Slow dancing is a beautiful and intimate dance that’s perfect for various occasions, from romantic wedding receptions and school proms to casual evenings with friends. However, if you’re new to dancing, the idea of slow dancing might feel a bit daunting. Where do your hands go? How close should you stand? What are the steps? If you’re looking for easy dance moves as a beginner dancer, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will break down five simple steps to master the slow dance, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable the next time the music slows down.
Arm Positions for Slow Dancing
When it comes to arm placement in slow dancing, there are primarily two comfortable and classic options to choose from.
Option 1: The Embrace
Think of this approach as a gentle, extended hug while swaying rhythmically to the music. In this position, the follower (typically, but not always, the female partner) can place their arms lightly on the leader’s shoulders or drape them softly around the neck. The leader (typically, but not always, the male partner) can place their hands on the follower’s hips or loosely around their lower back. The key here is comfort – maintain a comfortable space between you both, ensuring neither partner feels too crowded or restricted.
Head placement largely depends on your and your partner’s heights and comfort levels. Couples who are close may find it natural to rest their head gently on their partner’s chest or over their shoulder. Alternatively, maintaining eye contact can also create a connection. The most important aspect of this embrace is to stay relaxed. Focus on steady, even breathing to help maintain a relaxed heart rate and enjoy the moment.
Option 2: Hand-in-Hand
Holding hands offers a more traditional and sometimes more comfortable approach, especially if you are not dating or are dancing with someone you don’t know very well. The leader will typically place their right hand on the follower’s hip or on their mid-to-upper back, offering gentle guidance. If you are a couple or feel comfortable being closer, the leader can wrap their arm more loosely around the follower’s waist. The leader then extends their left hand to take the follower’s right hand, either simply holding it or interlacing fingers. The follower, in turn, places their left hand softly on the leader’s shoulder, completing the hand hold with their right hand.
In this hand-in-hand stance, you’ll likely face each other more directly, encouraging eye contact. Smiling at your partner and initiating a light conversation can help ease any nervousness and create a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
Foot Placement in Slow Dancing
Being mindful of your feet is essential in slow dancing, mainly to avoid accidentally stepping on your partner’s toes! When you first come together to dance, take a quick glance down at your feet and your partner’s feet. This initial check gives you a general awareness of your foot positions and how much space you have to move without mishaps.
If you are dancing closely, a comfortable foot placement is to position one of your feet between your partner’s feet and the other foot slightly to the outside. If there’s a bit more space between you, you can place your toes approximately in front of your partner’s toes and slightly to the side, about an inch or so. Don’t overthink the footwork. As you and your partner come together and begin to sway, your feet should naturally find comfortable positions.
Leading and Following
Traditionally, in slow dancing, the leader guides the dance. While tradition can be shifted based on preference, having a designated leader is important for smooth movement. Typically, the leader gently guides the follower by applying slight pressure with their hand on the follower’s back or hip, indicating the direction of movement. Simultaneously, the leader also moves their own body in that direction, initiating the sway or step.
For the follower, the role is to relax and respond to the leader’s gentle cues. Simply follow the subtle movements and direction initiated by your partner. Trusting your partner to lead allows you to relax and enjoy the flow of the dance.
Swaying to the Music
The beauty of the basic slow dance lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t demand intricate footwork, making it incredibly accessible for beginners. You can essentially keep your feet grounded in one spot. The key to movement is to loosen your knees and initiate a gentle sway back and forth, using your hips and knees to create a smooth, rhythmic motion.
Once you feel comfortable with the basic sway, you can add a subtle variation by gently lifting your feet slightly off the floor with each sway. These small lifts can naturally guide you into a slow, graceful circular motion. Remember to keep your arms and elbows relaxed throughout. This relaxed posture will facilitate easier breathing and a more comfortable and natural sway.
Adding a Twirl
If you are leading and feeling a bit more confident and adventurous on the dance floor, incorporating a twirl can be a fun and engaging addition to your slow dance. The twirl is a fairly common and recognizable dance move, so your partner will likely be familiar with it.
To initiate a twirl, take a small step back from your close embrace. As you step back, take hold of your partner’s left arm with your right hand, raising their arm gently. With a smooth, guiding motion, lead your partner in a 360-degree turn. After the twirl is complete, simply guide your partner back to your starting position, resuming your basic sway and close embrace.
Ready to Learn More Than Just the Basics?
Are you feeling inspired to expand your dance repertoire beyond the slow dance? Dancing offers numerous benefits, from physical fitness to increased confidence and social connections. To discover more about dance classes and lessons that can take your skills to the next level, contact us at (919) 872-0111 or complete our online contact form below to learn about our introductory offers!
