capable of limping on her own and the partner should bend her dance figure as he pleases. This is a big mistake. Even if some people can initial stage learning social dances to endure this situation, this cannot last long - it is too hard for a man and too painful for a woman. The partner cannot control the placement of every part of the partner's body. A partner without good posture, correct position of the body and legs, and lacking tone in the arms is simply not able to behave. A partner without the same abilities will not be able to lead, since the partner will not be able to recognize the leading signals from the noise (and it may simply be physically impossible for her to do the required dance figure due to the obstacle of the partner). Driving should not be tiring, it is only exhausting when the partner is not being led. Driving is not tugging and pushing. This is a message of intent. Dance is an art form that does not require athletic skill.

Good leading/following is like a heart-to-heart conversation - you don't need to yell, you just need to speak quietly. As the dancers level up, all they need to do is whisper. Driving should not be regarded as “pulling and pushing.” Although some weak partners often say, “If I dance with a strong partner, I can be led,” they will need someone with the strength of Arnold Schwarzenegger in his prime, and then after a good warm-up, to lead them around the dance floor. Similar suffering awaits the partner who gets a partner who has a vague idea of what leading is and cannot move to the rhythm of the music and has no idea what kind of torture he is subjecting his partner to. The partner's job is not to drag his partner all over the dance floor, nor is the partner's job to hang on to his partner or drag him around like a sack of potatoes. Leading and following is a dynamic process that requires partners to make large investments on each side. It is definitely possible to guide your partner through very intricate steps that she doesn't even know about, without significant force. This may not be within the capabilities of most men. However, if a partner wants women to compete with each other, just to get a lucky chance to dance with him, this is the first thing that must be learned. Skill, not strength, is what should be chosen.

A partner who claims that he can treat any partner well does not create a good reputation for his colleagues. Partners who claim that they can follow any lead also tarnish the reputation of truly well-behaved hookers. Experienced dancers will never say this because it is a lie. John Wood couldn't have become world champion with just any woman - Anne Lewis contributed to every little part of their success. To say that all a woman needs is a good leading partner is like taking away most of the credit from talented partners. It also places too much responsibility on men - it assumes that all mistakes are their fault. Sometimes partners say: “I’m just being fooled...”. This presents following as the simplest thing to do, which is usually not the case.

Partnership skills are vital to good dancing. It is very difficult to practice partnership skills when the couple trains on their own, since partnership is the most complex element training and may take many years to achieve perfection. Partnership does not mean “learning dance cues.” Partnership involves understanding how to make two individuals one, moving around a common center. In preparation for competition, dancers must work hard to improve their partnering skills, which is much more difficult for couples who are accustomed to “using each other” than for those formed from complete strangers. For example, when I'm training, working on my technique, the slightest change (such as a momentary delay in changing weight) completely throws my partner off. She starts complaining that I don't feel right, or she interprets the changes as leading to some other movement that I didn't intend. However, the same technique works great with other smart partners, with whom I often dance. Obviously, a long-term partner gets so used to his other half that any improvement or change is very difficult to accept. (I heard similar statements from Jim Maranto - US champion in ballroom dancing about his partner/wife).

Even sports routines are carried out. Every athlete trained to “dance your part and let your partner dance her part, no leading required,” was taught incorrectly. The judges notice the differences between couples with a real "connection", leading/following, and couples who are simply moving according to their pattern. One of the athletes wrote: “Ballroom, like social dancing, depends on leading and following, even during competition. My partner and I are standard ballroom dancing We have several pre-choreographed sequences that we use during competitions, but I still depend on his guidance to clearly know what we are doing, where we are moving, what timing he is using now, and what his mood, expression, is at the moment . Another athlete wrote: “Leading is definitely necessary, even in Latin sports where the routines are choreographed to the root. My partner and I spend countless hours practicing the little things, but that's only one aspect of the dance. Good leading and following is critical to Latin American dances, both for control and balance, and simply because good leading and following is a thousand times more enjoyable for both partners.” Even without dancing with anyone, you can see the difference between athletes who cannot lead or follow. Just watch how couples move in relation to others on the dance floor. Because they dance their own patterns, they have not developed or practiced the process of leading and following (which is necessary for the "dance floor feel" vital to avoiding obstacles and unexpected intrusions into the dance line). Even while performing a routine, there are still times when you need to unpredictably change direction or completely redo the routine because other couples are also dancing. Competition is not a place where leading and following should be absent. Even in Latin dances, and even if the couple knows their routine, the partner must lead. Most steps performed during dance competitions require special attention to leading and following. You can see this side of athletic couples who dance without any apparent effort, and this is due to the fact that leading and following is carried out.

Here's another side of good dancing, where leading and following occurs even when the couple is dancing side by side and not touching. This is not typical guidance; it is carried out by changing the posture of the body and fixing it with the eyes. During side-by-side dancing, the partner monitors the couples' movements and possible collisions and may adjust or completely change the routine accordingly.

In the Jack-n-Jill category, when you are performing with a regular partner, you can look quite modest, since the judging is heavily focused on determining leading/following. It is often noticeable when regular partners do a routine without leading/following. It is quite noticeable that the couple is doing a routine without the use of leading: they take synchronized steps, but they look like individuals, not like a couple. I often test my regular partner by changing our routine as we go. When there are other couples on the dance floor, you never know what can happen. You may need to avoid a collision, or someone will simply forget which piece is next...

