Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 4: Showing your movements
• Part 2 of 4: Shuffling
• Part 3 of 4: Having fun at a prom
• Part 4 of 4: Dressing for the dance night
• Tips
• Warnings

Years of movies and television have made dance evenings a time where everyone is at their best, so it's not surprising to think that you have to pull out all the stops to look good at a high school dance night. The good news is that your friends and classmates will think the same. However, you can be one step ahead of them by dancing and recognizing the dance night itself for what it really is - a fun event to spend time with your friends and get to know new people!

To step

Part 1 of 4: Showing your movements

1. Keep things simple during your first dance. If this is your first time dancing, don't try out any complicated moves that you may have seen in a video clip. Nobody expects you to do that, and your classmates will generally be preoccupied with what they look like themselves.
   • Try not to stand out by mimicking the movements of your classmates. Most DJs will probably play simple, energetic songs with a recognizable rhythm during such an evening.
   • If a song comes along that includes a particular dance, don't panic! Get off the dance floor and watch the specific moves your classmates perform. If it's too hard to copy right away, then there's nothing wrong with waiting for the next song.
2. Warm up with the two-step. The two-step is one of the most basic dance moves. You will likely see your classmates doing the two-step without knowing what it is themselves. For most people, this movement is enough to get by for a while.
   • Move your right leg to the right and then move your left leg towards your right leg. Then repeat the movement in reverse with the left leg. Move your legs to the beat of the music.
   • To add some variation, try the two-step triangle, where your foot moves back to form a triangle and then moves forward to its original position. Repeat with the other leg, again to the beat of the music.
3. Place your feet on the ground and focus on the rhythm with the "bounce". If the dance floor is a bit crowded - or if you just don't want to tiptoe on someone - you can keep dancing with the "bounce". The "bounce" is easier than the two-step because all you have to do is move your body up and down to the beat of the music.
   • Once you get used to the bounce, you can vary it by changing how intense the bounce is, how much you swing your arms, and rocking your head a little more.
4. Move your arms back and forth to the beat. Many budding dancers are unsure what to do with their arms, even though they get the rhythm. A simple rule to follow is always keep one arm up and the other down.
   • With every beat of the music, your arms should change position. With your left arm up and your right arm down, move your right arm up on the next beat while lowering your left arm.
   • Make sure your arms are away from your body! Don't keep them too close to your chest or you'll look stiff.
5. Don't go out if you can dance. While it might be great to flip for everyone, many of your classmates may feel intimidated if you try to steal the show.
   • As an experienced dancer you have the opportunity to encourage others to dance with you. It may be tempting to correct your classmates on the spot, but this is more likely to discourage them. Complimenting the others on the dance floor will make the evening more enjoyable for everyone.

Part 2 of 4: Shuffling

1. Approach someone you want to dance with and ask them to dance. Many slow songs require a dance partner, which can be a little nerve-wracking the first time. All you have to do is ask something like, "Do you want to dance with me?"
   • If the other person accepts your offer to dance, choose a spot on the floor that is available.
   • If someone declines your offer to dance, don't ask why. Just say "Okay" or "No problem" and move on. There could be several reasons why that person doesn't want to dance, and there are plenty of other people available.
   • If you are a girl, it is widely accepted that girls ask boys to dance. You might be surprised how many guys even prefer that!
2. Put your hands on your dance partner. Although there are slow songs where you just hold hands, these songs are usually seen as "old fashioned". Today, where you put your hands depends on the gender of your dance partner.
   • Girls often put their arms around their dance partner's shoulders or around his neck.
   • Guys place their hands on their dance partner's waist or against her back.
   • If you're dancing with someone of the same sex or who considers themselves non-binary, it will depend on who places their hands first. The second dancer will follow the lead of the first.
3. Pay attention to the distance between you and your partner when dancing. If you are unsure how far or near you should be from your dance partner, it is best to ask early. A simple "Is this okay" is fine and can help save you awkward situations.
   • Take a moment to look down at your partner's feet. You don't have to move much while shuffling, so avoiding your dance partner's toes won't be that hard.
   • Different schools have different ideas about what is "okay" in terms of distance between dance partners. If you are unsure of your school, look at how far apart other dancers are.
4. Thank your dance partner after the song. It is customary to thank your dance partner for the opportunity to spend time with him or her. Again, don't overthink what to say - a simple "That was fun" or "Thanks for dancing" will suffice.
   • While it's not taboo to ask the same person to dance to a different song again, it's better not to do it right away. Until then, try to dance with others as well.

