How to Slow Dance

Posted on May 27th, 2009 by Carmelia

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Getting nervous just at the thought of slow dancing at the next school dance? Don’t worry. With just a little practice and determination, you’ll have nothing to be nervous about. Here’s how.

Find someone to practice with. There might be some hilarity involved with dancing with a friend or a family member, but it’s better to practice with a partner.
If you are a boy, you put one or both hands on the hips of the girl. Make sure that your hands are only resting slightly against her hips. If you’re just using one hand, you can clasp the girl’s hand with your other one.
If you are a girl, you can put one or both hands on the boy’s shoulders. When using only one hand, use the other to clasp the boy’s other hand.
How close is too close? It really depends on your relationship with your partner. If you are dating, it’s probably nice to have the girl close enough to rest her head on the guy’s shoulder. If you’re a boy, allow the girl to initiate how close your bodies should be.
Traditionally, the guy should be the one leading the dance while the girl follows. You should start with a little sway, with a little step to the right accompanied with a gentle pressure of your hand at the opposite side.
The dance steps themselves don’t have to be anything too complicated. A simple shifting of weight from left foot to right foot can be enough. You can also accompany this shifting weight with a simple rotation or movement. Try a simple foxtrot or waltz.
Remember that for every movement you make must be accompanied by a complementing movement from your partner. For example, when your left foot step backwards, your partner’s right foot should go forward. When you swivel forward, your partner must swivel backward.
Follow the beat of the music. This shouldn’t be too hard as slow dancing means slow music, which means slow beats.
Being self-conscious about your dancing only leads to more awkwardness, so talk to your partner. It doesn’t have to be anything earth-shattering, but you can just talk about the party and the people who came. Keep it light and easy and soon your feet will be taking care of their own.
After the song is done, thank your partner politely. If you are a guy, it’s more gallant to accompany her back to her table. You can ask the same person again to dance or someone else when the next slow song starts.