Partners, to truly lead, you must know your partner's movements for each figure you lead her through. Leading and following are very different skills, and following in its smallest part is as difficult as leading. Recognizing dance figures in a noisy, moving environment is a very confusing task, which is equivalent to transferring a figure during dribbling. Of course, there is one thing that only the lead partner can do - “feeling the dance floor”. The leader is responsible for avoiding collisions, and this is a very difficult task, especially on a crowded dance floor and couples moving in different directions at different speeds. The partner has to do many things at the same time: listen to music, decide what to do to it, think about his own movements as well as the movements of his partner, monitor the movements of other couples... (this is not yet full list). And what's especially bad is when a partner starts his dance career, he needs to learn how to do it all at the same time. Naturally, the partner must also perform many actions, but the partner must not only perform, but also initiate them. In addition, there are many variations, differing only the smallest details execution, and the partner needs to take care of these details in order to clearly indicate which movement is required to be performed. And, of course, as a professional, he will maintain a casual conversation in a foreign language while leading dance figures of the highest complexity! :)

Following skills are just as important as leading skills. The dance is much more enjoyable when the partner gives only gentle, not strong, guidance to his partner, determining what he wants, and she perceives these body movements as guidance. For this to work, the lady must be sensitive and responsive to the sensations of leading, and not imagine that her partner must literally carry her through the dance. Following skill is greatly underrated. No matter how much I try to teach beginners to lead and follow, I always encounter hard time, when it was necessary to hammer home that dancing is a partnership - everyone in the pair must do their part of the work, otherwise everything will fail.

Leading/following represents one way of communication (partner to partner), but truly good dancers on both sides put different forces into the dance in different time. And even if the partner (usually) controls the direction, timing and choreography, he should be aware of the partner's actions (how far away she is, whether she has finished the movement on her line, whether her weight is on right leg to make a turn, and much more). This is vital, the woman follows, but the man must lead and follow, that is, the partner must know what the partner is doing and compensate.

The partner exercising creative control requires pattern-based thinking, with a descriptive frame that includes the dance floor, the space occupied by the couple, spatial relationships, and communication patterns between the two dancers. It appears that partners engage most in the latter component of the descriptive frame, that is, they respond to communication patterns. Following is more fun than leading because the follower (a) has much less room to move and (b) doesn't know what's coming next, so each dance becomes a "mysterious magical journey." Some partners note that the best part of following is being guided through shapes and steps that were previously unknown to her. When the lead is done well, a good partner will perform movements that are completely unexpected and unpredictable and with great pleasure.

Some partners complain about how difficult it is to perform the same repertoire of movements over and over again throughout the evening. They note that their partners have more fun because they dance different dances all evening. However, one of the partners wrote: “A good leader will never dance the same thing with every partner. The path to this lies through changing the set of movements from one partner to another. When I dance with a beginner, it is difficult to distinguish me from a good beginner. When I dance with one of the champions (who I feel comfortable with), you can see a big difference. And, moreover, if you see me dancing with someone I have known well from dancing for years, it will also look different.”

In addition to studying the figures, the first priority should be to analyze the possibilities they provide for both the partner and the partner. There should be no mechanical execution of movements. Awareness of possibilities adds new horizons for the partner, who must have the entire menu in her head possible movements at every point, not just the one that is usually used. Since the partner does not know what movement she will be led to next, she needs to be prepared for anything, and very quickly react to the situation and the signals received, aimed at ensuring that the action is performed without any additional discussions. This skill is, in some ways, very close to the spatial or “pattern-based” thinking of partners like “dance floor sense.”

What can be led and followed

One of the aspects of leading and following is what can be led and who can follow it. Some newbie students dance once a month at best and are more likely to learn to take lessons than to dance. However, these people are still in a better situation than those who dance once a month without lessons in between. One local teacher (Michael Gillon) identifies three categories of dance lead patterns:

Ones that everyone can follow (even someone off the street)
Those that can be followed by a follower who is familiar with the dance style, but does not know this pattern
Those for which knowledge of a given figure is necessary in order to follow

It is important to separate the figures for leading different level partners, since you will break your partner's heart and burn yourself with shame if you try to perform a type 3 figure with a type 1 follower.

One of my teachers gave me some great advice for dancing with less trained partners:

Adapt to their lesser skills in a way that makes your partners look good and doesn't minimize your dancing technique.
Keep an eye on your partner's balance at all times, since a partner who is out of balance can overwhelm the whole couple. If such a feeling of imbalance occurs during dance, it is necessary to give more support on your part.
It is thoughtless to adapt your dancing style to suit a less experienced partner. At the same time, the dance becomes very challenging task compared to conventional management.
Create situations in which the lady cannot doubt your intentions - limit her choices.

Previously, I thought that in ballroom dancing there is little need for leading, since the partner is already ready for each next step, but this is not correct. If you are competing, you need to lead your partner well. She is possibly (most likely) a better social dancer, and because of this she makes better job with poor management. My partner and I agree that social dancing is a real test of your technique and professionalism. And, at the same time, just because I will not be able to perform some figures with any partner in social dances, we will not refuse them when performing the routine. When I get stuck in the thought of “I want to teach anyone” during classes, we cannot grow quickly as partners.

I think that dance skills can be divided into four levels:

Basic concepts (opportunity to lead a professional dance instructor)
Understanding (being able to guide a good amateur who also knows the steps)
Good understanding (ability to lead an amateur who doesn't necessarily know the steps but is a good dancer)
Master (the ability to lead almost any partner)

It's funny that I have the most success when I dance with people who haven't danced swing or Viennese waltz before. The swing is quite flexible to allow you to maintain tight control over what the lady does. The Viennese waltz is too fast for a lady to have time to make a mistake. However, in slower dances, where the partner has time to think and do what she thinks is right (instead of moving naturally), it is very difficult to lead a beginner in the right direction.

Mario Robau surprised me by saying that he would gladly give his two US Open trophies to dance well with any woman off the dance floor. One of the most difficult skills is the ability to dance well with any partner. It requires not only adapting your leading/following to your partner's style, but also adjusting your set of movements to your partner's capabilities. Mario told me that when he dances with a woman for the first time, he takes her through "test" figures, simple movements, which she can follow, but which show her ability to lead. After that, he selects only those movements that she can definitely follow. A novice partner will never suffer from dancing with Mario; he will always make her look good (as well as himself).

