DANCING 101: 7 Tried-and-Tested Tips to Dance Without Looking AWKWARD

Posted on - 24 June 2024

Recently, I came across a dance forum where a user shared her experience with dance. She wrote, “I want to dance, but I don’t know how to do it perfectly, which, I guess, makes me look awkward. Does anyone else feel the same way?"

My immediate response was: Absolutely! These feelings are so relatable. It's not uncommon for many of us to feel a bit self-conscious when it comes to dancing without a set routine.

Although you should dance like no one’s watching, it’s easier said than done. The secret to not feeling awkward lies in ‘learning how to dance.’ Don’t worry; you don’t need to practice day and night. All you need to do is some dance tips and lessons from experts.

As a dedicated dance instructor for over eight years, I am passionate about helping people feel confident and comfortable on the dance floor. That's why I'm sharing these tips that I have honed over the years:

1.Feel Confident About Yourself

If you feel awkward when you dance, it will show. Telling yourself you look awkward will only make it true.

So, the first step is to change what you think of yourself. Remember, how you see yourself is key to growth.

Even if you have a hunch that you cannot follow a beat, take some time to practice the basics.

2.Accept That You’re Different

Let’s accept this: No two individuals have the same body, music taste, dance training, or life experiences. This means everyone dances differently. Great news. Isn’t it?

While training people, I’ve encountered many who ask, “How can I look better when I dance?”

My answer to them is: Everyone has their unique style, including you! So, find the style that feels right to you.

And, if you’re taking classes on how to dance better, adjust the choreography to suit your body. When you freestyle, start with a basic two-step.

That simple left-right, right-left pattern gives you plenty of room to build on.

My secret: Let yourself groove.

3.Commit to Improving

Many times, people feel awkward while dancing because they judge themselves!

Although observing where you stand is good, do not criticize yourself. Remember, spending too much time finding what’s not working can lead to a lack of confidence.

So, what should you do?

Knowing yourself and fully committing to your moves is key to not looking awkward.

4.Let Loose

A quick fix if you feel awkward when dancing is to loosen up. Stiffness isn’t good for dancers. How do you do that?

First things first, don’t lock your knees.
Then, free your neck to let your head bob.
Now, shake your arms and relax your core.
Next, do some stretching or pilates. It’ll help you relax your muscles.

5.Pay Attention to Music

The biggest reason people feel awkward when dancing is because they can’t match the tempo of the music.

By matching your movements to the music, your moves will instantly look better.

Sometimes, the issue might be that your vibe doesn't match the song's vibe, making your dancing appear out of sync.

To fix this, listen to the music and feel its energy. Let the beat help you in your movements. Let your moves be lively and bold if it's a fast song. On the other hand, for slower tunes, let your movements be smooth.

Aligning your vibe with the song’s energy and syncing your moves with the beat will make your dancing feel natural and impressive.

6.Join a Dance Class

A few days ago, I read an Instagram story from someone who said, “I love dancing, but I always feel awkward and out of place.” If this sounds familiar and you want to know how to dance better, a great solution is to join a dance class.

You’ll learn the basics in a dance class and build a strong foundation. Apart from that, you’ll gain confidence as you master new moves and techniques. In addition, you get a supportive environment with others who might feel the same way you do.

The dance class covers everything, whether you want to learn how to dance at a club or a party.

7.Have Fun

I’ve never judged someone who genuinely loves what they’re doing.

True fun never looks or feels awkward. So stop overthinking! Put on your favorite soundtrack and lip-sync every word.

Remember, dance is meant to be an escape, not an added stressor.

So have fun with it, and looking cool will come naturally. Whether you become a great dancer or a not-so-great one, whether you look amazing or awkward.