How to slow dance at a party
How to Slow Dance at Wedding or Prom- 6 Easy Steps (with Video Instruction) — Duet Dance Studio Chicago
Ever wonder how to dance when a slow song comes on at a wedding or a prom? Slow dancing is an important skill to know whether you are attending a wedding, prom or social event where there is music and social dancing. Slow dancing isn't too difficult to master as long as you know the basics and practice often. Impress your date at your next event with these 6 easy slow dance steps! And if you’d like to learn more dance moves, make sure check out our Online Dance Programs!
1. Escort your Partner Gracefully
Ask your partner politely by saying "would you like to dance?" or "shall we?" If he or she says yes, hold your partner's hand and escort him/her to the dance floor. Find a good spot on the dance floor where it isn't too crowded and start dancing. It's that simple. But if you'd like to spice it up a little, check out this video for a fancy way to get on to the dance floor.
2. Dance Position
It's important to start your dance with a good dance position, which allows you to lead or follow your partner better.
Leader — Place your right hand behind your partner’s left shoulder blade (cupping the shoulder blade). Make sure your right elbow is up and your elbow bone should be pointed out to your right side.
Follower — Wrap your left arm around your partner’s lifted arm and place your hand around his/her biceps.
Both of you can now bring the other arm up and clasp your hands together. Your elbows should be relaxed and pointed down slightly.
3. Listen to Music and Find the Beat
Before you start dancing, listen to the song, find the beat and then sway (shift your weight from one foot to another) to the beat of the song. The tempo of the song determines how fast or how slow you move. Watch this video and learn how to dance to the beat.
4. Basic Step
The basic step shown in the video below is perfect for beginners. It is simple to do and work great with a lot of slow dance songs. Practice this repeatedly until it becomes second nature. And when you lead this step, make sure to do this confidently so that your partner can follow you.
5. Spice it Up with a Turn
Once your partner feels comfortable dancing with you, it's a great idea to spice up your dance with a turn or two. Surprise your partner with this fun turn below!
6. End with a Dip
No dance is complete without an impressive dip. It is like the icing on a cake! Depending how comfortable or experienced your partner is with social dancing, you may want to adjust how low you dip your partner. If you weren't sure how comfortable your partner feels about being dipped, ask for permission first. Watch this video to learn how to dip your partner safely and confidently.
What is your go-to slow dance move? Please comment below.
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Duet Dance Studio is a group of friendly dancers who are passionate about helping people and sharing the joy of ballroom dance. Our physical studio is located in Chicago West Bucktown. We offer ballroom dance lessons, wedding dance instruction and private dance parties. Online Wedding Dance Lessons and Skype dance lessons are also available! Dances we teach include Salsa, Swing, Tango, Bachata, Merengue, Waltz and Foxtrot. Sign up for an introductory dance lesson now to get started!
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0 LikesHow to Slow Dance | The Dancer’s Guide for 2023
Knowing how to slow dance at a wedding, holiday party, prom and other social events makes attending these special occasions more comfortable, memorable and fun. Whether you are a guest at a wedding or headed to your first school dance, learning how to slow dance with style and confidence is an easy and valuable skill to obtain.
Plus, it's great for your overall health! Psychology Today highlights the importance of slow movement and body awareness, both of which can be improved through practicing dance, as it encourages relaxation and stress reduction, lessens the risk of depression and helps relieve inflammation.
Let’s break down how to slow dance step by step, and discover how to add your own style to the slow dance.
Jump to Section
- Is Slow Dancing Easy?
- How to Slow Dance Step by Step
- How to Slow Dance at a Wedding
- How to Slow Dance at Prom or Homecoming
- How to Slow Dance by Yourself
Is Slow Dancing Easy?
You don’t need any special skills to learn how to slow dance, but it helps to have some guidance to achieve the posture and attitude that will bring style to your slow dance moves. The slow dance is an easy dance to learn by following a few simple steps.