Part 3 of 4: Having fun at a prom

1. Dance with a group of friends. Many people in high school will want to try dancing with someone they like, but don't forget your group of friends! Sometimes you can have a good evening just by hitting the dance floor with friends.
   • Be aware of your surroundings and be polite to other people. Don't take up so much space that others can't dance anymore.
2. Take a break from dancing when you feel tired. The prom will likely last several hours and you don't want to be exhausted too early. Make sure to give yourself some rest in between dances so that you keep enough energy.
   • Drinking water is most important when it comes to taking care of yourself. The school should have tables nearby where you can get free glasses of water.
   • If you want to be alone for a while, ask a guide where you can go outside and breathe some fresh air. Sometimes you just need some alone time to feel like it again!
3. Don't worry about feeling judged by how you dance. It's good to reiterate that almost everyone in the room will be just as nervous as you are at prom. If other people see you dance, they will be more likely to join, if they see how much fun it is!
   • In the rare event that someone causes problems during the school party, you should immediately inform a supervisor. It is likely that such a person will bother other attendees as well.

Part 4 of 4: Dressing for the dance night

1. Choose a dress or suit that you find comfortable. Even if the dance night has a formal or semi-formal theme, you want to make sure you choose an outfit that you can move comfortably in. The nicest dress or tux will not mean much if it feels too stiff or heavy.
   • Girls preparing for a formal event can choose from dresses that follow the shape of your body, sundresses, long skirts and skirts with matching shoes. Make sure your clothes are not too naked, because the high school dance supervisor can stop you at the entrance.
   • Guys who want to look formal wear long pants or slacks and dress shoes. Make sure the outfit and shoes are not too tight or your feet will soon start to hurt.
   • If the dress code is casual, both boys and girls can go with a simple shirt and jeans, with comfortable shoes, such as slip-on shoes, sneakers or boat shoes.
   • Don't feel limited by your gender when it comes to clothes. If the school allows it and the atmosphere in the school is generally very tolerant, girls can wear tuxedos and boys can put on skirts if that feels better.
2. Avoid wearing a T-shirt with a striking print, open-toed shoes and clothing that is too naked. There are certain outfits or clothes that are simply not allowed or recommended regardless of the dance rules. For example, if you're wearing open-toed shoes and someone accidentally steps on your toes, it can be quite painful!
   • If you really want to wear a printed T-shirt, make sure it's not offensive. If you don't wear it to school otherwise, don't wear it to dance nights.
   • Many dances have a dress code. Contact your school to find out what it is.
3. Style your hair to complete your look. Looking good isn't just about wearing the right clothes - your hair plays a big role, too. Taking the time to wash, condition, and style your hair can boost your confidence during the dance.
   • If you have short hair, style it with some hair cream while it is still damp right after you shower.
   • If you have longer hair, tie it together in a bun so you have more freedom to move.

Tips

• Don't forget to maintain eye contact with a partner and smile while you dance. In this case, the adage "pretend to be so" certainly applies.
• If at any point you feel too uncomfortable or nervous to dance, it can help to remember that almost everyone feels that way. Once you realize that most people don't care what you look like when you dance, it can be easier to take the plunge.
• If you think you feel more nervous or anxious than usual about dancing, or you find yourself paralyzed at the idea of ​​dancing, you may have chorophobia. This condition - which is a psychological fear of dancing - is very rare, but it does exist. Consult your doctor if you think this applies to you.
• Remember, you don't have to dance with someone if you don't feel comfortable with it.

Warnings

• While it can be exciting to dance with your crush, don't immediately take that as a sign that she wants a date. It will take more than a single dance to get there.
• Avoid dance tricks such as jumping, flipping, and kicking. These actions are only for the best dancers, and even they need enough space to perform such moves.
• If your parents offer to come, it is better to decline. While you may feel a little rude at first, this is an evening for you and your classmates.