How to dance at formal

How to Dance at Prom

Type keyword(s) to search

Today's Top Stories

A Step-by-Step Guide on Registering to Vote Online

Student Loan Payment Pause Has Been Extended Again

15 True Crime Shows That'll Leave You Shook 😱

How Did Charles Cullen Get Caught?

How to Deal with a Pregnancy Scare

Seventeen picks products that we think you'll love the most. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

Even if you have two left feet.

By Carolyn Twersky

Updated: Mar 12, 2019

giphy

You have spent months picking out the perfect prom dress, styling that just-right hair style, and planning the most over the top promposal your school has ever seen. You are all ready to take prom and completely slay the night. Except, for one little problem...you have NO clue how to dance. You'll look absolutely gorgeous, but you'll be glued to the back of the room all night, too afraid to get on the dance floor and bust a move. Does that sounds like you? Then read on, because I'm about to teach you how to dance at prom, no matter what your skill level.

Before you start getting down, though, just remember that dancing is all about trust. So, don't do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. And before you start getting physical with someone of the dance floor, make sure they give their consent first and that everything is appropriate.

Milly Rock

If there's one dance everyone is going to be doing at prom, it's probably the Milly Rock. The dance may seem complicated, but once your break it down it's actually pretty easy, just follow these steps:

Let's start with the arms. Starting with your right arm, keep your elbow close to your body and make a motion almost like you're patting yourself on your front left shoulder, but don't actually hit your shoulder.
Then, do the same motion with your left arm to your right shoulder.
When you go back to your right arm, start moving it to your left shoulder, but then stop, almost as if it's a fake out. Then, continue through with the motion. Let's call that move a double.
You're going to continue with your arms in this pattern: right, left, double right, left, right, double left.
While you're doing the arms, take the opposite leg of the arm you are using and lift your heel while tracing a small half circle with your toes. Then, when you switch arms, switch legs.
On the doubles, you're going to do a kind of fake out with your feet where you start to lift your heel, but then you stop, before lowering it back down, lifting it back up and then completing the half circle.
Put it all together and there you have it! You're doing the Milly Rock!

Find the Beat

Ok, finding the beat may seem super simple, but some people aren't musically inclined and can struggle to get into the rhythm. If this sounds like you, use these steps to help you find the beat, and the dancing will come a little more naturally.

When you hear a song, start tapping your foot.
Start counting: 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2.
While still tapping your foot and counting, start to clap every time you say 2: 1, clap, 1, clap, 1, clap, 1, clap.
Stop tapping your foot and get your body into it a little more. And there you go, you've found the beat!

Foxtrot

If you want to up your slow dance game, try the foxtrot. It's super easy, but it will totally impress your friends on the dance floor. To perfect the dance, just follow these steps:

The leading partner should step forward two steps. Then, step to the left, and bring your feet together.
Meanwhile the other partner starts on their left foot, and step backward twice while their partner is moving forward. Then, step to the right, and bring your feet together. So, both partners are doing mirrored motions.
Now, for arms. The leading partner should have their right hand placed on their partner's back, while the following partner has their right hand on the other's shoulder. And then both partners extend their left arms and hold hands.
Keeping your arms in position, repeat the feet movements over and over and you're foxtrotting!

Slow Dance

Slow dancing seems terrifying, but it's actually super easy. All you need is a partner and a slow song and then just follow these steps:

Hand placement is completely up to you and your partner. In this video, the man has his right hand on his partner's back left shoulder, while she has her left hand on the top of his right shoulder and their other hands are holding at about waist length. Alternatively, you could do both hands around the neck with your partner's hands on your waist, vice versa, or really whatever feels comfortable.
The important aspect of this move is the feet. As explained in the video, to master the slow dance, you need to master the step-touch. Basically you are stepping to the left with your left foot, then bringing your right foot to meet it, stepping to the right with your right foot and then bringing your left foot to meet it. Literally repeat this over and over and over again and...BAM! You're slow dancing! Make sure you step to the beat of the music and you'll be good to go.
If you want to get really fancy (this isn't necessary) you guys can start going in circles together. To do this, simply step at an angle instead of in a straight line. Lead your partner or be lead and you'll be moving magically in a circle!

2-Step

The 2-step is the perfect dance move because it's so simple and works with a huge range of songs. Once you've mastered the simple move, you can add your own flair to spice it up any way you want.