How Do You Slow Dance Without Being Awkward?
Because slow dance is most commonly performed with another person, learning how to slow dance for beginners can be intimidating.
Beginners might wonder where to put their hands, how fast to sway or even how to ask someone to join them for a dance.
Although slow dancing is simpler than other types of dance, practicing the slow dance and learning a few basic moves will build your confidence on the dance floor.
Try Slow Dancing Lessons
So, how do you slow dance well? To master the basic moves, learn more advanced steps or get feedback from a top-rated instructor, try joining an in-person dance class. With a quick search, you can find dance classes in Colorado Springs, dance classes in San Diego, dance classes in NYC and dance classes near you.
If you prefer to learn slow dancing at home or are nervous about dancing in front of a group, try participating in online dance classes!
via CanvaHow to Slow Dance Step by Step
1. Ask Someone to Dance
First, ask your intended partner if they would like to dance.
If they accept, escort them to the dance floor and choose a place with a little space to move. Once in position, establish a leader and follower.
2. Get Into Position
The leader places their right hand behind their partner’s left shoulder with their right elbow up and pointed out to the right side. The follower wraps their left arm over their partner’s lifted arm with their hand placed near their partner’s shoulder or bicep.
Clasp each others’ free hand, raised to approximately eye level of the shorter partner. This is important to keep in mind if you're curious how to slow dance with a tall guy or tall woman.
Now that you are in position, listen to the music to find the beat and begin to sway.
3. Begin Basic Slow Dance Steps
As you get more comfortable, you might try a basic step. The leader steps to the left, then brings their feet together, then to the left and together again. Repeat to the right.
Tip: To avoid stepping on your partner’s toes, place your partner slightly to the side so your feet interlock rather than overlap. Remember to keep your knees relaxed and take small, comfortable steps.
4. Add Slow Dance Turns or Dips
Once you have confidence in these basic steps, spice up your dance by performing the basic step in a circle or by adding a turn or dip!
via CanvaHow to Slow Dance at a Wedding
Couples slow dancing at the reception, whether they are the newlyweds or the wedding guests, is a signature moment of many wedding celebrations. By following the same simple steps as listed above, you can practice slow dancing at a wedding and impress friends and family at this special event with your smooth slow dancing style.
Inviting everyone on to the dance floor for a slow dance, from your grandparents to your bridesmaid and her date, can create wonderful moments for the photographer to capture while offering some surprising benefits to the couples slow dancing on the floor.
How to Slow Dance at Prom or Homecoming
Slow dancing at a school dance such as prom or homecoming can be one of the most nerve-wracking moments of adolescence. Feeling confident in your ability to slow dance may calm some of those fears and help you enjoy the night with friends or even build up the courage to ask your crush to dance!
Modern Slow Dance Steps
If the traditional steps of slow dancing feel too formal or out-dated, you might consider the hug and sway style of couple slow dancing when learning how to slow dance with your girlfriend or crush.
In this extended hug position, the leader places their hands on their partner’s hips while the follower places their arms on the leader’s shoulders or loosely around the neck. Leave enough space between you so that you both feel comfortable. In this position, you can simply sway back and forth by shifting your weight from side to side with the rhythm of the music.
Tip: Once you are on the dance floor, have a few topics to talk about if you don’t want to dance in silence. Try to ask open-ended questions to spark the conversation and learn more about your partner.
via CanvaHow to Slow Dance by Yourself
Can you slow dance by yourself? If a slow song comes on and you find yourself without a partner, you don’t have to leave the dance floor. You can use some of the same moves as partnered dancers when learning to slow dance by yourself.
A gentle sway shifting your weight from side to side is an easy solo move for slow dances. You can also try the basic step to add a little more movement to your solo slow dance.
Relax your arms and shoulders, allowing them to move gently with the rhythm of the music. As you build confidence in your slow dancing, you can begin to add your own style to the movement whether you are dancing by yourself or with a partner.