One of the common mistakes leaders make is trying to guide an inexperienced follower through complex movements. Experienced dancers should start simple, and work on more intricate movements when the new social dancer is ready for them. When you try to show off a fancy move you learned in the last workshop and your partner can't pull it off, you both look terrible... When you do the simplest moves with elegance and confidence and your partner is happy and in the groove, you both look fabulous. If your partner loses her rhythm on a change, it's very likely that she won't get into the rhythm on the next move, so make sure she's on the right foot before continuing the dance.

How partners can help new partners

Beginning partners need a lot of help. AND the best way To help your partner is to follow his guidance, even if it is not correct, as opposed to compensating for his bad conduct.

Proper follow-through gives partners the right feedback. By feedback I don’t mean verbal criticism, but direct feedback in the form of: “What will happen if I press this button?”

If the partner does not lead or leads something else instead of what he intended to lead, the partner must not compensate for the mistake and do the figure to which she is led, she must not do anything more than what the leading indicates. In this case, the partner clearly sees the result of his conduct. If the partner compensates, she takes away the cause-and-effect feedback effect from the partner, and he will never be able to behave correctly.

It is dangerous to try to teach or be critical of yourself. Unless you are a teacher, of course, who knows what he is doing. If you just follow the lead, you don't criticize.

The fundamental question raised here is “how can dancers be most helpful to their partners?” I hope that common understanding can be achieved if everyone leads or follows to the best of their ability.

One of the most difficult problems for beginner partners, from tango to Lindy Hop, is that they don't follow through. They do not dance with their partners, but often watch instructors and other couples, but just as easily ignore their partners.

It is very difficult to lead someone whose body is twisted towards other couples or her feet. Sometimes I ask beginning dancers to provide verbal feedback about what is happening. If my partner doesn't even try to follow my lead exactly to the best of her ability, I won't compensate for any mistakes she might make and can concentrate more on my own dancing.

On the importance of dancing with beginners

There is no doubt that dancing with the best partner makes you look good, and that with such a partner you can concentrate on details, style and the like, simply because leading and following does not require much attention. At the same time, this is far from the best way to train leading/following skills. If a learning leader only dances with an excellent follower (or a novice partner dances with an experienced partner), they will not be able to develop good leading and following skills because they do not need it. A similar situation also exists when superior partners dance only with partners of their own level. Leading/following skills gradually degrade because they are not worked on much. After several months without the influence of beginners, you may be surprised that you cannot dance well with them, even if they perform quite well among beginners.

Learn how to dance by dancing better with more experienced partners. However, it is best to learn to lead/follow by dancing with less experienced dancers. Your skills will grow much faster when dancing with beginners compared to dancing with experienced partners. It's easy to lead/follow with the best dancer, all your weaknesses as a leader/follower are exposed when dancing with beginners. Dance with beginners and ask yourself why each poorly followed/followed movement doesn't work, and when you identify these mistakes, you will need to correct a lot of things in your dancing!

You cannot become a good dancer if you dance with only one partner. In this situation, you will learn to dance well only with each other, and all mistakes and bad habits your partner will become acceptable and unnoticed to you.

There is a special type of leader that you come across again and again if you dance long enough: guys who only want to dance with the best followers because they believe that only such partners can match them. high level skills. This usually happens because only the best partners will be able to compensate for their mistakes or individual dance characteristics. Good partners make these guys look good even though their leadership is mediocre, but these leaders continue to think they are the best because they isolate themselves from feedback. Best check the real state of affairs is to dance with a much less experienced partner. If no one but your best partners can follow your lead, I will politely suggest that you work on your leading skill. This type of thinking among leaders greatly harms their dancing. I've seen guys overestimate their capabilities and stop working on a technique too early. As a result, they need a lot of time to improve their leading skills.

There is no great chance that you will be invited to a social ball; you are much more likely to end up at a club or at a party of friends in another democratic setting.

The ability to dance will come in handy everywhere. Having mastered the technique, you will feel confident, increase self-esteem, improve your posture and figure, change internally, and feel incomparable pleasure. Find out which modern dances for girls are most popular and where to learn fashionable ones dance moves.

Dance as a useful hobby

Control of one's body in dance is given to almost all people, but many are prevented from realizing themselves by excessive modesty. If you are shy in company and refuse men who invite you to dance, restructure yourself internally. Especially modest girls can try to learn how to dance modern dances at home by turning on their favorite music and improvising in front of a mirror.

This hobby is suitable for women of all ages, weights and body types. Don't be shy if you have a non-standard figure, curvy hips, big breasts or protruding tummy.

Dancing is good not only for your mood and beauty, but also for good health. Thanks to dance movements, blood flow increases, lung function improves, and the heart strengthens. After regular exercise, posture improves, coordination of movements and the functioning of the vestibular apparatus are normalized.

For every girl and woman there is a suitable type of modern dance, in which it is easy to turn disadvantages into advantages. By dancing regularly, girls become more feminine, their gait and facial movements change. Choreography teaches the art of seduction and coquetry, playfulness and a confident look. At the same time, dancers know how to keep their distance and are never toys in the hands of a man.

Where to learn to dance quickly and beautifully

Eat two ways to learn to dance– independently and under the guidance of a teacher. The first option is ideal for those who once studied choreography, but now just want to master a new style. The second guarantees success for everyone.

Homeschooling and its features

For self-study Girls can use video lessons on modern dance, read books on choreography, watch films, study theory in magazines.

It is important not to neglect the recommendations of the virtual choreographer, but to strictly follow them. Even more important is to find good courses and self-study materials. It’s better to choose a few, and only then weed out the extra ones, understanding the nuances.

To begin with, of course, you can do without a suit, but a suit helps you get in the right mood and immediately accustoms you to movements taking into account clothing. You definitely need suitable music; training lessons and a description of the dance will help you choose it.

