Ever watched dancers move with such confidence and ease, and wished you could do the same? Many amazing dancers simply rely on a toolkit of fundamental moves that they’ve mastered and can use in countless ways. If you’re looking to start dancing and want to learn some simple steps to get you moving, you’re in the right place.
Here are 10 easy Dance Steps For Beginners that you can pick up in minutes. These moves are perfect for parties, clubs, or just dancing in your living room. Get ready to find your groove and impress yourself with how quickly you can learn to dance!
1. The Two-Step
Two-step dance move for beginners, stepping side to side to the rhythm
When starting out, the Two-Step is incredibly intuitive and a fantastic foundation for many other dance styles. It’s truly as straightforward as stepping to each side in time with the music’s beat. If you want a foolproof dance step that lets you feel the music and simply enjoy the moment, the Two-Step is your go-to. It’s versatile, easy to learn, and looks great with almost any genre of music.
2. The Monastery
Monastery dance step, a variation of the two-step with foot taps and circular arm movements
Originating from a club in St. Louis called Monestary, this move builds upon the simplicity of the Two-Step. If you’ve already mastered the Two-Step, you’re halfway there! Instead of bringing your feet together, you’ll tap them forward, turning your knee and foot slightly inward with each tap. To elevate this step, incorporate a circular motion with your arms and shoulders as you tap your feet. This adds a layer of style and rhythm to the basic footwork.
3. Booty Pop (Side To Side)
Side to side booty pop dance move, bending knees and shifting weight with hip movement
Popular on platforms like TikTok, the Booty Pop is a fun and slightly sassy move that’s easier than it looks. To perform the side-to-side booty pop, start by bending your knees and placing your hands on one knee for balance. Then, extend the opposite leg from bent to straight, while simultaneously turning your knee inward. This movement creates a subtle hip pop to the side. It’s a great move for adding some playful energy to your dance and perfect for upbeat music.
4. The Billy Bounce
Billy Bounce dance move, incorporating knee bounces inward and outward kicks
The Billy Bounce is a club-friendly move that’s all about the bounce! The key to this step is in the knees – instead of just bouncing straight up and down, you’ll bring your knees inward on each bounce, creating a funky, rhythmic feel. Once you’re comfortable with the knee bounce, add an upward kick to each side, alternating legs. What’s great about the Billy Bounce is that it looks cool even without elaborate arm movements. Keeping your arms relaxed and centered allows you to focus on mastering the footwork first.
5. The Woah
The Woah dance move, a sharp arm locking motion synchronized with the beat
You’ve likely seen The Woah everywhere, even if you’re not deeply involved in dance – it’s a viral sensation on TikTok, Reels, and across social media. Whether you want to create your own viral content or just need a fun, basic dance move for social settings, The Woah is essential. It’s characterized by a sharp, locking motion with your arms, typically moving one arm across your face while pulling the other back. Use The Woah to punctuate the strongest bass drops in your favorite songs for maximum impact.
6. The Dougie
The Dougie dance, side to side weight shift with shoulder movements and attitude
Yes, The Dougie is indeed a real and recognized dance move! Similar to the Two-Step in its side-to-side weight shifting, The Dougie adds extra flair with shoulder movements and a bit more attitude. It’s all about embodying a cool and relaxed vibe while you move to the beat. While it became famous with one particular song, try The Dougie with different types of hype music – you’ll find it works surprisingly well with various rhythms and genres.
7. Scoop Arm Into Hip Sway
Scoop arm into hip sway dance combination, arm scoop across chest, overhead, and hip sway
This move is more of a mini-combination than a single step, but it’s quick to learn and incredibly effective for adding style to any upbeat, sassy song. The Scoop Arm Into Hip Sway involves scooping your arm across your chest in a fluid motion, then extending it overhead, and finally pointing it out in front of your chest. As you point your arm forward, start swaying your hips from side to side, letting the rhythm guide your body. This move is all about smooth transitions and confident expression.
8. The Bust Down
Bust Down dance move, grabbing belt and dipping body to the beat with one arm raised
The Bust Down gained popularity thanks to LA rapper Blueface and his 2019 hit “Thotiana.” It’s a simple yet impactful move perfect for club environments. To do The Bust Down, grab your belt (or the sides of your pants if you aren’t wearing a belt), raise one arm in the air, and dip your entire body down with the beat of the music. It’s a move that’s all about feeling the music in your body and reacting with a confident dip.
9. The Biz Markie
Biz Markie dance, old school party dance with shoulder bounces and relaxed vibe
The Biz Markie is an old-school party dance step inspired by the legendary rapper Biz Markie himself! It became popular in the 90s when Biz Markie started performing it on stage. The key to mastering The Biz Markie is to let your shoulders bounce naturally as you move. This shoulder bounce gives the move its signature cool, laid-back flavor and makes it perfect for hip-hop and funk tracks.
10. The Humpty
Humpty dance move, hip circles, leg crosses and optional arm windmill motion
The Humpty is a bouncy and energetic move that’s great for adding some playful footwork to your dance repertoire. Start by circling your hips to one side while bending your knees to get low. Then, jump up and cross your legs, briefly tapping your feet on the floor before jumping back to the starting position with legs apart. For an added challenge, incorporate a windmill motion with your arms to enhance the visual appeal. The leg cross in The Humpty makes it particularly well-suited to hip hop songs with a strong double bass beat, like in tracks such as “Lip Gloss” by Lil Mama.
We hope you’ve enjoyed exploring these easy dance steps! This is just the beginning – with these moves in your pocket, you’re ready to start dancing anytime, anywhere.
To take your dance journey further, remember that in addition to these 10 moves, STEEZY Studio offers over 100 FREE beginner classes where you can learn dance step-by-step from world-class instructors. Start exploring and unleash your inner dancer today!