Good news! You're doing the exact same foot movements that you do when slow dancing! Meaning, step to the left with your left foot and then step with your right, bringing your feet together. Then, step to the right and bring your feet together. Keep your knees loose and then add whatever arm movements you want!

Are you really feeling the music? Maybe getting down on the dance floor with your date? Here's how to dance with your partner, without getting too up close and personal.

Stand with one partner in front of the other and bend your knees.
Both partners start to move their waists in a circular motion.
One of you can move to the left, one can move to the right, or you can move together.
There's no reason to touch, you can leave space between you two so it's school appropriate and you feel comfortable.

Shoot Dance

You've definitely seen everyone dancing like this (even your Fortnite character), so you'll prob see it on the dance floor at prom.

Bend your left leg and lift it back.
Jump on your right leg and kick your left leg forward.
Continue to kick your leg back and forth while you jump.
Now, it's time for arms, hold them down and while you're kicking your leg, move the arms back and forth with the leg.
Then, after four pumps, take your left arm and raise it above your head. Pump your arm forward four times as you kick you leg. Then, switch back to having your arms pumping by your legs!
Keep going, switching between arms, until you tire out.

If you have never heard of the floss, where have you been? If you don't know how to floss, that's more understandable, because it's a little difficult.

Take your hands and hold them straight down, forming them into fists.
Pretend like your holding a stick in your hands that is about waist length. Then, pretend like you're breaking that stick by bringing it against your hip.
Bring your hands (still in the stick-holding formation) all the way back, and then back up, so they are parallel to the floor.
Shift your hips to the other side and "break the stick" on your other hip.
Pull your arms back up and parallel to the floor and then continue over and over and over again!

Fun Dancing

Basically, you can dance however you want, as long as you're having fun. Here's a video that shows off ten different dance moves that will stun on the dance floor.

Carolyn Twersky Associate Editor Carolyn Twersky is an associate editor for Seventeen covering celebrities, entertainment, politics, trends, and health.

85 Instagram Captions for Guys

Birthday Quotes for Your BFF

24 Inspiring Quotes

80 New Years Eve Instagram Captions

46 Thoughtful Gifts for Daughters to Give Dad

Shop The Ultimate Gender Neutral Gift Guide 🌟

58 Gifts That'll Make College 100x Better

56 Christmas Gifts for Mom That You'll Want Too

65 Best Holiday Gifts to Buy Your Coolest Friend

125 Perfect Christmas Instagram Captions

How To Slow Dance For Formal Events: Easy Tips

When it comes to formal events, there are many things you will need to do. For instance, one of the most important aspects is learning how to slow dance. How would a formal event be without everyone dancing together? It wouldn’t! So this article will provide easy tips on how to slow dance for formal events and make them more enjoyable for all involved.

How to Slow Dance

When it comes to slow dancing, the first thing you will need is a partner.

So, the first step is to find a partner with whom you will slow dance with. This can be anyone, but it’s important that they are willing to dance and not just stand there at random intervals while everyone else dances around them. How would this make you feel?

How to Learn to Dance

Once you know who your partner is, the next step is to learn how to dance with them. How will you do this? Well, it could be a formal event where there are lessons taught by an instructor, or maybe someone has already done some research and knows a few good moves that they can teach you!

The most important thing about slow dancing is to be close to your partner. This means that you need to hold them tight and not let go! You don’t want them getting away now, do you?

There are a few basic steps that you can follow when slow dancing:

First, find the beat of the music and try to match your movements to it. This will make it a lot easier to dance together and make the whole thing more fluid.
Secondly, you need to hold your partner close, as we mentioned above! Don’t be shy if someone asks you to slow dance. Of course, they want some form of contact with you! How would this work without any physical connection? Impossible!
The final step is to follow your partner’s lead. How will you know what they are going to do next? Trust them! It won’t be long until the two of you have a great rhythm together and can just let go in time with the music.

How to Learn Dance at Home Step By Step

It’s important to be able to slow dance with your partner when at a formal event. How will you do this if no one else is dancing around you?

The first thing that you need to do in order to learn how to dance for formal events is practice, practice, and more practice! You can’t just expect it all of a sudden to come to you.