For beginners, it is better to choose directions in which improvisation is allowed. As a rule, these are “originals” from street styles; they do not require special preparation, costumes or a partner. Having mastered the technique of free dance styles, you will feel confident on the dance floor.

More difficult to master classic styles, in which you need to learn the position of the body, head, arms, basic positions and steps. Such areas require classes with a teacher at home or at school.

Training in schools and studios

If you are used to taking everything seriously and want to be not only a participant, but also the central link of the dance floor, then it is better to enroll in a modern dance school.

Advantages of studying in the studio:

Experienced teachers in good schools– professional choreographers.
No need to think about where to find a partner or team for pairs and group dances.
Professional dance hall with mirrors, the right music.
A special atmosphere and new friends with similar interests.
For girls, this is an opportunity to find a partner not only for a waltz, but for life.

To find out what services such schools provide, we called the studio Fashion Dance, working in Moscow, and asked a few questions.

What dance styles can you teach a beginner?

We have a lot of styles, ranging from waltz and tango, including ballroom and modern, fashionable Latin American and oriental dances, to go-go and erotic styles for special occasions.

So what, you can teach any girl to dance?

For each client we find the most suitable style for him, taking into account personal data and wishes. There are no people who do not know how to dance, this is given to man by nature, the main thing is to open up correctly.

What wishes do people come to you with most often?

The most popular destination among young men and women young girls– modern dances, older women want to learn belly dancing, and ladies who have free time in retirement are drawn to the waltz.

The global problem of modern youth is wedding. We have opened a course especially for newlyweds pre-wedding preparation, in which we stage a dance of the bride and groom, father and daughter, friends and girlfriends.

What do you need to start training and how much does it cost?

First you need to come to us and express your wishes. We help you navigate names and styles, and together we select a group and teacher. Everything else is individual, including prices. We have a lot of discount programs. Better go to the dance school website Fashion Dance, and if it’s not clear, call us, we’ll be happy to tell you everything!

Types of modern dances for beginners

It is easiest for beginners to master modern dance styles, which do not have clear rules of choreography. Small flaws here are practically unnoticeable; they are taken for improvisation and the girl’s personal highlights.

Free dance - the choice of dreamers

Free dance, also known as rhythmic or plastic dance, appeared at the beginning of the last century. The basis of this dance style is ballet, diluted with free movements from ordinary life. The main essence of this direction is emancipation, energy, interaction with the environment.

IN free dancing under modern music improvisation, spontaneity, and creativity are encouraged. Perhaps this the best choice for beginners, since there are no strict rules of choreography and technique, but there is the possibility of self-expression.

Girls can perform free dances either alone or in pairs with a man. The absence of strict boundaries is a guarantee that you will not look like a bad dancer, because everyone can come up with their own moves.

Modernity as the choice of the free

Modernism arose against the backdrop of the denial of traditional ballet techniques. His credo is the rejection of canons and conventions, the embodiment new choreography. Modernity came to modern girls from the twentieth century. One of the founders of the movement was Isadora Duncan. Another dancer who contributed to the development and popularity of the style is Mary Wigman, who abandoned traditional beautiful movements in favor of unusual and even shocking ones.

Modern dance is danced barefoot, its main choreographer is nature. The technique cannot be called complex; the main component of success is the dancer’s emotionality. Sensuality in every movement is a guarantee of your own pleasure and the delight of others.

Electro - youth direction

Electro is one of the most popular destinations on the list modern dance for girls, accessible for beginners. Essentially this is street dance, born in the middle of the last century to club music. Electro dance more with your hands than the body, so it is ideal for beginner dancers and people with poor physical fitness.

There are two directions:

Milky Way - calm movements, somewhat similar to the performance of an actor on stage. Each dancer's appearance - small performance with a beginning and an ending. It is better to start learning to dance electro with this type, then moving on to a more complex direction.
Electro – active movements that smoothly transform into each other at high speed. The main thing here is to feel the music and understand what they are singing about in the song, so that the movements do not contradict the meaning.

Tectonics – dynamics and energy

Tectonic is another modern dance direction for girls and boys. Tectonic combines dance elements of techno, hip-hop, popping, and locking. True fans adhere to a certain style of clothing - skinny jeans, tight T-shirts, basketball-style sneakers. They are distinguished by futuristic hairstyles with gothic elements.

However, there are no strict requirements; you can dance tectonics in any clothes and with any hairstyle. Not only tight-fitting, but also loose clothing is allowed - hoodies, shorts, tops. Best suited for movement flat shoes.

It is customary to distinguish two groups of tectonics – hard and soft. Each group includes several types of dance. It is difficult to learn dance elements on your own; it is better to do it in a group or with a teacher.

Breakdancing is a favorite of the flexible ones

Breakdancing is a dance for modern girls, skilled in acrobatics, which originated in the seventies of the last century. Breakdancing literally hit the masses with a wave in 1984 after the release of the film Beat Street. They began to dance it at discos, clubs and even at school parties.

Break is divided into two large groups– lower and upper:

The top break is similar to a popular disco dance. It is characterized by sharp clutching movements of the arms, legs and the whole body. The top break group includes many stylistic trends.
Lower breakdancing is more complex and filled with acrobatic tricks. It is danced on the floor and requires physical fitness and strength to hold the body up. This type of modern dance is more suitable for boys than girls.

Break clothes need to be as comfortable and convenient as possible. Girls - b-girls, breakdancing in beautiful sportswear famous brands to look stylish and attractive. WITH short hair no problem, but for the owners long hair care must be taken that hair does not interfere with movements.

Hip-Hop – mischievous and rhythmic

Hip-Hop originated among the working class of New York in the mid-seventies. Within a few years he became part of youth culture in many countries. In the late nineties, Hip-Hop turned out to be a full-fledged component music industry. Nowadays, this trend is highlighted as a fashionable subculture, it is popular style which has become a lifestyle for some.

