How to Dance in Clubs

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If you're shy about dancing at the club, don't worry! Everyone can move to a beat. Learn some basic moves to get yourself started, and work up to a few harder ones. [1] Then take those fabulous steps to your local nightclub!

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Working on the Basics

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    Bend your knees, bringing your whole body a bit lower to the floor. Unbend your knees, moving your body back upwards. Repeat this movement up and down, maybe adding a head bounce to it as you do. Bend your knees down on the downbeat and up on the upbeat. [2]
    • The downbeat is likely what you think of as the main beat. The upbeat is between downbeats. So if you've heard a dance count "5, 6, 7, 8," the numbers are the downbeat.
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    For this move, all you need to do is start with your feet together. Step out to the right, and bring your left foot over to touch the floor next to your right foot. Then, step out with your left foot and bring your right foot over to touch the floor next to your left foot. [3] Dance instructor Dariusz Horvath-Krol suggests "focusing on keeping your feet in time."
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    Start with your knees slightly bent. As you step out, bring your body upright, then dip down again as you bring your other leg over. Straighten back up when your foot does the "touch" motion. [4]
    • Don't exaggerate the dipping too much. It's just supposed to be a little dip.
    • This move just creates a light bouncing motion, which you can do in time with the music.
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    As you bring one foot in to "touch," move it forward in front of the other foot instead. Then bring it back to where it started, and bring the other foot over and in front of the that foot. [5]
    • You can also use this same move, except step behind instead of forward. [6]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Stepping up Your Dance Game

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    As you step back and forth, try swinging your arms forward and backward along to the beat as well. Alternatively, try holding your arms bent in front of you and snapping along to the beat. [7]
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    Move your weight to your heels. Rock your lower body side to side, just moving your toes back and forth. Keep your upper body in place. [8]
    • You can also swing your hips a little while doing this move.
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    Do your step-touch move, but when you step, step backwards or forwards. Bring your other foot up to meet it for the "touch" part of the step. Keep moving in the same direction or veer off another way. [9]
    • Make sure to watch where you're going as you're moving around the dance floor.
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    Place your feet together, and put your hands on the front of your thighs. Arch your back slightly and bend your knees. Dip your hips down and swing them up and to the right. Dip them down again and swing them up and to the left. [10]
    • Keep repeating this motion to the beat of the music.
    • Try to keep your upper body upright instead of leaning forward.
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    Before going to the club, try turning on some music at home. Let your body naturally start doing whatever movement it feels like. [11] As you listen to a few more songs, make that movement a bit larger, moving along to the beat. [12]
    • For instance, if you feel your fingers start tapping, maybe start moving that arm to the beat.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Getting on the Dance Floor

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    Before heading to the dance floor, do a lap around the club to check out what's going on. Take in your surroundings, watch other people dancing, and get a feel for the music. Getting comfortable with your surroundings can cut any nervousness you may be feeling. [13] If you still feel nervous, dance instructor Dariusz Horvath-Krol suggests "taking slow deep breaths by inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth."
    • Also, check out where people are just hanging out and talking.
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    Listen to the music to find the beat. Rather than focusing on what moves you should bust out, take a moment to listen to the song that's playing and notice the beat. Once you've found the beat, start bobbing your head to the music. Finding the rhythm will help you out when you start dancing.
    • If you're having trouble finding the beat, watch the people dancing. Most of them will be moving in time to the beat.
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    Pick a place to slide yourself onto the dance floor. Find a little space, and start using your moves. Bob your head, try a step-touch move, or simply bounce in place. [14] As long as you're having fun, it doesn't really matter what moves you do! [15]
    • Let yourself just move along to the beat.
    • If you're a little self-conscious, try copying other people's dance moves.
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    If you want to groove it is fine, but make sure you're not running into other people too much. Avoid accidentally hitting people with your arms and elbows, for instance, by keeping your dance moves under control.
    • Keep in mind that you're packed in with a crowd of people. It may not be the best time to try out your dance that involves swinging your arms wildly around your head.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Practicing Nightclub Etiquette

