Have you ever watched dancers move with such confidence and style, and wished you could do the same? Many amazing dancers build their skills on a foundation of essential, easy-to-learn moves. If you’re looking to start dancing, you’re in the right place! This guide will break down 10 simple dance steps for beginners, perfect for anyone eager to move to the music. Get ready to learn some cool moves in minutes that you can use anywhere, anytime you feel the rhythm.
1. The Two-Step: Groove to the Beat
The Two-Step is incredibly intuitive and often the first dance move that feels natural for beginners. It’s all about stepping smoothly from one side to the other in time with the music. If you want a dance move that’s guaranteed to work, allowing you to simply enjoy the music and find your groove, the Two-Step is your perfect starting point.
Two-step dance move for beginners, stepping side to side to music beat.
2. The Monestary: Adding Flair to the Two-Step
Building on the foundation of the Two-Step, The Monestary takes things up a notch. Originating from the Monestary club in St. Louis, this move uses the basic side-to-side stepping but adds a stylish twist. Instead of simply bringing your feet together, you’ll tap your foot to the front, turning your knee and foot slightly inward. As you tap your feet, incorporate circular motions with your arms and shoulders to enhance the rhythm and visual appeal.
Monestary dance step for beginners, tapping feet forward and moving arms in circles.
3. Booty Pop (Side To Side): A TikTok-Ready Move
Popularized on platforms like TikTok, the Side to Side Booty Pop is a fun and expressive move with a feminine vibe. To execute this step, start by bending your knees and placing your hands on one knee for balance. Then, extend the opposite leg from a bent to a straight position while gently turning your knee inward. For those with longer hair, make sure to keep your hair swept to one side to prevent it from falling in your face as you pop.
Side to side booty pop dance for beginners, bending knees and extending leg outward.
4. The Billy Bounce: Funky Knee Action
The Billy Bounce is an energetic club dance move centered around a unique bounce. Unlike a regular up and down bounce, in the Billy Bounce, your knees move inward with each bounce, creating a funky rhythm. Once you master the knee bounce, add an upward kick to each side to amplify the move. A great aspect of the Billy Bounce is that it looks cool even without elaborate arm movements – keeping your arms centered and focused on the footwork is perfectly stylish.
Billy bounce dance move for beginners, bouncing knees inward and kicking feet outward.
5. The Woah: The Viral Sensation
The Woah has become a global dance phenomenon, thanks to its virality on TikTok, Reels, and across social media. Even if you’re new to dance, you’ve likely seen people “hit the Woah.” Whether you aim to create your own viral content or just want a cool, basic move for social gatherings, The Woah is essential to learn. Emphasize the sharp, locking arm motion of The Woah to punctuate the strongest bass drops in your favorite songs.
The woah dance step for beginners, locking arms sharply to accentuate the beat.
6. The Dougie: Shoulder Shimmy and Side Steps
Yes, The Dougie is indeed a legitimate and fun dance move! Similar to the Two-Step, it involves shifting your weight from side to side, but with added flair. Incorporate shoulder movements and a bit more attitude to elevate this step. Experiment with The Dougie to various upbeat tracks beyond its signature song – you’ll find it works seamlessly with any energetic beat.
The dougie dance for beginners, shifting weight side to side with shoulder movements.
7. Scoop Arm Into Hip Sway: A Sassy Combo
This move is more of a mini-combo than a single step, but it’s quick to learn and perfect for adding sass to any song. Start by scooping your arm across your chest, then smoothly transition it overhead, and finally point it straight out in front of your chest. As you point your arm forward, sway your hips from side to side, letting the rhythm guide your groove.
Scoop arm hip sway dance for beginners, arm scooping motion with hip swaying.
8. The Bust Down: Dip to the Beat
The Bust Down gained popularity thanks to LA rapper Blueface in his 2019 hit “Thotiana.” To do The Bust Down, grab your belt (or pretend to), raise one arm in the air, and let your body dip down with the rhythm of the music. Note: While Blueface’s eyebrow lick is part of his signature, it’s totally optional! 😜
Bust down dance move for beginners, dipping body with one arm raised in the air.
9. The Biz Markie: Old School Cool
The Biz Markie is a classic party dance move inspired by the legendary rapper Biz Markie. It became popular in the 90s when Biz Markie himself showcased it on stage. When practicing this move, focus on letting your shoulders bounce – this bounce is key to giving The Biz Markie its relaxed and cool vibe.
Biz markie dance step for beginners, bouncing shoulders with relaxed body movement.
10. The Humpty: Hip Circles and Leg Crosses
The Humpty is a bouncy move that involves circling your hips to one side while bending your knees. Then, jump and cross your legs, briefly tapping your feet on the floor before jumping back to the starting position with legs apart. Once you’re comfortable with the basic steps, you can enhance The Humpty by adding a windmill motion with your arms. The leg cross in this move makes it perfect for Hip Hop tracks with a strong double bass – that distinctive BOOM BOOM sound prevalent in songs like “Lip Gloss” by Lil Mama.
Humpty dance move for beginners, circling hips and crossing legs with arm windmill.
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning these beginner-friendly dance moves! This list is just the beginning of your dance journey. To explore even more steps and styles, remember that STEEZY Studio offers over 100 FREE beginner dance classes, providing step-by-step guidance from top instructors. Start dancing and have fun!