Hip-hop dances to rhythmic music, including rap. The rhythm, as a rule, is set by DJs, and dancers need to have time to hear the music and think through movements to it.

Contempo - flight of the soul

Contempo successfully combines several dance styles. It attracts girls with its simplicity of movements and the ability to improvise. The founders of contemporary dance, including Isadora Duncan, did everything so that everyone could master this dance.

Contempo training should begin with the preparation of muscles, joints and ligaments. The essence is alternating tense muscles with sharp relaxation. Contempo is built on the contrast of falls and rises, characterizing contradiction and balance. It is better to dance barefoot, so that nothing interferes with freedom.

Hakka - the choice of modern girls

Hakka appeared in the eighties of the twentieth century, thanks to the hardcore musical direction. The energetic movements of this distinctively named modern dance are driven by the bass beats of heavy rock. This is one of the most emotional dance styles, requiring endurance and athletic training from girls.

During training, you can even lose weight, as a lot of energy is spent and calories are burned. Hakka strengthens the leg muscles, pumps up the thighs and makes the lower body more toned and slender.

At the same time, Hakku is easy for beginners to learn; it has few basic elements, and everything else is improvisation that fits within the framework of the style.

Go-Go - for disco stars

Go-Go originated in the mid-sixties of the last century; initially it was one of the ways to entertain visitors in entertainment venues, festivals, clubs, and discos. Go-Go came to Russia only in the nineties; it was actively used not only in clubs and discos, but also to attract attention to any public events.

There is no need to consider Go-Go as something obscene, a dancing woman is always remains inaccessible. In the early days of Go-Go, dancers were even hung in cages so that men would not even think about approaching them.

The ability to dance Go-Go is necessary for self-confident girls who love to attract attention and be in the center of events. Go-Go will be useful in a club or disco, it will teach you to catch the rhythm, control your warmth, play and improvise.

The best dance styles for women

For women who look at dance as a hobby and one of the opportunities for self-realization, there are many modern trends. You need to start from your existing skills and initial physical training. Gradually, the bar can be raised, moving on to more complex styles.

Oriental and Indian dances for beginners

Oriental charm will never go out of fashion, because the spirit of the East leaves no one indifferent. All are exclusively female, they are playful and light. Modern types are ideal for girls and women who cannot be classified as skinny - curvy shapes and even a protruding tummy are welcome. After just a few lessons, the plump girls forget about their complexes and present them as their advantages.

List of popular couple dances

Pair dancing, both ballroom and modern, helps girls quickly find mutual language with men, they are taught to be paired, dominate and submit, depending on the situation. For shy girls and women this The best way get rid of excessive modesty and awkwardness from a man’s touch.

The most popular modern couple dances:

Waltz is a slow one that does not lose popularity and is constantly evolving. The ability to dance a waltz is a sign of good form.
Tango is an ancient Argentine dance, which is still called modern. Today tango is divided into many types: Argentinean, Uruguayan, ballroom, Finnish and others.
Balboa - very close contact with the partner, the bodies should be pressed closely together so that there is no gap. There are not many movements, so this modern dance is great for beginners.
Rock and roll is a rhythmic couple dance with relaxed movements. Rock and roll requires acrobatic skills and long training, it is better to train with one partner, as it requires a lot of support during fast pace.
Flamenco is a vibrant cocktail of Moroccan, Spanish and gypsy motifs, full of improvisation and mystery.
Paso Doble – dance style, which resembles a Spanish bullfight. The man plays a bullfighter, and the girl plays a cloak or mulet in the hands of a matador.
Rumba is a dramatic dance of love to the rhythms of African drums overlaid with clave rhythms. Modern rubma is divided into ballroom, Cuban, African and gypsy.

When choosing a dance, focus on initial training, posture, endurance, and the functioning of the vestibular apparatus. This doesn’t mean that you have to limit yourself to limits, you just need to start small. You may need to do or first, and only then move on to dance exercises.

The list and descriptions of modern dances were prepared with the participation of Fashion Dance Schools. Especially for the online magazine “Women’s Hobbies”.

Modern social dancing is not just a beautiful action, but also a hobby, useful physical activity and great wayпознакомиться. In this collection we want to tell you about the nine most popular social dances that anyone can learn.

1. Swing

Swing originated in the southern United States in the 1920s during the popularity of jazz - it was often danced to the compositions of Louis Armstrong. At that time, there were no original musical and dance styles in America, and jazz and swing, which grew out of it, became the first manifestations of the original American culture. It was first danced in Harlem, the first swing dance was called the Charleston and was performed without a partner - the dancers simply sharply kicked their legs out with their heels, which was reminiscent of traditional dances African peoples. Little by little, the Charleston transformed directly into swing: the figures became smoother, they danced in pairs - the partner held the partner’s hands.

Dynamic and beautiful swing danced in clubs all over the country, and own style was in almost every city. The figures and techniques of dancing changed over time, new trends gradually appeared: Lindy Hop, Bilboa, and much later - boogie-woogie and rock and roll.

Modern swing is characterized by very fast and smooth kicking, high plasticity and emotionality. The partner plays a “leading” role; he directs the movements of the partner, who is required to be sensitive and able to adapt to the partner. The dance is based mainly on improvisation - freedom of movement is not limited by practically anything except the jazz musical rhythm. The swing is usually rehearsed only before competitions.

There is a swing school in almost everyone big city peace. There are international competitions where the so-called “ballroom swing” is most often performed. It is characterized by clear, smooth, interconnected movements and a vibrant dance composition, as in the video below.

2. Argentine tango

Argentine tango first appeared in Argentina and Uruguay in the late 19th century. Oddly enough, it was danced in brothels and gambling establishments, where men spent their time searching for affordable entertainment, women and dubious romance.

The morals of that time were quite strict, so decent women could not even allow their partner to put his hand on their back - this was already considered reprehensible. Therefore, prostitutes were the first to dance tango. Tango was characterized by close embraces, intertwining legs, grabbing, stroking and flirtatious glances, all of which contained an overt hint of obscenity. Of course, women did not dance for free, and soon men began to get together and practice on their own.

