How to Dance at Homecoming

Co-authored by William Orrock

Last Updated: November 26, 2022

Getting ready for homecoming but feeling like you have two left feet? Well, there's no need to be a wallflower anymore! Read this article to learn how to let loose and have fun at any school dance.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Overcoming Nerves

1
Make an effort to look your best. The better you look on the big night, the more confident you'll feel. This confidence will show through and put you in the mood to break it down on the dance floor.
- Ladies, wear shoes that you feel comfortable dancing in. It's perfectly fine to wear heels, but try to find a pair that you can move around in. The more comfortable you feel physically, the more natural it will feel to dance.
2
Go with friends. Dancing alone can feel awkward and isn't as much fun. If possible, go to homecoming with a group of friends and their dates so that you can share in the festivities together.

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3
Scope out the scene. Before dashing onto the dance floor, take a moment to soak up your surroundings and familiarize yourself with the venue. Take a lap around the room, get something to drink, and head to the bathroom if you need to. Getting comfortable with your environment will make you feel less intimidated by the prospect of dancing in front of others.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Fast Dancing

1
Listen to the music. Instead of focusing so hard on what to do with your body, listen to the music first and find the beat. Pay attention to how fast or slow the song is, and how it makes you feel.
2
Start by bobbing your head to the music. Really listen to the song that's playing and bob your head to the beat in a way that feels natural.
3
Take one step to the right and one step to the left. This is a basic move to get you started. Be sure to stay on the balls of your feet when dancing to avoid feeling planted on the ground.
4
Keep your upper body relaxed. People who are nervous have a tendency to tense up in the shoulder and neck area. Be conscious of this, and let your shoulders fall and sway back and forth as you dance.
- Also focus on good posture—stand tall, lift your chest and chin, and roll your shoulders back and down so they appear wide. You'll show everyone that you're very confident with yourself.
5
Let your body sway naturally to the music. Remember to keep listening to the music as you dance. Try not to focus so hard on whether what you're doing is right, and pay attention instead to whether your body is moving in rhythm with the music.
- Don't try to dance faster than you feel comfortable doing. Even during fast songs, you can move at a slow pace, as long as you are streamlined with the beat.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Slow Dancing

1
Find a partner to dance with. If you are with a date, then it is expected that the two of you will slow dance together, so grab your partner when the song starts! If you'd like to dance with somebody who isn't your date, then make sure they want to dance by asking them first.
2
Place your arms around your partner. Typically, boys put their hands around a girls' waist and girls put their hands around the guys' neck.
3
Sway back and forth slowly to the music. You will have to coordinate which way to move with your partner; it may take a couple of seconds for the two of you to get in sync.
- If you are dancing with a person with whom you are romantically involved, then pull them close and rest your head on his or her shoulder/neck area.
- Don't step on your partner's toes! Be conscious of where you are stepping, especially if you are wearing heels.

Expert Q&A

Question

Who leads when me and my partner dance? How am I able to tell?

William Orrock
Professional Dancer & Instructor
William Orrock is a Professional Dancer, Instructor, Group Fitness Instructor, and the Owner of We Evolve Dance. With more than 22 years of experience, he specializes in performance, social dancing instruction, competitive dance preparation, and wedding choreography. William holds a Bachelor's degree in Contemporary Dance with a minor in Choreography from Universidad Las Americas-Chile and a second minor in Acting from Foothill College Acting Conservatory. He is also a national champion in Latin American Dancing, a former dancer for Dancing with the Stars Chile, and a certified judge for ballroom competitions.

William Orrock

Professional Dancer & Instructor

Expert Answer

Generally speaking, the partner who has more experience and natural instincts guiding the dance will become the "leader." Decide who feels more comfortable giving direction and providing cues, like stepping to the right or the left. Once you've cleared that up, then you'll be able to know each other's roles so everything feels more natural and fluid.
Question

When dancing with a partner, should you spin around in a circle, or should you just be swaying the whole time?

Community Answer

Normally, this depends on the dance. If everyone is swaying then sway. Same with dancing in the circle.
Question

Who leads in dancing when we're a same sex couple?

Community Answer

Whoever feels like it! Generally the taller partner, but if you have someone who is more dominant usually they will lead, but if not, that’s okay too. You can always switch later too. Just make it fun!