Think you have “two left feet?” Worried you just don’t have the gift for rhythm some are “born” with? We have good news: Everyone—and yes, we mean everyone— can learn to dance. All it takes is a bit of patience, a lot of practice, the right instructor, and starting with easy dance moves.
Join our dance instructors at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Raleigh as they share several ballroom dances that incorporate easy dance moves and a small set of steps that are repeated, making it easy for you to learn. By counting to the beat of the music and memorizing the simple steps you can look like you’ve been dancing for years! Plus, once you have the easy dance moves down, you’ll feel ready to learn more.
Types of Dance Styles
For beginners looking to dip their toes into the world of dance, it’s essential to start with styles that are defined by easy dance moves that are fun and simple. Whether you’re drawn to the sultry rhythms of Latin dances, the elegance of ballroom, or the freedom of modern styles, there’s at least one easy-to-learn type of dance in each and every genre.
Latin
Latin dances are known for their fiery passion, infectious rhythms, and sultry movements. While they may seem intimidating to beginners, many Latin dances are surprisingly easy to pick up, making them perfect for those just starting their dance journey. With just a little practice, you can master Salsa dancing.
Ballroom
Ballroom dancing exudes grace, elegance, and sophistication, making it a popular choice for beginners looking to learn a timeless art form. Many ballroom dances have simple, repetitive patterns that are easy to grasp, allowing beginners to focus on technique and style. Be sure to choose the right ballroom dance shoes and the best dance studio near you to get the most out of your ballroom dance lessons.
Modern
Modern dance encompasses a wide range of styles, from expressive contemporary to upbeat hip-hop. While some modern dance styles can be more challenging for beginners, there are plenty of beginner-friendly options that emphasize creativity and self-expression.
Dance Styles with Easy Dance Moves
Now, let’s get into the dances themselves. If you’re specifically looking for easy dance moves to get you started, we recommend taking classes in one of the following.
Waltz
The Waltz, often referred to as the “mother of all dances,” is associated with elegance, grace, and romance. Originating in the 18th century, this classic ballroom dance is characterized by its smooth, flowing movements and graceful turns.
The basic steps of the Waltz consist of a simple box step, where partners move in a closed position, gliding across the dance floor effortlessly. One of the reasons why the Waltz is ideal for beginners is its simple, repetitive patterns, which are easy to grasp and perfect for building foundational skills.
Beginners can focus on mastering the basic footwork and timing, gradually adding in more advanced techniques such as rise and fall and sway. The Waltz provides beginners with a comfortable and accessible introduction to the world of ballroom dance.
Foxtrot
The Foxtrot is a smooth, progressive dance that epitomizes sophistication and style. Developed in the early 20th century, this ballroom dance is characterized by its smooth, gliding movements and elegant posture.
The basic steps of the Foxtrot consist of easy dance moves, like walking movements combined with simple side steps and turns, making it easy for beginners to pick up. Unlike some other ballroom dances, the Foxtrot does not require intricate footwork or complex patterns, allowing beginners to focus on developing proper technique and style.
One of the reasons why the Foxtrot is well-suited for beginners is its versatility—it can be danced to a wide range of music styles, from slow ballads to upbeat jazz.
Swing
Swing dancing is all about fun, energy, and infectious rhythms. Originating in the 1920s, Swing dance encompasses a variety of styles, including Lindy Hop, Charleston, and East Coast Swing.
What makes Swing ideal for beginners is its simple, repetitive steps and emphasis on improvisation and creativity. The basic steps of Swing, including the rock step and triple step, are easy to learn and can be adapted to different tempos and styles of music. Beginners can start by mastering the basic footwork and rhythm, gradually adding in more complex patterns and turns as they become more confident.
Swing dance classes often focus on building foundational skills, teaching beginners how to lead and follow, and encouraging improvisation on the dance floor. With its lively music and vibrant atmosphere, Swing offers beginners a thrilling introduction to the world of partner dancing.
Rumba
The Rumba is a slow, sensual dance characterized by its smooth hip movements and romantic flair. Originating in Cuba, this Latin dance is often referred to as the “dance of love” for its intimate and passionate nature. The slow tempo and simple steps of the Rumba make it ideal for beginners.
The basic steps of the Rumba consist of side steps, forward-backward motions, and Cuban motion, all of which are easy dance moves to learn and can be adapted to different styles of music.
Cha Cha
The Cha Cha is a lively and energetic dance, best known for its energetic footwork and playful, flirtatious movements. Originating in Cuba, this Latin dance is known for its infectious rhythm and festive atmosphere.
The basic steps of the Cha Cha consist of side-to-side movements, chasses, and rock steps, all of which can be learned quickly by beginners. Cha Cha dance classes often focus on building foundational skills, and teaching beginners how to maintain proper posture, timing, and hip action.
How to Learn to Dance: Tips for Beginners
Beyond just looking for styles associated with easy dance moves, there are a few other pro tips to keep in mind if you’re new to the dance floor.
Find a Qualified Instructor
Look for dance studios or instructors who specialize in teaching beginners. A qualified instructor can break down complex movements, provide personalized feedback, and create a supportive learning environment.
Start Slow
Don’t be afraid to start with the basics. Focus on mastering fundamental steps and movements before moving on to more advanced techniques. Building a strong foundation will make learning more complex dances much easier in the long run.
Practice Regularly
Like any skill, dancing requires consistent practice to improve—even when it comes to the easy dance moves. Set aside time each week to practice your moves, whether it’s in a formal class setting or practicing at home. The more you practice, the more confident and proficient you’ll become.
Focus on Technique
Pay attention to proper technique and posture from the beginning. Good technique not only makes your dancing look better but also helps prevent injuries. Listen to your instructor’s feedback and make adjustments as needed.
Have Fun
Most importantly, remember to have fun! Dancing is not only a great form of exercise but also a wonderful way to express yourself and connect with others. Don’t get too caught up in getting every step perfect—just enjoy the music and let yourself move freely.
Get Started Learning Easy Dance Moves at our Studio in Raleigh!
At Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Raleigh, we host dance classes for every skill and comfort level. From the easy dance moves to the most complex, our instructors are here to guide you through every step. As a new student at our studio, you can take your first two dance classes for as little as $60! For information about our availability, call us at (919) 872-0111 or fill out our online contact form below.