Tango gained widespread popularity almost half a century after its inception. The young men taught dance, although less explicit, to their girlfriends and relatives. From Latin America, tango came to Europe, where it acquired its modern form.

Nowadays, dance is characterized by passion, close contact between partners, and fast movements. The main role is assigned to the woman - all complex figures such as throwing out legs, turns and steps fall to her lot, the partner for the most part only supports. Argentine tango is popular all over the world. Exists great amount styles, the most common of which are milonga, salon and liso. Improvisation plays a very important role in this dance. However, at international competitions held in all parts of the world, it is believed that a truly beautiful and professional dance must be rehearsed.

3. Viennese Waltz

Contrary to its name, the Viennese waltz did not appear in Vienna, but in Germany, and a very long time ago - the first mention of it dates back to the 12th century. It is believed that it was then that Bavarian peasants began to dance a similar dance. Later, the fashion moved to France - the appearance of the waltz was described in the Parisian newspaper La Patrie in 1559. Beautiful dance very soon gained popularity among the aristocracy - there are engravings and paintings depicting couples dancing the Viennese waltz, the most famous of which shows the young Queen of England Elizabeth I flying above the floor in the arms of the Earl of Lancaster.

The main difference between the Viennese waltz and the classical one is that it is somewhat more dynamic and is performed to faster, albeit smoother, music. Like all waltzes, this dance is performed in three quarters, that is, there are three steps per measure. The man plays the leading role - he serves as support and support for his partner, whose back is slightly tilted back in the shape during the dance. The Viennese waltz is a smooth dance, without sharp turns and tilts - it creates the feeling that the dancing couple seems to be soaring above the ground.

The dance is not so easy to perform, at least to learn how to dance it beautifully, you will need long training and good plasticity. The Viennese Waltz is one of the five dances in the European program, which says a lot.

4. Zouk

Zouk originated in the Caribbean in the 1980s. The word “zouk” is translated from the French Creole language as “party” - initially zouk was danced at parties and discos. As dance developed, numerous schools opened and new directions emerged. The music to which the zouk is danced can include African, Brazilian motifs, elements of flamenco and other musical styles. Zouk gained the greatest popularity in French-speaking countries.

Unlike most Latin American dances, zouk does not have overt eroticism and sharp dynamic movements; it is performed to slow “dramatic” music, the dancers move smoothly and very plastically. Zouk is characterized by tenderness, humility, slight sadness and sensuality. In principle, dancing it is quite simple, no special preparation is required, and anyone can take part in the competition by simply submitting an application. Of course, a couple of “masters” who practice zouk professionally will benefit, but this area is also accessible to beginners.

5. Merengue

Merengue, both music and dance, originates from the Dominican Republic. The ancestor of the merengue is considered to be the tumba dance, which is not encountered so often - it is very complex and is not suitable for the main purpose of social dancing - entertainment and communication. A relatively simple merengue, which does not require memorizing and reproducing complex figures, quickly fell in love with young people and soon penetrated most Dominican parties. Now merengue is most popular in Latin America and the USA. Most of the performers live there.

Merengue is performed to fiery dynamic music, where the main accompanying instrument is the accordion. The contact of partners in the dance is minimal - both men and women dance it “solo”, rarely touching and mainly with their hands. Close physical contact is not typical for merengue - both partners make a large number of movements: rotation of the body, movement of the shoulders at a stunningly fast pace, circular movements of the hips.

Merengue is quite easy to learn on your own - the dance is characterized by improvisation, and you only need to be able to withstand the frantic rhythm. As with all other dances on our list, merengue competitions are held for everyone. Of course, it will be difficult to get into international competitions as a participant, but at amateur competitions it is quite possible to have fun and learn something from other dancing couples.

6. Reggaeton

Reggaeton first appeared in Puerto Rico. Based on the name, the basics musical direction and dance originate from reggae music. Over time, very little remains of classic reggae in reggaeton, but you can hear echoes of techno music, rap, bomba, plena and hip-hop.

This dance is relatively young - it was first danced in the 1990s at discos and parties. The main thing in reggaeton is a strong rhythmic beat; moving to this dynamic, fiery music is extremely easy. This dance also has no obligatory figures, but is characterized by very fast rotation of the hips and stomach and movements of the shoulders at an incredibly fast pace, and these movements are performed by both partners. Another feature of reggaeton is its provocativeness - obvious sexual overtones, challenge, and passion are noticeable in the movements of the partners.

Reggaeton is especially popular in Argentina, where it even hosts and broadcasts friendly competitions.

7. Hustle

Hustle is another disco dance style. It first appeared in Europe and America in the 1960s and immediately gained popularity among young people because it did not require special preparation, was simple to perform, and at the same time beautiful and romantic. Almost any music is suitable for hustle - you just need to feel the rhythm a little, and you can whirl with your partner. The dance appeared in the USSR in the late 1980s. By the way, it is he who is shown in the film “The Beloved Woman of Mechanic Gavrilov.”

In hustle, unlike many of the above dances, there is nothing provocative. His movements are simply six-count steps, inside and outside single turns and not too much contact between his partners. Despite the fact that the Hustle was originally social dance and was invented as a way to have fun and get acquainted, currently sporting competitions are held on it. There are many in Hustle different directions, but the most interesting is the jack-n-jill hustle: a couple in competition goes out onto the floor and dances an impromptu dance to music unknown to them. The dancer's level is determined by one of five classes - to get the next one, you must participate in competitions and win prizes.

8. Irish set dances

Irish set dancing originated in the 18th century. The cheerful Irish liked the classic French quadrille, which perfectly suited their folk melodies. Quadrille mixed with Irish dances like the reel, hornpipe and jig, and the result was something unimaginable. Over the next two centuries it was danced everywhere: on village holidays, weddings, in pubs. Gradually, set dances replaced even traditional Irish ceilidhs.

