“There are shortcuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them.” — Vicki Baum
Dancing is one of the most beautiful and expressive art forms in the world. Not only is it a great workout but it’s wonderful for your mental health (stay tuned for my post about the mental health benefits of dancing!)
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, dancing has the ability to move the body and soul in ways that no other activity can. It’s a form of self-expression, a way to connect with others, and a way to stay active and healthy.
Below, I’ll give you 9 tips if you’re just starting out (or if you just need a refresher) that will help you when it comes to dancing (and making a habit of it).
Warm Up: This is probably the most important tip. Always warm up before dancing to prevent injury, loosen your muscles, and improve your performance. Stretching and doing exercises to increase your flexibility and strength can also help. I notice that my dancing is way better on the days that I warm up, compared to the days I don’t.
Practice Regularly: This is probably the 2nd most important tip. While I don’t like the term “Practice makes perfect”, consistent practice is essential to becoming a good dancer. Set aside time each day to practice, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Sometimes I even practice some moves while getting ready or waiting for my food to warm up.
Watch Other Dancers: Watch other dancers perform in person or online. Personally, I love finding new dancers on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube. This can help you learn new styles and techniques and provide inspiration.
Listen to the music: Dancing is all about moving to the rhythm of the music, so pay attention to the beat and tempo.
Take Care of Your Body: Dance can be physically demanding, so it’s important to take care of your body. Eat healthy, stay hydrated, and rest when you need to. Don’t forget, DANCING IS A WORKOUT. Try to treat it as any other workout
Stay Positive: Dancing can be challenging, and getting discouraged is easy (and normal). Stay positive and remember that every dancer starts at the beginning.
Set Goals: Set realistic goals for yourself, such as learning a new dance move or performing in front of an audience. This can help you stay motivated and focused on your progress. I suggest keeping a dance diary to log the days you dance, how long you danced, what kind of dance you did, and what music you danced to. This helps hold yourself accountable, and you can look back and see how far you’ve come.
Record yourself: Recording yourself is the best way to see your progress. We all have cameras on our phones nowadays! You don’t have to record yourself every time (cameras can be a bit intimidating) but even just recording 30 seconds to 1 minute every other dance session can be super helpful.
Have Fun: I lied, this is probably the most important tip of them all. Dancing should be enjoyable and fun! Remember to relax and enjoy the process of learning and improving. Don’t forget to celebrate your successes along the way!
In all, dancing is an amazing way to express yourself and stay active. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been dancing for years, there are always ways to improve and perfect your technique. Remember to practice regularly, take care of your body, and listen to the music.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and always ask for feedback to help you grow as a dancer. Stay hydrated, take breaks when needed, and don’t forget to stretch after dancing to prevent injury. And most importantly, have fun! Dancing should be a joyful experience, so let loose and enjoy the music.
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