So, start by learning the dance move in your home. Here is a step-by-step instruction on how to do this:

First, listen to the music and try to dance to the beat. So get ready with some good tunes that make you want to dance around – at least for an hour or two every day!
Secondly, you need to have a partner to practice your move. This can be anyone you know – your parents, siblings, or friends. Just make sure that they are willing to dance with you and help you learn!
Thirdly, start off by dancing in a basic position. How will you do this? Well, just put one hand on your partner’s back while the other is placed low on their hip. How will you move from here? It’s simple – either you or your partner will be the lead.
Fourthly, now that the basic steps are out of the way, it is time to learn some more complicated moves. Slow dancing comes in all shapes and sizes, but there can be a lot of spins and dips involved.
Fifthly, practice makes perfect! How will you get better at slow dancing? By doing it over and over again! The more you dance, the easier it becomes. You might make some mistakes along the way.

If you feel you need more guidance, it might be helpful to take some dance lessons! After you have learned how to slow dance here are some other tips you should know:

Get a Comfortable Pair of Shoes

One of the most important things you can do when it comes to slow dancing is wearing the right shoes. For women, if you are wearing heels, then you might find it a bit more difficult to move around. This is because you need to be able to pivot in order to spin properly! So, try and wear shoes that will give you some good grip and won’t make it difficult to move around.

Dress Appropriately

Although there is no strict dress code when it comes to slow dancing, we would recommend wearing something comfortable! If you are feeling uncomfortable in your outfit, then it might not be the best choice for a formal event. You don’t want to be worrying about your clothes when you are trying to focus on learning how to dance!

Drink Enough Water

This one might seem like a no-brainer, but it is really important that you drink enough water before any big event – especially if you plan on dancing! When you are dancing, you can get quite sweaty, so it is important to hydrate yourself in order to stay cool. How many glasses should you drink? It’s up to your own discretion, but we would recommend three or four throughout the course of the day!

Get Dance Lessons From The Professional

If you really want to learn how to slow dance for formal events, then having a professional show you the ropes might be the best way! Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Durham offers private dance lessons for all kinds of events – including weddings! You’ll get to learn from the best and be able to perfect your moves in a comfortable environment. So, what are you waiting for? Call us today at 919-489-4313 or fill out the form below.

Contact Us Today

No Partner Necessary

7 tips for those who want to learn how to dance

September 9, 2020 Reno5 Life

Dancing is a great way to make friends with your body and gain self-confidence. And yes, they can be mastered at any age.

1.

The idea here is the same as for sports: if you secretly hate yoga or iron exercises, you are unlikely to go to workouts week after week. To achieve noticeable progress in dancing, a beginner will have to practice a lot and regularly, so it’s better not to torture yourself and choose a direction that really ignites.

You can focus on the music that you like - you need to catch the drive from movements to it. It is music that forms the style of dance and its energy, so decide what is closer to you: for example, funk lovers should try popping or locking, folk fans may like Irish dancing, and if you respect jazz, swing and everything like that, take a closer look at lindy hop.

Another criterion is the nature of the movements. Some are closer to dynamic, as in hip-hop, others are smooth and sensual - for this in tango. There are also health restrictions to consider. So, twerk is not suitable if there are problems with the lumbar spine, with sore knees it is better not to get involved in shuffle, and it will be difficult for an aged person to master house.

2. Set a goal

You can start dancing at any age, but it's important to keep in mind why you started it in the first place. It is perhaps too bold to expect that in half a year of classes it will be possible to reach the level of international dance championships from scratch. But if you want to try dancing in order to develop plasticity and learn to feel the body better, great, go ahead.

Don't expect everything to work out the first time. When you learn from scratch, difficulties are absolutely normal, the main thing is not to score in classes. Over time, both the correct posture and a beautiful gait will be developed, and as a bonus you will also get self-confidence - with freedom of movement, freedom from complexes will come.

3. Don't give up on sports

Some dances in themselves make for a good workout. A vigorous shuffle will replace cardio, and a break can give a load to almost all muscle groups. And yet, without preparation, it will not be easy. A more or less good stretch is needed in any type of dance, and, for example, strong arms and strong abdominal and back muscles are also useful for pole dancing. You can combine dancing with strength exercises, but you need to give the body time to recover and not plan classes in a row, but allocate at least a day of rest between them.

And don't forget to warm up before dancing. So that the training does not end with an injury, the muscles and joints need to be prepared for the load. You can allocate 10–15 minutes for a warm-up, it should include simple articular gymnastics (at least elementary rotational movements of the shoulders and knees), tilts and dynamic stretching.