Slow dancing with style will come easily once you learn the basic steps and practice them often. Although, as with any new skill, mastering the slow dance may take a little time and patience.
From weddings or prom to any occasion where there is music and social dancing, knowing how to slow dance with confidence will make the event less stressful and more fun!
For even more creative ideas and inspiration, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
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How to dance at a party: advice from British GQ editor-in-chief Dylan Jones
The main thing to remember when throwing yourself on the dance floor: no one is looking at you.
Do not be afraid that you will be laughed at and that everyone is just waiting for you to get tangled in your own feet. Believe me, no one is interested in this, especially if you behave decently.
In the event that your dancing experience is zero - or if you once tried and did not like it - you need to learn two simple truths first. Firstly, women like it when a man dances well, so if you are a complete layman in this matter, you should strain yourself. Secondly, no one expects great things from you in all your endeavors. Personally, I am able to dance to anything, but when a DJ puts on I'm So Excited by The Pointer Sisters or something in the style of drum and bass, I immediately leave the dance floor. Not because I don't like such compositions - although at my age it would be forgivable - but because they are difficult to dance to. Not everyone can rock to any song, so if it has too many beats per minute, or a particularly jagged rhythm, or is too slow (like Just Be Good to Me by the SOS Band), feel free to go to the bar.
Don't like reggae? Run to the toilet. Can't help laughing at the new Coldplay hit? Sit down.
If you don't know how to dance at all, but circumstances require it, move by feel. Do not kick your legs - work with your body; bending your elbows, squirm with dignity to the beat of the music. It's really easy! Soon you will become bolder and begin to vary your dance moves; do it in proportion. No one expects you to turn into John Travolta - all his exploits in "Saturday Night Fever" were staged by a professional choreographer, so you should not go out of your way.
A few more important points. Don't slow dance unless you're holding a woman in your arms. Don't try to act like Bruce Springsteen from the Dancing in the Dark video or Kevin Bacon from the movie Loose and dance like a rocker, throwing out your arms and legs at the same time, like a drunken doll. It would also be nice to learn some traditional dance - for example, tango. The easiest way to learn is the twist, which can be danced to anything from Chubby Checker to George Michael's Faith.
Put your foot slightly in front of you and start spinning on it, wobbling your hips; then “screw” yourself into the floor without bending your back, and then “unscrew” back up in the same way.
If you want to learn something spectacular, try the Highland Fling, one of the oldest Scottish dances. Raise your left hand and use it to draw the letter "c" above your head. Place your right hand on your thigh so that the thumb is pointing down and the other fingers are pointing back. With the emphasis on the left leg, stretch the right leg all the way and make a quarter-turn jump. Place your right foot behind the ankle of your left and again jump in a quarter turn, stretching your right leg as far as possible to the right side. Then do another quarter-turn jump, keeping your right foot in front of your left ankle (toes pointing to the floor). Repeat the movement, changing the right leg to the left and vice versa.
When the song ends, bow gracefully with a George Clooney grin. And remember: courage and recklessness are not the same thing.
Photo: Mr Jones' Rules for the Modern Man © 2006 Dylan Jones. Published with permission from Hodder & Stoughton. Illustration: Mitt Roshin
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12 life hacks to quickly learn how to dance from Mamita Dance
dancing
Author: Pavel Sobiray
psychologist, salsa and tango teacher
dancing
Author: Pavel Sobiray
psychologist, salsa and tango teacher
At the start, you always want to get a quick result. When it doesn't happen, the hypothesis arises that everything takes time. After a conditionally acceptable time, humility comes to mastering pair dances, which, perhaps, is not given, and I will just do what I learned somehow.
This is the most common story of those who believe that the mere act of attending a pair dance class is enough to learn how to dance.
Absolutely not. If you want to really dance well, you have to make an effort outside of the dance class. A good teacher will definitely be needed, but the initiative should be on your side.
