How to Choose a Dance Style You Enjoy: 7 Tips for Beginners
Starting your dance journey is exciting, but choosing the right dance style can feel overwhelming with so many options—from Hip Hop and Salsa to Ballet and Contemporary. Finding a style that suits you is key to staying motivated and enjoying the process. In this post, we’ll explore 7 easy tips to choose a dance style you’ll love.
Explore Different Dance Styles
Before settling on a style, take the time to explore various dance genres. Watch online videos, attend trial classes, or visit dance studios to see what each style involves. Personally, I’ve always had my “no style” movements when I went out dancing in clubs or when I danced at home, and those movements were belly dance-inspired. When I started taking formal dance classes, the studio I went to offered a two-week trial package. During that time, I tried all the classes they offered because, besides belly dance, I wasn’t sure what would resonate with me.
Taking a variety of classes helped me understand which styles felt the most natural. I remember walking into my first Hip Hop class feeling nervous, but after that first session, I was hooked. Exploring different dance styles made the process fun, and even now, I continue taking a variety of classes. A few weeks ago, I took my first Hawaiian Hula class, and what a blast it was! So far, my favorites are Hip Hop, Heels, Belly Dance, Afrobeat, Reggaeton, and more.
You don’t have to commit immediately—sampling different styles will give you a taste of what each one feels like and help you figure out which resonates with you.
Consider Your Personality
Certain dance styles align well with different personality types. If you love high-energy environments and big movements, styles like Hip Hop or Latin Dance might fit your vibe. On the other hand, if you prefer graceful, expressive movements, Ballet, Contemporary or Jazz could be more your speed.
For me, I’m a person who enjoys both soft and structured dance movements, which is why Hip Hop and Belly Dance resonate so well with me. However, I’ve yet to get used to graceful movements, and I do find them challenging. My plan is to practice ballet moves at home so I can feel more comfortable in Contemporary and Jazz classes.
Understanding your personality and how it translates to dance is key in finding a style that feels like a natural extension of yourself.
Listen to the Music
Dance and music go hand in hand. If you’re drawn to specific genres of music, that can be a great starting point. I’ve loved music since I was a baby, and it’s always been a huge part of my life. Anything with a good beat and melody, regardless of genre, makes me want to dance. Whether it’s upbeat Pop, Hip Hop, or something entirely different, if the rhythm moves you, the dance style will likely follow.
For instance, if you love upbeat Pop and Hip Hop music, street styles like Hip Hop and House dancing will match the energy. Alternatively, if you enjoy classical or instrumental music, you might prefer Ballet or Ballroom dancing. Let the rhythm guide you—when the music resonates, the dance style will naturally feel right.
Match the Style to Your Goals
What are you looking to achieve through dance? Different styles offer different benefits. At the beginning of my dance journey, my goal was simply to get out of the house, so I took any class that was available. But as I progressed, I also wanted to improve my dance skills and work on my fitness. This led me to fall in love with cardio dance fitness classes. Setting these goals kept me focused and made the process more rewarding.
If your primary goal is fitness and building strength, high-energy styles like Hip Hop or Latin might suit you best. If you’re more interested in improving flexibility, Ballet or Contemporary will help build your range of motion and core strength. Align your dance style with your personal goals to stay motivated and enjoy the journey.
Start with What Feels Comfortable
Comfort is key when starting any new activity. Some dance styles may feel more natural to your body than others. When I started, Hip Hop felt the most natural to me. The big movements and expressive style clicked right away. However, I also had moments where I struggled in more graceful forms like Contemporary and Jazz, which I’m still working on feeling comfortable with.
If you find yourself constantly struggling with the movements or feeling awkward, it may not be the best style for you—at least not to start with. Begin with something that feels intuitive and gradually push yourself into more challenging styles as you build confidence.
Try Group or Partner Dances
Many dance styles, like Salsa, Ballroom, or Swing, thrive in a social or group environment. I’ve danced alone at home in my bedroom with my music blasting since college—it was always a great stress reliever. But once I started taking dance classes in a group setting, it was a game changer. The social aspect made me feel more comfortable, and I realized how much I enjoyed dancing with others. The energy in a group setting is something entirely different and incredibly motivating.
If you enjoy dancing with others, trying a partnered or group dance style could enhance your experience. Take a class with friends or join a local dance group to make your dance practice more fun and interactive. The social aspect of dance is a powerful motivator and can help keep you engaged long-term.
Stay Open to Change
Don’t feel like you have to stick with one style forever. When I first started, I thought Belly Dance would always be my favorite. But after taking my first Hip Hop class, I fell in love with the energy and freedom of Hip Hop. As I grew more confident, I allowed myself to try new things, and it opened up a whole new world of dance styles I never expected to enjoy.
Your preferences might change as you progress in your dance journey, and that’s perfectly okay. What feels right for you as a beginner might evolve as you gain more confidence and skills. Stay open to experimenting with new styles down the road—you might fall in love with something completely different as your body and abilities adapt.
Conclusion
Choosing a dance style is a personal decision, and it’s important to find one that matches your personality, music taste, and goals. I never thought I would love so many different styles, but dance has become a source of joy, self-expression, and fitness in my life. No matter where you start, keep exploring, and you’ll find the style that makes you feel alive. Dance is about self-expression, movement, and most of all—joy! So, find the style that brings you the most happiness and let your dance journey begin.
Have you started your own dance journey? What styles have you tried, and which ones make you feel the most alive? I would love to hear about your experiences, your favorite dance styles, or any questions you have about finding the right style for you. Feel free to share your stories or thoughts in the comments below!
Happy DANCING!
