How To Dance In A Party

Have you ever been embarrassed because you didn't know how to dance in a party? There's really nothing to be ashamed of because, face it, we aren't all Justin Timberlake. Smooth moves on the dance floor don't always come easy. But it doesn't take much to learn to do a few simple steps that can have you relaxed and ready to hit the floor the next time your want to dance in a party.

1. Relax! The first step is take a few deep breaths and relax.  Just listen to the music and try to feel the rhythm. You probably bob your head in time to the music in your car or sitting at home, so just let the beat make its way into your head and quit worrying about what you're going to do next.
2. Learn the basic two step.  Once you're feeling the rhythm, start taking small steps in time with the beat. Start with your right foot and take a small step to the right, then step over with your left foot so that both feet are together on the next beat. Return to the original position by taking a step to the left with your left foot and then bring your right foot back together. Each step will be on the beat of the music. Repeat this simple step until you feel comfortable and don't have to think about it. 
3. Bend your arms slightly at the elbow and hold your hands in a relaxed position at about waist height. Let your arms move naturally as you step from side to side.  As you become more comfortable with the step, try to focus on keeping your arms loose. Don't flail your arms about.  Just let them move naturally as your body changes direction.
4. Add some forward and backward motion. Now that you have the basic step down and are feeling good, try stepping slightly forward or back as you move from side to side. This shouldn't be a large change in direction, just a very slight variation to the basic step.
5. Remember to take small steps.  Large lunging steps will have you bumping into people and stepping on toes. Imagine a little box on the ground that's slightly wider than shoulder width and stay in that box.
6. Smile and try to concentrate on your partner; it will make you look more relaxed.