Most people know how to dance, or at least pretend at parties and in the school gym. But being a dancer and inventing your own moves whenever you want is a real skill. Follow these simple steps to learn freestyle dancing.
Steps
Step 1. Make yourself comfortable
Stand in front of a full-length mirror. It is important that you can see yourself from head to toe. Then, put on the most comfortable clothes you have (don't worry about what others might think if they see you) and play the music. Choose a song that:
- do you like it
- you can dance with ease
- it is at least a little fashionable
Step 2. This is, believe it or not, the hardest part:
dance. Just move your body to the rhythm of the music, as you feel it. Don't worry if it looks absolutely ridiculous, which can also happen. Do what you like: move your whole body following the music. Your movements don't have to be coordinated or make sense - just dance. Rock out for hours in your pajamas to your favorite song if you have to, as long as you are comfortable with the dance.
Step 3. Learn the song, if you don't already know it
Try to get a good idea of the rhythm and lyrics, so you know when the music gets slower, faster, when it starts and ends, or when a wild piece starts. Listen to it over and over again until you are familiar with it. Dance it again and again.
Step 4. Put together a couple of moves
You can have three or four moves, or even just one, that are totally yours. It is important that they stay in tune with the music and that they feel natural when you do them. If you are a beginner, your first moves may include clapping your hands and / or snapping your fingers - this will help you keep up the pace, guaranteed. You can resort to these moves from time to time, when they look good or when you're running out of ideas.
Step 5. Vary your movements when freestyle dancing
For example, one minute you are doing something with your hands above your head, then you swing them and then immediately move your hips, etc. Use different ways of dancing and make it interesting.
Step 6. Get inspiration
Watch dance shows and professional dancers. Don't copy their steps, but get ideas on how to invent your own and move to the beat of the music.
Step 7. Enjoy
Wherever you are dancing, review point 2 and remember: the important thing is to move naturally and in rhythm with the music. Connect with music. Connect with the crowd. Trust and move your body!
Advice
- Don't go straight to kicks and somersaults. Learn to move first and then you can try your hand at more complicated things.
- Sometimes it's easier to freestyle with a partner.
Warnings
- Don't be too competitive. Remember: it's all about dancing.
- Don't copy someone else's moves from scratch, but rather take inspiration from them.
- Don't give yourself too much extreme if you're just starting out dancing.
- Before you try your hand at big moves or start break dancing, remember to stretch.
