Five Dance Floor Tips for Non Dancers

Dance has been a part of my life since I was very young. From formal dance lessons in a range of styles and techniques to just being one of those people who loves to get on the dance floor, moving to the music has always been easy for me. I realize, though, that not everyone is as comfortable with dance.

Dance, however, is a social ritual and being comfortable on the dance floor is an asset at everything from college get-togethers to weddings and other formal occasions. While I can't teach you how to dance in text, I can provide these five tips to help you be more comfortable when you step out onto the dance floor or into the dance studio.

1. If you're going to dance always wear comfortable shoes. This doesn't mean wearing sneakers or something inappropriate to the occasion, but it is easier to dance in shoes that you've worn before and know don't cause you foot pain. If you've bought new shoes for an event, be sure to break them in by wearing them, even around your house, on several occasions first.

2. Dance is about joy. If you are miserable about dancing you will dance miserably. Try to keep I mind why you are dancing: not because you are supposed to but because you are celebrating an occasion, enjoying your friends and being proud of who you are.

3. Don't be nervous. It's harder to dance when you're second guessing yourself. Putting nervous energy int whether you're doing it right will often lead you to doing it wrong. Being calm and confident on the dance floor, even if you have no idea what you are doing, will make your dancing smoother and more graceful.

4. Make eye contact. Looking at who you are dancing with is important for several reasons. First, it focuses the dancing on the social connection; making eye contact is only polite. Second, eye contact will help you and the person or persons you're dancing with read each other's cues and avoid collision or stepping on each other's feet. Finally, if you're making eye contact with your dance partner, your dance partner isn't looking at your dancing, they are looking at you.

5. Good posture is important. Different types of posture work better for different types of dance. Good posture doesn't mean being stiff or ramrod straight. What it does mean is standing tall, keeping yur ing up, not hunching your shoulders and being proud of the space you take up.

Happy dancing!