Q&A for How to Slow Dance

Extend your left hand out to the person you want to dance with, and politely ask them if they'd like to dance. If they say yes, take their hand, then place your right hand on their shoulder blade. Once you're in position you should have about 1-2 feet between you.

Don’t be nervous! Just follow the music and do slow, simple steps to the beat of the song. There’s a good chance that your partner is feeling nervous, too!

You can save yourself some trouble by sorting out hand placements at the beginning of the dance! If you aren’t sure, you can always ask your partner what they’re planning on doing, or follow their lead instead.

You can talk about anything you want! Treat the dance like you would a normal conversation. Make eye contact while you’re talking, but feel free to gaze elsewhere throughout the dance.

You can definitely give that a try! Generally, you and your partner should clasp your free hands together (the hand that isn’t on your partner’s shoulder/arm) at your eye level, so the dance is more balanced out.

Talk to your instructor and see if they’d be willing to change your dance partner. Don’t worry—it’s totally normal to feel a little uneasy while slow dancing with someone.

She wants to be closer to you. This is sometimes just a more comfortable position for dancers, as opposed to holding your arms up which can quickly become tiring.

If your partner can't dance, just teach them. For example, if you're a boy, and the girl doesn't know how to dance, say, "Just put your hands on my shoulder and I will put my hands on your waist." Then, on the other hand, if you are a girl, say to the boy who doesn't know how to dance, "I put my hands on your shoulders, and you put your hands on my waist." It may be a little out of your comfort zone, but it is very fun.

It's the most intimate form of dancing. Asking your partner to slow dance with you is a good way to let that person know you think they're special.

If you just asked her, that alone would be a surprise. Overall though, it depends on the girl. If she's laid back and more open about her emotions, she'll probably love it. If she's more reserved or has a boyfriend, she might not react so well, so I would use your best judgment based on what you know about her and her personality. Even if you don't think she would react well to a surprise slow dance, she might still enjoy dancing with you, so ask her either way.

It just takes a little practice. After about 30 seconds of repeating your foot movements, you'll have the basic swing of things. And for those first couple of seconds, both of you, no matter how experienced, will be figuring it out. Don't sweat it!

Don't worry about it! Slow dancing isn't for experts. Even if she doesn't know how to dance, she can simply move back and forth to the beat.

Talk to your partner. Look at them and smile. It might feel awkward at first, but once you loosen up and talk a little, it will feel more natural.

Quickly teach him something basic like the box step, then let him lead. My first dance I knew nothing, but was taught that and survived!

If both of you are comfortable with the intimacy, then go ahead. If not, don't.

Yes. In all situations, you should attempt to be polite. Remember, while dance can be used for emotional reasons, it's ultimately a physical behavior. Just leave a little space between the two of you, don't talk too much, and don't stare at your partner's face. In the end, all you're doing is asking someone to move in sync to the music with you.

Try to politely excuse yourself and just walk away. Respecting their decision is very important, even if you feel hurt. Depending on the circumstances, you could say something like, "maybe another time," or just a simple "okay."

Just lean in, close your eyes, and kiss him. There's nothing to it!

A basic box, which involves stepping to the right side, back, left, and then forward to the original spot. After you and your partner get that down, go for a harder one.

You should just apologize and continue dancing!

I would say it depends on the situation, but if it feels romantic, then go for it.

You should just ask him. You don't have to wait around for the guy. If he says no, oh well, at least you tried. Just go back to your friends and dance with them.

Generally, whichever foot you feel is your dominant foot. But it also depends on the dance style and your partner's dominant foot.

If you like it, then kiss him back! If you don't like it, then just pull away and tell him that you're not interested in doing anything physical with him. If he doesn't respect that, find someone else to spend your time with.

If you want them to it's okay. It is completely up to you.

When you're dancing with someone, you want to talk to them, and it's always courteous to make eye contact when talking to someone.

Ask them their name if you don't already know it. Then you can ask if they're having a nice time, who they came with, if they like the music, etc. Just make small talk. You don't have to talk the whole time, it's okay to be quiet while dancing.

The same steps apply. Just make sure your partner is as comfortable with the dance as you are.

She's probably enjoying it, a lot of girls that like to sing will hum or sing when they're happy or content.

It really depends on how good of a relationship you have with the person. If the two of you are dating, feel free to get close. If the two of you are just friends, then keep a distance that both of you are comfortable with. Not too close, but not too far either. It really depends on the comfort level of you and your partner.