The most amazing thing is that the movements are mainly done only with the legs: all kinds of turns and jumps, sliding steps, sweeps and rapid throws of the legs. At the same time, the body remains calm and hardly moves, and the hands, as a rule, lie on the belt. Irish dancing is a mixture of pride, hot temperament and mischief.

Nowadays set Irish dancing is no longer so popular - you are unlikely to see them at discos - the music is not the same. But there are many championships held around the world, the largest of which are the All-Ireland Championship, the British Championship, the National American Championship and the World Championship. Everything you need to learn Irish dance- the ability to maintain rhythm and breathe correctly.

9. Rumba

Rumba was invented, oddly enough, by African slaves who lived in Latin America. During the years of slavery, their own culture was closely intertwined with the culture of the Spanish invaders. The word "rumbo" translated from Spanish means "fun". Initially, the dance was really dynamic, the music was similar to the famous melody “Cucaracha”. But over time, rumba was divided into two directions - rumba itself and cha-cha-cha.

The dance is characterized by smooth, erotic movements and wide steps of both partners. Rumba is considered a ballroom dance. The main thing here is emotional content, light eroticism and drama. The music is slow and smooth. Sometimes the rumba is even danced at weddings as the first dance of the spouses. Latin America- the dance symbolizes family responsibilities and reverent love.

Of course, you can’t dance rumba at discos either, but this dance is popular everywhere modern world. It belongs to ballroom dancing and is one of the five standard Latin American ballroom dancing programs.

Oh, a slow dance: You've probably either loved it or hated it since middle school. No dance could be that romantic, and yet, many people who have no problem shaking their buttocks all night long are benched when the music slows down. But don't worry - even if you don't know how to slow dance, you don't have to sit on the sidelines at the end of the evening. If you want to know how to slow dance, you just have to master a few basic steps, trust your partner, and glide gracefully to the music. If you want to master slow dancing in the time it takes for K-Ci & Jojo to play "All My Life", just follow these steps.

Steps

get ready to slow dance

Ask someone to dance. If you want to start slow dancing correctly, then you must ask the person to dance as gracefully as possible. If you are the man asking her out on a date, you can wave your hand to her and say, “Let's dance?” If you are a girl who has a date, then gently take your partner's hand and pull him as you ask him to dance. Even if you don't have a partner, you should still look the person straight in the eyes when you want to dance with her or him, and even smile or grin at him or her playfully.

Don't worry if you're nervous - chances are the other person is nervous too. Hide your nervousness by smiling and asking with confidence.

Smoothly escort your partner to the dance floor. Once your partner has accepted your tempting offer, you should accompany him or her to the dance floor slowly and gently - there is no need to rush. Don't forget to savor the moment. If you know the person well, or you're dating, you can hold hands or join elbows as you head towards the dance floor. The man should lead the way to the dance floor and on floor, so the guy should clasp his partner’s right hand with his left hand, lifting it slightly, and lead the girl to the dance floor.

Girls, if your partner won't automatically lead you to the dance floor, give him your right hand and turn your elbow towards his elbow and walk to the dance floor.
If you are already on the dance floor, the task is hold yourself and your partner on the dance floor is not an easy task if one or both of you are nervous about slow dancing. If your partner is nervous, smile and tell him or her that there is nothing to worry about.

a slow dance

Position your hands. Proper hand position is essential to start the slow dance properly. For a traditional slow dance position, a man should place his right hand on the left side of his partner's thigh or on the middle of his partner's upper back, and his left hand should gently take your partner's right hand and support it approximately at the level of the taller partner's shoulder so that both partners' arms are bent upward from the elbow. You should stand between 30 and 15 cm away from your partner, depending on the level of intimacy you want to create.

A woman's left hand is usually located on her partner's shoulder. This is a traditional ballroom dance position (as well as a safe dance position for middle school), and you should still stand 30cm away from your partner.
If the two of you are in a romantic relationship, you can even get into a position where the guy has his arm around the girl's waist and the girl has her arm around the guy's shoulders. These are also common moves for middle school and even high school because it's a little easier to get into this position - but it gets a little tricky for a guy to lead the dance.
Don't let your hands wander. Even if your partner doesn't mind, it throws off other dancers and is just not stylish.

Place your feet in position. Stand facing your partner so that your head is approximately 30 or 60 cm away from him or her. The face-to-face position is not the optimal position - you need to give yourself space to move your legs without bumping into your partner's legs. Some couples stand at an angle, with each's right foot in the middle of the other's; some partners may place the woman's legs in the middle of the man's.

Your feet should be at least 30 to 45 cm apart so that you can move comfortably from side to side.

Improve your movements. Luckily for you non-dancers, slow dancing is about as easy as it gets. The movements should be slow and smooth, and you don't need to move too much. (Swinging back and forth as you move in a circle is perfectly acceptable.) Simply shifting your weight back and forth, however, is the language everyone speaks. To change, move or rotate, lift your leg slightly, eliminating your weight, and move that leg slightly forward, backward, or to the side.

As you improve your slow dancing skills, you can master the "step step": simply step to the right with your right foot, then follow with your left foot, touch the ground, and then step left with your left foot, and then follow your left foot with your right foot touching the floor again before you go back.
You and your partner's legs should be in sync when you step into the side step, or even when you swing your leg.
Your hands should remain in place except when the guy is pulling on the girl's hand to take her in a new direction.
If you are close to the person you are dancing with, you can look directly at each other, placing your faces just a few centimeters apart. Otherwise, you may move your head a little to the left and your partner moves their head to the right, or vice versa, so you are not facing each other.

