How do you dance?

[kdh]

Seriously, I just don't get it.

How do you learn to dance at clubs. I'm getting sick of watching everyone and just want to join in instead of hanging out at the bar all the time. It really sucks when a good-looking lady sends the "signals" and I can't really go out and dance with her.

Everyone says, "Just feel the music...." "Let your body flow...." But that just isn't enough. Are some people just born to dance while others aren't?

 

[ken]

 Are some people just born to dance while others aren't?

Some people are definitely born w/more of a sense of rhythm than others, but that can usually be learned. If you're serious about it, don't just go out there and grind w/some gal. It's pathetic, looks cheesy, and is just too pedestrian. Set up a video camera and just rock out w/it, then watch it and see what looks not-too-bad and what just looks bad (all the time hoping to God nobody else sees it). Go to a rave and watch some of those kids, there's a few that know what they're doing. And a lesson or two couldn't hurt, there's plent of places that offer 'street' style dance lessons.

Other than that, start listening more critically to the rhythm section in songs. Learn when the up beats and down beats and hesitants are. Do a lot of finger tapping, then transpose that to the rest of your body (for instance, start by letting your index finger hit the snare and middle finger the kick, then start moving your shoulders to the snare and feet to the kick). Hopefully you'll get to the point where girls say "wow, that kid can dance a little," instead of just being another dude w/his ******** up against some gals rear.

 

[Heron]

One word - "lessons"

I'm not talking about ballroom dancing, they can teach any style you want to learn.

 

[nightowl6261a]

One fott in front of the other would be a good start, and watch an Elvis movie.

 

[Renault78law]

"Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance." - Martha Graham

It's a matter of being comfortable, dance like nobody's watching. Have fun, don't be self conscious, and relax.  You get better by doing it.  Seriously, if you look like you're having fun, nobody's going to bother thinking bad things about you. If you really need help, take a class.

(ken)
Other than that, start listening more critically to the rhythm section in songs. Learn when the up beats and down beats and hesitants are. Do a lot of finger tapping, then transpose that to the rest of your body...

excellent advice as well.

 

[drizzt3117]

Just bust out a combo of the dance moves from Hitch, She's All That, and American Pie 3, and you'll be in like flynn.

 

[gamelan]

DDR of course.

seriously though i got caught up in the swing craze of the late 90s and never really let go. but for me it was all about taking classes and going out dancing as often as possible. also, find someone whos style you like and try to imitate it. don't worry, in time you'll definitely develop your own style. i can't imagine it would be all that different for hip-hop, street, rave or whatever dance you want to do.

and when you're ready to ask her to dance, don't think about it for a second. just do it. (much easier said than done of course)

-Jeff

 

[kdh]

DDR of course.

seriously though i got caught up in the swing craze of the late 90s and never really let go. but for me it was all about taking classes and going out dancing as often as possible. also, find someone whos style you like and try to imitate it. don't worry, in time you'll definitely develop your own style. i can't imagine it would be all that different for hip-hop, street, rave or whatever dance you want to do.

and when you're ready to ask her to dance, don't think about it for a second. just do it. (much easier said than done of course)

-Jeff

Good stuff so far, guys.

I guess I'll look into lessons. (Incidently, some friends have recently asked me to come along to a salsa class.)

 

[spatten]

I'd so go for that salsa class. Once you figure salsa rhythms out - rave, club music will be simple. Plus you can carryover your salsa style to the clubs to some extent.

 

[YMark]

I only dance horizontal.

 

[Bradford]

Have you seen the movie "Hitch"? If you're not comfortable dancing, I would highly recommend the advice that Will Smith gives to Kevin James about dancing. Keep it tight and just move back and forth... "You live here" Bradford

 

[Cliff]

Bradford,

Second the motion on "Hitch", great advice for first timers and a lot of folks who think they can dance.

 

[kdh]

Have you seen the movie "Hitch"? If you're not comfortable dancing, I would highly recommend the advice that Will Smith gives to Kevin James about dancing. Keep it tight and just move back and forth... "You live here" Bradford

LOL I actually saw the movie and really paid attention to that part. That's where I plan to "move."

 

[ernest]

Seriously, I just don't get it.

How do you learn to dance at clubs.  I'm getting sick of watching everyone and just want to join in instead of hanging out at the bar all the time.  It really sucks when a good-looking lady sends the "signals" and I can't really go out and dance with her.

Everyone says, "Just feel the music...."  "Let your body flow...."  But that just isn't enough.  Are some people just born to dance while others aren't?

Only Smurf

 

[LA Guy]

Only Smurf

Huh? Please elaborate.