1. Listen to music
The most common and accessible advice that is given already in the first lessons. And it definitely works. Music creates a certain atmosphere of the dance and intuitively you want to move to it. It doesn't matter where you listen to music - in the car, on headphones while walking or doing household chores.
An addition that will help you dance better is your active participation in the music. Sing along, dance or simply beat musical accents with any free parts of the body. In the subway, for example, it is enough to tap out bright moments with your fingers, in the car to sing along with sounds, and at home you can jump for pleasure.
2. Watch videos of good dancers
It's complicated, but also obvious.
It’s more difficult, because without recommendations from more experienced dancers, unfortunately, it’s not so easy to find a good quality video on the net (I mean not the resolution quality, but the content itself).
Meaningful video viewing is about building an understanding of HOW dancers make a particular impression on a partner or viewer. Technology is at the heart of everything. Understanding how the pros do it is a big step forward.
It is important to distinguish a show from a disco dance, a staged performance from an improvisation, a stylized dance from an authentic one, etc. Ask for recommendations and dance teachers will always throw off a couple of videos of worthy landmarks.
Tango Z. Showreel.
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3. Dance in salsatecas/milongas/discotheques
A very delicate moment when you should come to the first party.
From a technical point of view, most students in 1-3 months have a sufficient set of figures and techniques to come and dance calmly. Psychologically, the same moment can be stretched out for an indefinite time. After all, it is imperative to “not lose face”, “learn more figures” and be sure what to do in case “there is an unfamiliar movement”.
In fact, the partygoers don't really care (except for a small layer of non-professional teachers who want to help inexperienced dancers by treating them as customers in the future). It is important to come and try dancing after a month of classes. You can only with friends or guys from your group. This will be enough to feel the adrenaline and inspiration from the dance.
4. Dance with partners or partners not of your level
The conventional wisdom that you need to practice in groups of your level does not withstand the test of experience. Perhaps now your eyes widened in surprise, and you want to meaningfully read the phrase again.
Yes, you saw everything correctly: when you dance with a partner of your level, you don’t grow anywhere.
It's important to understand that not only does it work one way and you have to dance with cooler dancers, but it works even more effectively the other way. It is no coincidence that teaching pair dances dramatically raises the level of the teacher himself. You have an endless stream of very beginner dancers.
How it works. A more experienced partner needs to be "stretched". It's easy and obvious. With beginners, you need to take more initiative on yourself, see the general pattern of the dance more widely, turn on and insure more, try to be an example and be more careful. The quality of interaction begins to grow significantly. And wonderful partners too.
Dancing with partners of your level doesn't make you grow. Dance with beginners and more advanced dancers
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5. Learn to dance for a partner and for a partner
Turks and Argentines are one of the best partners in the world. In Russia, partners are highly valued. Why? The answer is simple. In Argentina and Turkey, it is not questionable for men to ask another man to lead in one piece or another and give feedback on the quality of the lead. For them, it will be a great shame to hear moralizing from a partner, or even more so to be known in the community as an insecure partner.
In Russia, due to the constant, often far-fetched, opinion that there are more women in pair dances, partners calmly get up and study their partner's part. Such partners then grow into very cool dancers and teachers. In no case do this at parties, only in class. Here we are talking only about the learning strategy. At parties, be yourself.
6. Do not memorize the links
Always try to look deeper and understand the through principle and idea of movement. Understanding what and how is done will make it possible to independently generate any sequences and chips.
Human memory is limited and there will always be a moment when something will escape and your repertoire will be limited by the size of RAM.
In Argentine tango, for example, there are seven levels of movement construction that, when mastered, will allow you to make millions of combinations. And how many dance sequences can you really remember? In rueda, more than 150 figures dance in a rare circle. It's hard to keep more in mind.