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    Of course, brushing up against someone accidentally is going to happen when you're dancing at a club. However, don't grind or grope anyone else unless they've given you permission to do so. [16]
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    If you plow through the middle of the dance floor, you'll get in the way of people dancing. You might even cause a few collisions. Stick to the outer edge so you don't ruin anyone's fun.
    • Plus, you may end up spilling your drink as you walk across the floor with people jostling you.
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    Of course, you're at the nightclub to have fun, and if drinking is your thing, then have some however, know your limits. You don't want to be the falling-down drunk person who needs to be shown out by the police.
    • Try keeping it under a drink an hour.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you dance at a nightclub?
    Dariusz Horvath-Krol
    Professional Ballroom Dancer & Dance Instructor
    Dariusz Horvath-Krol is a Professional Ballroom Dancer and Dance Instructor based in New York. With more than 20 years of dance experience, he specializes in ballroom dancing, hip-hop, funk, and ballet. He has also spent the last seven years performing and working with Dancing With The Stars professionals. Dariusz has received full bronze, full silver, and gold awards from The Dance Vision International Dance Association.
    Dariusz Horvath-Krol
    Professional Ballroom Dancer & Dance Instructor
    Expert Answer
    Start with the basics and just try to keep timing with your feet. That said, dancing well, just like any other skill, is generally much more about how well you're doing it rather than which move you're doing.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    What kind of dancing do you do at a club?
    Dariusz Horvath-Krol
    Professional Ballroom Dancer & Dance Instructor
    Dariusz Horvath-Krol is a Professional Ballroom Dancer and Dance Instructor based in New York. With more than 20 years of dance experience, he specializes in ballroom dancing, hip-hop, funk, and ballet. He has also spent the last seven years performing and working with Dancing With The Stars professionals. Dariusz has received full bronze, full silver, and gold awards from The Dance Vision International Dance Association.
    Dariusz Horvath-Krol
    Professional Ballroom Dancer & Dance Instructor
    Expert Answer
    There's simply not a correct kind of dance that you must do at a club. To learn what works best for you, try to learn different styles, such as hip-hop, latin, ballroom, etc. and incorporate them in your dancing routine.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ Dariusz Horvath-Krol. Professional Ballroom Dancer & Dance Instructor. Expert Interview. 13 September 2021.
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6mqcVirhwM&feature=youtu.be&t=39
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T80MuUVMPEE&feature=youtu.be&t=25
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T80MuUVMPEE&feature=youtu.be&t=56
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6mqcVirhwM&feature=youtu.be&t=81
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6mqcVirhwM&feature=youtu.be&t=103
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6mqcVirhwM&feature=youtu.be&t=91
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6mqcVirhwM&feature=youtu.be&t=179
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6mqcVirhwM&feature=youtu.be&t=124
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdMH3IFCpOw&feature=youtu.be&t=28
      2. ↑ Dariusz Horvath-Krol. Professional Ballroom Dancer & Dance Instructor. Expert Interview. 13 September 2021.
      3. ↑ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/active/10664623/How-to-dance-like-an-alpha-male.html
      4. ↑ Dariusz Horvath-Krol. Professional Ballroom Dancer & Dance Instructor. Expert Interview. 13 September 2021.
      5. ↑ Dariusz Horvath-Krol. Professional Ballroom Dancer & Dance Instructor. Expert Interview. 13 September 2021.
      6. ↑ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/active/10664623/How-to-dance-like-an-alpha-male.html
      7. ↑ http://beirutnightlife.com/nightlife/donts-rules-proper-nightlife-etiquette/
      8. ↑ Dariusz Horvath-Krol. Professional Ballroom Dancer & Dance Instructor. Expert Interview. 13 September 2021.
      9. ↑ Dariusz Horvath-Krol. Professional Ballroom Dancer & Dance Instructor. Expert Interview. 13 September 2021.

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