5 Tips to SLAY the Dance Floor

We all find ourselves on a dance floor at some point: a cousin’s wedding, a Friday night out, a holiday work party, a B21 class. Nothing is going to build your confidence like some good ol’ fashion practice, but we thought we’d give you some easy tips to up your game instantly.

1. Dress to impress (yourself)

If you throw on some old, frumpy workout clothes, you are going to feel old and frumpy on the dance floor. We all have that outfit that makes us feel our best. If you hit the dance floor in something that channels your inner badb*tch, you’ll be amazed at how much it affects your moves.

2. Picture this

When on the dance floor, don’t waste your time worrying about how you look. Picture yourself KILLINGGG ITTT and focus on that instead. The second you start to doubt your moves, just breathe and return to that mental image.

3. The music is your friend

Could you imagine how hard it would be to dance in silence? Really listen to the music, and feel it in your veins. When you are too focused on the moves, you miss out on subtleties in the music that may inspire the body to try something new.

4. Just keep swimming

No matter how much you might want to retreat and go sit down, don’t stop. The moment you freeze up, your brain will go into panic mode. Keep moving and repeat Step 2.

5. SMILE 🙂

Your smile is contagious. Even if you have to force it at first, your smile will spread to those around you and ensure that everyone is having fun together. If you mess up, don’t be afraid to laugh at your mistake and put it behind you.

4 Tips from a Backstreet Boys Dancer: How to ‘Fake it Til You Make It’ on the Dance Floor

At BLOCK21, our cardio dance classes are designed for people with NO DANCE EXPERIENCE. That being said, sometimes you need a few tips from the pros to break through to the next level. We sat down with Valentino Vladimirov, a professional dancer on the Backstreet Boys’ Las Vegas Tour who has worked with Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Christina Aguilera, and Ellen DeGeneres. He knows how to work the spotlight and gave us a few tips to “fake it til you make it” on the dance floor.

1. Learn how you learn.

Chances are you are not going to look like the instructor right away if you just started dancing. It takes years of training and of practice. Be patience with yourself. Allow yourself to learn the choreography even if it takes you twice as long to learn it. Stay away from self judgment. Everyone has to start somewhere.

2. Learn how to listen to music.

This is the key. There are so many different parts in a song. If you learn the beats, the tempo, the lyrics, the meaning- what is the song about – what kind of emotion is it trying to convey. What will help you while you are developing your ear are the counts. Whatever counts the choreographer gives you – know them. Ask questions and take responsibility for them.

3. Do what you need to do to be successful in class.

This is simple. Ask questions. Make sure you can see. If you can’t see – move somewhere in the room where you can. Use the space. If you see that there isn’t enough room where you are dancing and trying to learn – move. Go somewhere where there is space. Stay present. Stay in the moment. Don’t sit down. 

4. Take different classes.

Push yourself. Don’t settle. Don’t judge yourself and don’t compare yourself. It’s okay. You will get there. Stay focused and committed.

Want to see Valentino in action?

Check out the video below. You can catch us channeling our inner-Valentino in class. SLAY!

Photo by Vince Trupsin.

Ready to ‘Fake it Til You Make It’ on the Dance Floor?