Do you watch dancers and feel a pang of envy, wondering how they move with such confidence and flair? Many amazing dancers have a secret weapon: a collection of fundamental moves they can effortlessly tap into. The good news is, you can too!
This guide will break down 10 easy dance moves that are perfect for beginners. You can learn these in minutes and use them every time you want to let loose and dance, whether you’re at a party, a club, or just in your living room.
Ready to get moving? Let’s dive in!
1. Master the Two-Step
Two-Step Dance Move for Beginners
When starting out, the Two-Step is a fantastic move to have in your arsenal. It’s incredibly intuitive and forms the basis for many other dance steps. As the name suggests, it’s all about taking two steps to the side, in rhythm with the music.
It’s genuinely as simple as stepping from side to side to the beat! If you’re looking for something foolproof that allows you to simply feel the music and enjoy the moment, the Two-Step is your go-to. It’s a foundational dance move for beginners that gets you comfortable moving your body to the rhythm.
2. Introducing The Monestary
The Monestary Dance Move Tutorial for Beginners
This move, originating from the Monestary club in St. Louis, builds upon the simplicity of the Two-Step. If you’ve grasped the Two-Step, you already have the footwork foundation for The Monestary.
Instead of bringing your feet completely together after each side step as you would in the two-step, you’ll tap your foot forward with your knee and foot slightly turned inward. Simultaneously, as you tap your feet, incorporate circular movements with your arms and shoulders. This adds a layer of style and dynamism to the basic footwork, making it a great next step in your beginner dance journey.
3. Get Funky with the Booty Pop (Side To Side)
Booty Pop Side To Side Dance Move for New Dancers
Popularized on platforms like TikTok, the Booty Pop (Side to Side) is a fun and flirty move that’s perfect for adding some feminine energy to your dance.
To execute a side booty pop, begin 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 turning your knee slightly inward. This action creates the “pop” motion. If you have long hair, make sure to keep it swept to one side to prevent it from falling in your face as you pop! This move is a fantastic way to express yourself and add a bit of sass to your beginner dance repertoire.
4. Bounce into The Billy Bounce
Billy Bounce Easy Dance Steps for Beginners
The Billy Bounce is a club-ready move that, as the name suggests, is based on a bounce! However, what sets it apart is the unique knee movement.
Instead of just bouncing straight up and down, your knees will come inward on each bounce, creating a funky and rhythmic feel. Once you’ve mastered this inward knee bounce, add an upward kick on each side, alternating legs with each bounce. The beauty of the Billy Bounce is its simplicity – while the footwork may take a few practice rounds, you don’t necessarily need elaborate arm movements to make it look cool. Keeping your arms relaxed and centered allows the focus to remain on the distinctive bounce and kick, making it an accessible yet stylish move for beginners.
5. Hit The Woah – A Viral Sensation
The Woah Dance Move Beginner Tutorial
Even if you’re new to the dance scene, you’ve likely encountered The Woah. It’s become a viral sensation on TikTok, Reels, and across social media.
Whether you want to create your own viral video or simply want a fun, basic dance move for social settings, The Woah is a must-learn. It’s characterized by a sharp, locking arm motion, which makes it ideal for accentuating the strong bass drops in your favorite music. Use The Woah to punctuate those heavy beats and instantly add a cool, contemporary vibe to your dance. It’s a simple yet impactful move that’s perfect for beginners looking to make a statement on the dance floor.
6. Get Down with The Dougie
The Dougie Simple Dance for Beginners
Yes, The Dougie is indeed a real and recognizable dance move! Similar to the Two-Step, it involves shifting your weight from side to side, but with added flair.
The Dougie incorporates shoulder movements and a bit more attitude, giving it a distinct character. While it gained mainstream popularity from a specific song, don’t limit it to just that! Experiment with The Dougie to various upbeat tracks and you’ll discover it works seamlessly with any energetic rhythm. It’s a versatile and fun move to incorporate into your beginner dance toolkit, adding personality and groove to your steps.
7. Flow with the Scoop Arm Into Hip Sway
Scoop Arm Into Hip Sway Dance Move for Newbies
While technically more of a combination than a single move, the Scoop Arm Into Hip Sway is easy to learn in minutes and works with any upbeat, sassy song.
This move begins with a scooping motion of your arm across your chest, followed by bringing it up and over your head, and finally pointing it forward in front of your chest. As you point your arm forward, initiate a hip sway from side to side, letting your body groove with the rhythm. The combination of the arm scoop and hip sway creates a fluid and stylish movement that’s perfect for expressing yourself to music. It’s a great way for beginners to explore combining arm and hip movements for a more dynamic dance style.
8. Drop It Low with The Bust Down
Bust Down Dance Move Tutorial for Beginners
The Bust Down gained popularity thanks to LA rapper Blueface in his 2019 hit “Thotiana.” It’s a move that’s all about feeling the beat and letting your body respond.
To do The Bust Down, grab your belt or waistband, raise one arm in the air, and allow your body to dip down with the rhythm of the music. It’s a simple yet impactful move that’s perfect for letting loose and feeling the music in a club or party setting. Note: The eyebrow licking popularized by Blueface is optional and not required for mastering the move! The Bust Down is a fun and expressive move that adds a touch of contemporary hip-hop flavor to your beginner dance steps.
9. Get Old School with The Biz Markie
The Biz Markie Dance Move Easy to Learn
The Biz Markie is a classic party dance inspired by the legendary rapper Biz Markie himself! This move gained traction in the 90s when Biz Markie started performing it on stage.
As you practice The Biz Markie, remember to incorporate a shoulder bounce – this bounce is key to giving the move its signature cool and laid-back vibe. It’s a fun and nostalgic move that’s perfect for bringing an old-school hip-hop feel to your dance. The Biz Markie is a great addition to a beginner’s repertoire, offering a taste of dance history and a fun, relaxed style.
10. Bounce Around with The Humpty
The Humpty Dance Move for Beginner Dancers
The Humpty is another bouncy move that’s great for adding energy and rhythm to your dance.
For The Humpty, you’ll start by 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 your original legs-apart position. Once you’ve mastered the basic footwork, you can enhance the move by adding a windmill motion with your arms, swinging them in circles to complement the hip and leg movements. The leg cross in The Humpty makes it particularly well-suited for hip-hop tracks with a strong double bass, that distinctive “BOOM BOOM” sound you hear in songs like “Lip Gloss” by Lil Mama. It’s an energetic and rhythmic move that’s a fun challenge for beginners looking to expand their dance vocabulary.
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning these beginner-friendly dance moves!
This list is really just the beginning. Beyond these 10 moves, STEEZY Studio offers over 100 FREE beginner classes where you can learn step-by-step from top dance instructors. Explore these classes to continue expanding your dance skills and discover even more moves to add to your repertoire. Get ready to take your newfound dance confidence to the next level!
