6 Iconic And Fun Dance Moves For Everyone To Learn

Dancing is an expression of creativity and a way to interact socially with others. However, it can also be a source of anxiety for people who feel awkward or self-conscious. While dancing often looks spontaneous, it may involve choreography, which is developing and learning dance steps ahead of time. If you go to parties or night clubs and see people moving and grooving out on the floor, they usually aren’t doing strictly choreographed routines. In many cases, however, they are spontaneously making use of choreographed steps that they learned elsewhere.
If you’ve never had the opportunity to learn any dance steps, it’s no wonder that you feel uncomfortable when the music strikes up. Fortunately, there are well-known moves that you can learn on your own and then break out at your next social gathering. The following start with the simple and then move up to the more complex.
The Grapevine
Like the two-step, the grapevine is a basic step that can serve as the foundation for more complicated moves. Unlike the two-step, which just has you moving back and forth, the grapevine allows you to travel across the dance floor.
You start the grapevine similarly to the two-step, by stepping out to the side. However, instead of moving back in the direction you came from, as you do in the two-step, you swing your other foot around behind your first foot, then step your first foot out to the side again. The grapevine is a versatile step that you can personalize by clapping your hands, snapping your fingers, or giving a little hop when you get to the end.
The Dougie
The Dougie is associated with a particular song but can be performed to any number with a similar beat. It builds on the skills required for the two-step. Unlike the two-step, however, the Dougie involves more movement of the arms and shoulders.
The Electric Slide
The electric slide looks complicated, but it is really a lot easier than it looks. That is partially because it builds on the grapevine, but with more arm movements. This is a good move to add to your repertoire because it is popular at gatherings such as family reunions and wedding receptions.
The Robot
Where the electric slide is easier than it looks, the robot is deceptively complicated. It looks easy because it requires little, if any, movement of the feet and legs. However, it is difficult to make it look good. The key is jerky movements with stiff upper extremities that make you look like a constructed invention rather than an organic being.
The Two-Step
If you just want the thrive experience of movement on the dance floor without having to learn anything too complex or strenuous, the two-step is an excellent place to start. All you have to do is move your body side to side while stepping to the beat. That’s it. You can also dip your torso by bending your knees a bit more, but this is optional.
The two-step is a legitimate dance move on its own, or it can serve as the foundation for more complicated steps.

The Moonwalk
The moonwalk is strongly associated with pop singer Michael Jackson, who is a controversial figure. If that makes you uncomfortable, you may be relieved to know that he actually didn’t invent the moonwalk. In fact, it dates all the way back to 1932 when it was performed by jazz singer Cab Calloway. It’s a difficult move to get right, but if you do, it looks like you are defying gravity. Most people are impressed by mastery of the moonwalk, which involves sliding backwards across the floor from heel to toe. Just make sure that there is enough room behind you before practicing or performing the moonwalk.
As you get more comfortable doing these steps, don’t be afraid to modify them to make them your own. Dancing can and should be an expression of individuality.