Leading the dance (for guys). Traditionally, the man leads the dance and the woman follows his movements. This means that not only does the man need to give signals for the couple to turn or move to a new position, but also the girl must allow herself to be led. If you are a guy, then you should lead your partner, and not move her around the dance floor like a broom. You need to be confident enough in your movements to show her when you want to turn or move in a new direction. Here are some other things to keep in mind as you lead a girl:

The easiest way to lead a girl is to subtly push or pull her right hand (if you are holding it in your left hand) in the direction you want to go.
However, make sure you don't just lead with your hands; if your body is doing one thing and your hands are doing another, you will look pushy or like you don't know what you're doing.
Instead, lead with your whole body: keep your shoulders and elbows firm but elastic, and then step in the direction you want to lead your partner.
You can lead your partner in a new direction and continue to turn in a rectangle shape so that you continue the slow dance, keeping things interesting as you move your bodies.
You can also simply move your partner to the right, left, or back or forward if you want to find a less crowded spot on the dance floor, or if you just want to mix up the moves.

Be a follower (for girls). Although you girls may not want to give up control of your dance to your partner, you should trust him and hope that he will give his best effort. If you try to control him when he tries to control you, then you will end up in awkward situation tug of war, and neither of you will be able to truly move and enjoy the dance. Here are some things to keep in mind when you allow yourself to be led:

If you're lucky enough to have a partner who leads - even if it's awkward - don't fight him. In fact, do your best to follow along; The more clearly you show that he is in charge, the more he will try to lead you better.
If your partner moves his leg, then you should praise his action: for example, if the leader moves his right leg back, you should move his left leg.

Move to the beat. Your steps should move roughly in time with the music, so that you take a step to every beat or so. This is not as difficult as it may seem as the music will be nice and slow and easy to follow. If the song speeds up its rhythm at any point, then speed up the "side step" or swaying motion of your legs in accordance with the music - make sure you And your partner and speed up and slow down when necessary.

If the music suddenly slows down, or if you guys are just feeling playful, then you can turn your partner around mid-dance.

Talk to your partner. For most of us, slow dancing is more about intimacy with our partner and getting to know each other than it is about movement. Feel free to talk to your partner, study his or her eyes and, if the situation is right, steal a kiss or two. Chatting with your partner will make you feel more at ease during the dance process, whether you know each other well or not.

Don't feel the need to constantly talk - this can ruin the flow of the dance and can make things awkward if you don't hear each other very well. Just a little conversation every now and then will make the experience more fun and comfortable.

finish strong

Thank your partner for dancing. Whether you're dancing with your 60-year-old spouse or with someone you've never met before, thank your partner. You can simply say, “Thank you for the dance,” or “I hope we can do this again, thank you,” to make your partner feel special. If you're a guy and you're feeling playful, you can even bow a little to the girl as you thank her to make her feel special and show how much fun it brought you.

If you finish the dance in this subtle way, the person will most likely dance with you in the future.

Move on to the next dance or step back gracefully. Once you've started slow dancing confidently, you won't want to leave the dance floor as quickly as possible: one dance is just the beginning. However, if you've danced enough at this point, step away from the dance floor. And if you haven't had a great time slow dancing with this person, taking a break is a good way to keep this person on track.

Offer to escort your partner to his or her table or wherever he or she wants to go or ask him or her if they would like to take a break if you would like to do so.
If you've been enjoying slow dancing and the music speeds up, fear not. You can continue dancing to uptempo music with the same dance partner as long as you're both in the mood to dance some more.

Install often eye contact with your partner, as this strengthens the relationship and makes the dance more comfortable.
Let the conversation happen. Many people will slow dance just to get a chance to talk to you. If the conversation flows naturally, let it go. If you let it go quietly, be genuinely interested in the conversation, or be genuinely interested in your partner.
Show respect.
Try sliding your legs instead of lifting them. This way, you are less likely to step on your partners' feet.
Make sure you don't stare too much at your partner.
Make sure your dance position is comfortable. Position your legs so that you don't have to strain or stretch them as you dance.
Don't try to kiss him/her right away. When the dance is over, slowly stretch. If your partner steps back, stop. If you lean over or close your eyes, kiss.
If you really know how to dance, either well or at a beginner level, instead of assuming anything about your partner, ask him or try it out. Girls, don't be shy to ask your partner if he knows how to dance. If he knows how and you don't, ask him to teach so you can get the opportunity for a few more dances during the evening and a date in the future if you want.
Try to learn more about your partner - it could help you become less awkward.
When the dance is over, give him a hug or even steal a kiss if that's appropriate.
If your partner makes mistakes and accidentally steps on you, try not to get angry! Slow dancing is probably a little scary for him.
Girls, if you really can't stand the guy you're dancing with, just say your feet hurt and gently walk away.
Girls, make sure the guy you're dancing with isn't dancing with you just because his friends forced him to. If you see in his eyes that he is interested in you, then he is reliable.
Girls, if you feel comfortable, some girls will rest their heads on the shoulders of the guy they are dancing with. After the dance is over, you can hug or chat with each other, or even dance together to up-tempo songs.
Guys, be polite. Girls love it and it's attractive.
Sometimes look into each other's eyes to show that you are interested.
Guys don't have to ask a girl to dance. Girls, go ahead and ask him to dance if you feel that he is inclined to do so.

Warnings

If you step on someone's toes, apologize, and for God's sake, try not to do it again. If someone steps on your feet and asks for forgiveness, forgive. Most likely this happened by accident.
Talk and look at your partner, not your friend's partner! Looking over your partner's shoulder at someone else can end badly.
- If you hurt her, she probably won't dance with you again, and she'll probably tell her friends, who won't either. Worst case scenario, she'll tell security and then you'll be in trouble.
- That beautiful woman you're dancing with may not feel the same way about everything as guys do, which means a sudden jerk of the arm might startle her and won't give her a good laugh.
Practice truly makes perfect. She may not dance with you ever again, but maybe the cutie in the cocktail dress will just notice that you treated the dance like a gentleman... and she'll be looking the next time you go free.