4. Take some lessons from a trainer

Especially if you have never danced before. Those with experience can learn new styles at home with video tutorials, but that's because they already know how to control their bodies. Beginners are unlikely to succeed, but disappointment in themselves and demotivation are guaranteed - if you can’t repeat elementary movements, then there’s no point in doing it.

Nothing really strange here. Without preparation, it is difficult to just take it and start moving freely. At least the basic elements are better to master under the guidance of a pro, and when you feel that you are coping, supplement these lessons with home workouts.

5. Learn something new in every class

When you repeat the same set of exercises and movements over and over again, classes turn into a good way to pass your free time, only you can forget about progress. Acquaintance with new elements is the same mandatory part of any workout as a warm-up. It doesn't matter if you work with a mentor or on your own.

Do not immediately try to copy cool dancers. First, study the basic movements, then try to combine them into bundles until you hone them to automatism, and then experiment and improvise, creating something new based on familiar elements.

6. Record yourself on video

It is not necessary to record the entire workout from the warm-up, it is enough to record only those moments with which you have problems. These can be separate movements or bundles that are not given in any way. Review the video and, if possible, objectively assess what is wrong: perhaps there are technical problems that are difficult to notice in the process. When you understand what's wrong, try to repeat the movement and record it on video again - and so on until you achieve a good result.

This approach will help you find errors and track progress. You can not even limit yourself to memorized ligaments, but improvise - then see how it looks from the outside.

7. Find like-minded people

If you need an extra reason not to miss classes, then meeting new people can be a good motivation. It is easier here for those who train in a group. Often the dance school becomes the center of a close-knit community, where people come not only for the sake of classes, but also just to spend time together at dance parties.

Finally, the more partners around, the more experience. Do not limit yourself to dancers of your level of training and practice with those who are stronger or weaker than you. In the first case, you will be able to improve your skills, and in the second, you will try yourself as a coach - this, by the way, is a good way to learn to take more initiative and understand the very principle of movement in dance, and not just memorize the alternation of chords.

Stay fit and connected with the OPPO Watch. They have two powerful processors, a bright AMOLED display, 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of internal memory, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and NFC modules. And more than 90 training modes, including those designed specifically for ORRO. Work out cooler with music, you can listen to it in streaming services or download tracks to the memory of your watch.

If you want to enjoy clear sound, the OPPO ENCO W31 Wireless Headphones will come in handy. Two-level noise reduction system, easy operation and stable connection will make listening to music and talking on the phone as comfortable as possible.

How to learn to dance twerk - Lifehacker

November 21, 2020 Likbez Sports and fitness

Butt size doesn't matter!

Iya Zorina

Author of Lifehacker, athlete, CCM

Twerk is just a super sexy dance that will pump your plasticity, and at the same time load your abs and back muscles well. To begin with, we will learn a few basic movements, and then we will diversify the dance vocabulary and analyze the main mistakes. And at the end you will find a bonus in the form of a playlist with suitable music.

If you have problems with your lumbar spine, exercise with caution, or better yet, consult your doctor.

Learn how to do basic elements

Booty pop back

Stand with your feet wider than shoulder width, toes slightly apart. Bend your knees and place your hands on your hips, turning them inward with your fingers, bend your lower back.

From this position, twist the pelvis down, and then, due to the deflection in the lower back, return it to its original position. Imagine that you are trying to reach the top of your head with your pelvis.

It is important to fix the upper back and work only on the lower back. You can not strain the gluteal muscles, otherwise the movement will turn out to be clamped.

If difficulties arise, try the lead-in exercise first. Place your hands on your hips so that your middle fingers rest on the protruding bones of the pelvis in front, and your thumbs - behind, closer to the sacrum. Bend your knees, move your pelvis down and then up, controlling the movement with your hands.

When you feel more confident, remove your hands and connect the movement with your knees. When the pelvis goes down, the knees bend, when it rises, they unbend. No need to lock the knees at the extreme point, they should remain slightly bent.

The pelvis moves back not only due to the straightening of the knees. The lower back must work.

Front booty pop

This movement is very similar to the previous one, only the emphasis is on pushing the pelvis forward rather than backward.

Stand with your feet wide and point your toes slightly out. You can put your hands on your hips to better feel the tilt. At the same time, bend your knees and sharply move your pelvis forward so that your butt goes down, and then bend your lower back and bring your pelvis back.

