Getting Started In Dance - The Basics

Finding your SPACE to dance in!

Sometimes it’s hard to find dance studios that are a good fit for us in the community. What do we do if we still want to dance? Get creative! You can dance anywhere and everywhere - here are a few ideas to get you started: 

  • Seeing yourself dance is a really important way to improve! Bring out the full body mirror or dance in front of a window at night. 

  • No space indoors? Try outside! This can be in your backyard/patio, rooftop, or even the sidewalk in front of your house. 

  • Check out your local YMCA or community center, they might have a space for you to groove! 

  • Ask your teacher if there’s a good place to practice dancing with your friends at school! 

  • Parking lots are great places as long as they are not too crowded and not many cars are coming in and out.

What to WEAR?

The million dollar question - what to wear to dance? In dance, what we choose to wear can give us that extra boost of confidence, and it is a great way to express ourselves while also complimenting the dance moves! The most important thing is that YOU are comfortable in what you’re wearing. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Comfy shoes - have something that won’t fall off, but not so tight that it hurts your feet. Shoes with mesh allow you to stay cool and it is usually recommended to dance in shoes with flatter soles. Lighter shoes also allow for quicker footwork. If you are trying to do toe spins, try something with a little more support at the front. Ballet shoes/tap shoes/heels are highly recommended if you are dancing in those genres. A cheap shoe I’ve personally enjoyed dancing in are the Puma RS-1 OG CLONE Sneakers.

  • Loose athletic clothes - something breathable where you won’t get too hot and something you don’t mind getting sweaty/having to wash often.

  • We highly recommend long pants/sweats/leggings if there is floor-work (dance moves in close contact to the ground) to avoid scraping anything!

  • Bring a towel as well if you know you are going to sweat (it’s a good thing!)

STREEEEETCH!

We all know that feeling - you’re so excited to dance you just can’t wait to get right into the choreo. But make sure to STRETCH first!

  • Stretching can help relax muscles and increase your flexibility so that you are able to hit all those moves smoothy and easily. Stretch more, dance better!

  • Stretching can prevent injuries when dancing (no one wants to get hurt and not be able to dance) and can help relieve aching pains after a long week of dance practices.

  • Stretching releases endorphins and can help ease any stress/tensions we carry from our day. It makes us feel good! You know what they say, if you feel good, you dance good.

  • Make sure to stretch every part of the body as dance is a whole-body workout! Don’t forget to stretch your neck, wrists, and feet in addition to your arms, legs, torso, hips, etc. If you have your own routine, that’s perfect! If you want to follow along to a video, we’ve included one here.