7. Develop your body
Many years of experience in teaching couple dance shows that as soon as everyone pairs up in a class, any progress in individual style ends. But it is the individual style that distinguishes everyone at the disco: partners change, and style is always with you.
The body as the main instrument of dance must be very plastic, responsive and emotional. Surprisingly, not all pair dance schools have a general physical warm-up.
It is vital to tune the body and understand how it works.
You can always train extra and concentrate more on the basic steps, as their true value is as body work. The sequence of steps is, in fact, the simplest thing that can be in pair dancing. The quality of individual performance determines the craftsmanship.
8. Try on the images of inspiring dancers
A psychological life hack for those who have already mastered the steps, but still feel that there is not enough brightness and drive. Most are terribly afraid of being someone else's "clone". Here the action is the same as under the influence of hypnosis - the more you resist, the more you plunge into an altered state of consciousness.
With a high degree of probability, you are already dancing like someone else's "clone". A meaningful fitting of someone else's image is that you mentally take the image of the one who inspires you (inspiration is critical in this case) and "put on" yourself.
Then you start dancing and trying to feel in general how it is to be able, for example, to be the best partner or the sexiest partner in a disco. This is much more difficult than it seems. But it works extremely efficiently.
9. Dance to offbeat music
Habitual rhythms keep you tight. Tango salon or speedy timba leave little room for experimentation and fantasy. Pattern dancing is always noticeable and is reserved for beginners.
The truly new is born outside of the usual. Look for places to experiment. If there is no place, organize self-training. The main thing is not to get carried away, because music determines the style. We bring something new to pair dances, rather than trying to change them.
Search, improvise, don’t be afraid to go beyond, develop in different directions, be inspired by music atypical for style
10. Try your hand at basic dance directions
dances exist according to their own non-choreographic laws.
This is the deepest delusion, which has turned into a ceiling for the qualitative development of partner dances. After all, all professional dancers, for example, in salsa or bachata, build their ideas on the basic choreographic principles.
Do not think that choreography is only applicable on stage. Any meaningful movement of the body can be choreographic. In general, try classical or modern choreography. Basically, hip-hop can work too.
11. Look for battle sensations
Pair dances return us to an active position of manifestation of our body. As in the days of our ancient ancestors, we impress the members of the opposite sex by how dexterous, hardy, sexy, etc. we are. Modern laws of the jungle in the entourage of large cities.
If you look around the dance floor, it becomes clear that the majority are clearly herbivores (not in the sense of vegetarians, but in relation to those around them).
I am sure that predators are always more interesting in terms of the attractiveness of the image - try to find a counterbalance among herbivores, for example, a cat woman or a lion man.
The conversation is about an internal position, not about aggressiveness. Lability and lack of control are inherent in adolescents, and not in adult self-sufficient people.
Accordingly, even a training or friendly battle gives, on the one hand, practical skills - to make a bright sequence of movements, bring an idea to a climax, show a spectacular feature, on the other hand, develops the psychological basis of the dance - self-confidence, resistance to extraneous attention, self-control and self-control in complex elements.
12. Communicate with professionals
The environment shapes the internal position. Basically, real passionaries of the dance community are ready to openly talk, discuss and support the development of dance in every possible way.
Universal principles and the ideas they articulate have a much longer and more practical perspective than meets the eye.
Accept that, for example, behind the words "listen to your partner" is not only a beautiful metaphor, but also a practical skill to literally listen to your partner. At the same time, always treat every thought, even the most respected teacher, as a private opinion.
Your skill will lie in finding the scope of the idea even in conflicting opinions. Most often, the contradiction is speculative and the truth lies in the angle of perception or situationality.
Your dancing growth will stop sooner or later. This can happen at the level of three basic steps or years of experience in teaching and show performances. Regardless of your level, the suggested 12 life hacks can get you off the ground and greatly accelerate your dance growth. There is no way here without your motivation and activity. Take your dance development into your own hands.
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