🥳 SalsaKat's Top 5 Party-Dancing Do's & Don'ts 🥂
Whether you're with loved ones, colleagues or strangers, getting onto the holiday party dance floor can be a blast...or daunting if you're new to dancing. Here are my top, basic "dos and don'ts" that help people party-dance with greater confidence and ease. Feel free to share with anyone who might benefit!
✅ DO: Start Subtle and Simple
Give yourself a warm-up period. Really feel into to the music, allowing your body to ease into the rhythm. Begin with smaller, simpler movements and, as the party progresses, gradually incorporate bigger gestures. Allow yourself the grace to find comfort at your own pace.
🚫 DON'T: Dive in with Big Moves
No need to start with full energy or big gestures right away. (Unless you're feelin' it--then go for it!) We're physically stiffer when cold, and it's okay to feel a bit self-conscious initially. Take your time to warm up both physically and emotionally.
✅ DO: Accent DOWN Movements on the Beat!
Emphasizing downward movements on the beats is a HUGE one! This makes a noticeable difference in looking more relaxed, grounded and "cool."
🚫 DON'T: Accent Up Movements
Avoid accentuating upward movements (unless you're bopping to '80s beats or swing music!) This can look hectic and spazzy.
✅ DO: Relax Shoulders, Neck, and Let Arms Flow
Move from your legs, hips & ribs, and let your arms be an extension of that movement. This creates a more natural and organic look.
🚫 DON'T: Overuse Shoulders, Arms, and Neck
Minimize movements originating solely from the shoulders, arms, and neck. This tends to look tense at best, and at worst is the epitome of goofy dancing.
✅ DO: Use Angles, Levels and Turns
Add variety by incorporating angles, levels and rotations. Turn your body, bend your knees, and mix up your movements to give your dance dimension and sensuality.
🚫 DON'T: Stand Square in One Position
Staying in a fixed position can appear stiff and robotic.
✅ DO: Appreciate Your Body, Your Life!
Whether dancing in community or solo, relish the opportunity to celebrate life through movement. Send positive energy to fellow dancers, appreciate their unique expressions, and embrace this opportunity to be alive. Remember, it's an inside job—it's the only body we get in this lifetime, and no one can enjoy it for us! There will come a day when we'll wish we were this young, this beautiful, this coordinated, this capable - savor it now!
🚫 DON'T: Worry About Judgment
After considering all these tips, above all, don't let concerns about others' opinions or self-judgment overshadow yours or others' dancing joy. Life is short, so let's make it great and enjoy every moment on the dance floor.
If you’d like a skilled, encouraging guide, please check out my Dance Lesson info here! I look forward to being of service.