How to Dance in a Nightclub

Guide Note: Never got in touch with your inner JT? Not to worry. All you need to have a good time on the dance floor is the right attitude and the beat.

How to Dance in a Nightclub will teach you how to feel comfortable dancing at any club or party.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

If you spend more time on the sidelines than on the dance floor at nightclubs and parties, you're missing out. Nothing's more fun than cutting a rug to the music you love. If you're paralyzed by the thought of dancing for inspiration or anything else, put your fears to rest. Having a good time on the dance floor doesn't require any special skills. You don't need to be flexible, ambidextrous or musically-gifted. In fact, you don't need to be anything but game. So, put on your dancing shoes. It's time to get down.

Step 1: Get Comfortable on the Dance Floor

(Photo by Paulo Meira)

You got past the velvet ropes, and you're in the nightclub. Now what? Time to take it down to funky town, or at least not embarrass yourself while hanging out in the vicinity of funky town. Here's how to get comfortable on a dance floor without drawing any undue attention to yourself:

Relax: Scout out the club. Have a drink. Chat with your friends. Soak in the atmosphere. The dance floor will be there when you're ready.
Take in Your Surroundings: Watch the dance floor for a bit. How are other people dancing? What kind of music is playing? How people dance in a goth nightclub is way different than how they dance at clubs that are playing dancehall, Bhangra, house or any other kind of music.
Feel the Beat: Listen to the music. Find the beat. Maybe do a little chair dancing. Bob your head. Let your body start to sway. When you hear a song you like, it's time to get on the floor.
Step onto the Dance Floor: You're chill. You're into the groove. Now is the time to find a space on the dance floor. Don't invade anyone else's space. Just carve yourself out a little niche. If you're nervous about dancing, take some friends with you. You can form a little circle or, if only one person hit the floor with you, dance facing each other.
Do a Basic Step: You don't need to have "moves" to enjoy dancing. Your body simply swaying to the beat is dancing. If you want to take things a step beyond head-nodding, try a simple, rhythmic step.
- Stand with your feet together.
- Step with your right foot out to the right. Bring it back in.
- Step with your left foot out to the left. Bring it back in.
- You can repeat this step to the side, the front and on the diagonal.
Relax Your Arms and Upper Body: You shouldn't flail your arms around, but you should let your upper body relax and follow the music's rhythm.
Smile: You don't need to look like a crazy person, but you should look like you're having a good time. Nobody makes fun of somebody on a dance floor because they don't have fancy moves. They make fun of them because they look stiff, are being inconsiderate or are generally trying too hard. Stay relaxed and positive, and you won't have that problem.

VideoJug: Dance Moves: An Emergency Guide For Men

Things to Avoid on the Dance Floor

Don't clap, point, snap or start the disco train. The party has started. It doesn't need your help. In general, you're trying to blend in, not draw attention to yourself by shouting out the lyrics to songs or starting dance battles.
Grope, bump, stare or invade anyone else's space in any way whatsoever. If you're a guy, this is especially true. Women don't like to be touched, grabbed or otherwise assaulted on the dance floor. You also shouldn't flail around. Bumping into people and spilling their drinks won't win you any friends. So, create a little space for yourself and stick to it.
Don't drink too much. Having a drink or two to help you loosen up is fine. Downing half a bottle of liquid courage is a problem. If you're drunk, you're more likely to bump into people and execute some ill-advised moves.
Don't jump up and down. Unless you're participating in some sort of crowd-pleasing rendition of House of Pain's "Jump Around," save pogo-ing for the under 8 crowd.
Don't stare at the floor. It makes you look stiff and overly-serious unless, of course, you're in a goth club. If you're in a goth club, stare away.
Leave the DJ alone. If there's a song playing that you love and don't know what it is, by all means, ask the DJ. Don't, however, tell the DJ how to do his or her job by requesting songs or a new style of music. This may be acceptable at a wedding. In a nightclub, it's just annoying. The DJ isn't there to cater to your personal tastes. He or she is a professional trying to get the whole place moving.
Avoid any situation where you're in the middle of the circle, in a soul train line or in any other way "on stage." You're not John Travolta. You're just a guy or gal enjoying the music. Don't end up like Elaine:

Elaine gets the party started.

Notes on Dancing with a Partner

Depending on the type of club you're in, people may pair off for slow dances or, heaven help us, something of a freakier nature. Here are a few simple rules to help you navigate the freestyle partner dancing experience:

Assume the Position: How people hold each other while dancing will depend on the type of music playing and the type of club you're in. Look around to see what's appropriate. Typically, this will consist of either holding your partner's hand or putting your hands around your partner's hips, waist or neck.
Don't Overstep Your Boundaries: Don't make your partner feel uncomfortable by standing too close or touching anything you shouldn't be touching on a dance floor.
Relax: It's worth saying again. You're just moving to the music. Now you're moving to the music in close proximity to someone else. Keep your attitude light and don't step on their toes, and you'll be fine.
Get a Room: Some styles of partner dancing can be sexually charged. Even if you're with a partner who is comfortable with this, don't confuse public and private behavior. It's dancing, not baby-making.

Step 2: Throw In Some Moves

Once you're comfortable moving on a nightclub dance floor, you might consider busting out some more rehearsed moves. So long as you stay on the beat, appear relaxed and don't try anything too showy or athletic, you should be fine. Here are some ways to integrate actual steps into your dance floor repertoire:

Imitate Others: Look at the really great dancers on the floor. Steal one or two of their moves.
Watch Videos: You can pick up new moves by watching music videos online. There are even some YouTube instructional videos that break down the choreography you see in music videos. You shouldn't do an entire choreographed routine at a club, but you can always borrow a few of Madonna's latest steps.
Take a Class: You can't take "dancing in a nightclub" classes, but most gyms offer some kind of hip-hop dance class.
Practice at Home: Put on your headphones and dance around the house. You'll be less self-conscious goofing around at home and may discover moves you didn't even know you had.