The emphasis is on the first phase of the movement, when the butt goes down. It is important at this moment not to pinch the buttocks, but to change the position of the pelvis due to the tension of the abdominal muscles.

Try other twerk moves

Double

This element repeats the usual booty pop, only the movement of the pelvis in it is double: down-down, up-up.

Suffle twerk

Stand with your feet wider than shoulder width. At the same time, turn one leg with your toe and knee out and transfer your weight to the opposite thigh. Then, with a small jump, switch sides.

First try to move slowly to get the point, then speed up. Jump relaxed.

Up down twerk

Arch your lower back and push your pelvis back. On the count of “one”, simultaneously round the lower back, bringing the pelvis forward, bend the knees and bring the shoulders forward. On the count of "two", bend your lower back and take your ass back in a semi-squat.

On the count of three, straighten your knees, round your lower back, and roll your shoulders forward. On the count of four, arch your back in the thoracic region, straightening your shoulders.

It turns out that at the bottom point you bend in the lower back, and at the top - in the chest.

Wobble

To feel the movement, start moving slowly. Place your feet shoulder-width apart, place your palms opposite the pelvis. In turn, touch the palms with one or the other bone of the pelvis. Accelerate gradually.

You can wobble while standing upright or bent over. Practice slowly bending over and back up as you move. Important: you should not pinch, otherwise stiffness will occur and no shaking will work.

Zig zag

Get into a twerk stance, lower your right thigh first and then your left thigh. Then, one by one, lift them up to their original position. At first, perform the elements slowly, with fixation at each point, and then gradually accelerate.

You can do this movement a little higher. In this case, start with a stance on straight legs in an incline. In the same way, lower the right and left hips in turn, bending the knees, and then raise the hips, straightening the legs.

Stripper shake

Rise up on your toes and turn your heels in and out a little. Arch your lower back, try to relax your hips as much as possible.

This element can be performed in a straight position or bent over, moving both legs at once, or one at a time.

Roll

Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder width, point your toes forward, tilt your body and rest your hands on your hips. Rotate your pelvis, lowering and raising it as you go.

You can do this either in a bent over position on your hips or standing up.

Happy twerk

Start in a twerk position with your toes pointing forward. Do one regular booty pop in place, then another with the toes and knees turned out to the sides, and then the next one with them returning to a straight position.

Continue turning your toes and knees out and back, tilting your pelvis as you move.

Flash

Place your feet shoulder-width apart, rise on your toes. Pull your pelvis back a little. Move quickly from foot to foot, trying to relax your buttocks.

Twist

Raise your right leg to the side, turn it toe and knee inward. From this position, simultaneously transfer the weight to the left thigh and turn the raised leg with the toe outward. Return your foot to the floor and repeat on the other side.

Try moving in other positions

Twerk can be danced not only while standing, but also while squatting, on all fours and even upside down on your hands, with your feet resting against the wall. Try different positions - this will help diversify your dance.

Squatting

This is the same booty pop, only squatting. If you don't have enough stretch to move freely in a deep squat, work on your hip mobility first.

Offset to one side

Good stretch is also required for this option. Otherwise, you will not be able to relax and move freely.

On all fours

First practice the standing element to get used to it. Raise one leg on the toe, turning it with the knee outward and at the same time leaning on the opposite thigh. Then smoothly switch sides.

Now place your palms on the floor, arch your lower back, bend your knees and lift your heels off the floor. Perform a familiar movement in a new position.

This is enough to get you started. Try, combine the movements with each other and, if something fails, correct the mistakes.

Understand why you don't succeed

There are three main reasons why instead of twerking you get some bullshit. And the size of the priests has nothing to do with it.

1. You lack flexibility

To be a good twerk dancer, you must have good mobility in your lumbar spine and hips. If flexibility is lacking, you can improve it by doing stretching exercises.

Choose stretching exercises 🤸🏻‍♀️

50 exercises to stretch the muscles of the whole body

2. You work your upper back and shoulders

All basic movements require arching in the lower back. It is due to the lower spine that you feed the pelvis back and forth. But if during booty pop you bend in the thoracic spine and connect your shoulders, the movement will not look like a twerk.

3. You're too tight

This is probably the biggest beginner's mistake, which results in a tight, wooden pelvic movement instead of sexual shaking.