Dance Like No One's Watching

Practical tips, expert advice & Aussie-flavoured inspiration straight from Chicken Road – for beginners and dance enthusiasts alike

Get Moving

Top Dance Tips

Top 5 Home Warm-Ups Before Any Dance Session

Before you hit your makeshift dance floor (we've all used the lounge room!), try these warm-ups:

  1. Neck rolls and shoulder shrugs to loosen up
  2. Gentle torso twists to wake up your core
  3. Ankle circles and knee lifts to prep those legs
  4. Wrist and finger stretches for better expression
  5. A quick 2-minute boogie to your favourite tune to get in the mood

"Warming up properly is like putting petrol in your car - you wouldn't try to drive without it!" - Sarah, Melbourne dance instructor

Why Posture Matters More Than You Think

Good posture isn't just about looking fancy - it's the foundation of all dance styles. Here's why:

  • Prevents injuries by aligning your body correctly
  • Makes movements look more polished and controlled
  • Helps with balance and turns
  • Allows for better breathing and stamina
  • Gives you confidence (stand tall like you own the dance floor!)

Try this quick check: stand against a wall with heels, bum, shoulders and head touching. That's your ideal dance posture!

Chicken Road Moments: Learning to Laugh at Missteps

We've all had those "Chicken Road" moments - times when we've completely stuffed up a move or tripped over our own feet. The secret? Embrace them!

Some of my favourite dance memories come from spectacular failures. Like the time I attempted a pirouette in my kitchen and nearly took out the fruit bowl. Or when I thought I nailed that hip-hop routine until I saw the video playback (turns out my "smooth moves" looked more like a startled emu).

The lesson? Dance is supposed to be fun. If you're not making mistakes, you're not pushing yourself. So next time you have a such moment, laugh it off and keep grooving!

Dance Styles 101

From ballet to bachata, there's a dance style for everyone. Here's a quick guide to some popular styles you might find at Aussie dance schools and studios.

Hip-Hop

High-energy street dance with roots in urban culture. Great for those who want to let loose and express themselves.

Popular in: Sydney's western suburbs, Melbourne's hip-hop scene

Contemporary

Fluid, expressive style that combines elements of ballet, modern and jazz. Perfect for storytelling through movement.

Try: Queensland Ballet's contemporary program

Ballroom

Elegant partner dancing including waltz, tango, foxtrot and more. Surprisingly popular in regional Australia!

Hotspot: Adelaide's competitive ballroom scene

Salsa

Vibrant Latin dance with spicy turns and rhythmic footwork. Brisbane has an amazing salsa community.

Tip: No partner needed for most beginner classes

Tap

Make music with your feet! This percussive style is making a comeback in Australian dance schools.

Fun fact: Perth has some of Australia's best tap dancers

Bollywood

Energetic Indian-inspired dance that's all about joy and expression. Massive in Melbourne's multicultural scene.

Bonus: Great cardio workout!

Finding Your Groove: From Salsa to Street

Not sure which style to try? Here's how to choose:

  • Love pop music? Try commercial jazz or hip-hop
  • Want to connect with a partner? Ballroom or salsa might be your jam
  • Need to release stress? Contemporary or lyrical lets you express emotions
  • Just want to have fun? Try a heels class or musical theatre style

Most Aussie dance schools offer trial classes - take advantage! And remember, there's no rule saying you can't do ballet on Monday and breakdancing on Thursday.

Ask the Coach

Real tips from real dancers and choreographers across Australia

Jessica Tran

Contemporary choreographer, Sydney

"The biggest mistake beginners make is comparing their chapter 1 to someone else's chapter 20. Everyone starts somewhere."

Jessica's top tips:

  • Film yourself dancing - it's the best way to see progress
  • Focus on one correction at a time instead of trying to fix everything
  • Stretch after class when muscles are warm, not before

Dave "Foots" Patterson

Hip-hop instructor, Brisbane

"Dance is like BBQ - low and slow gets the best results. Don't rush the process."

Dave's advice for beginners:

  • Learn the music first - count out loud until it becomes second nature
  • Practice in front of a mirror but also without one to develop body awareness
  • Don't be afraid to look silly - the best dancers are the ones who commit

Maria Gonzalez

Salsa teacher, Melbourne

"In partner dancing, communication isn't just verbal - it's through your frame, your pressure, your energy."

Maria's must-knows:

  • Leaders: your job is to suggest moves, not force them
  • Followers: stay active in the dance, don't just wait to be led
  • Everyone: basic steps are called basic because they're the foundation, not because they're unimportant

Michael Chen

Ballet master, Adelaide

"Ballet isn't about being perfect - it's about making the effort look effortless."

Michael's technique tips:

  • Turnout comes from the hips, not the feet
  • Engage your core in every movement, even arm exercises
  • Point your toes as if you're trying to hide a $50 note under your arch

What Taught Me About Rhythm

Early in my dance journey, I struggled terribly with rhythm. I could follow choreography but freestyling? Forget about it. Then my mate took me to this tiny blues club in Newtown (it's not there anymore – like all good Sydney venues, it's probably a bubble tea shop now).

Watching those old-timers dance with such effortless musicality changed everything for me. They weren't doing fancy moves – just deeply connected to the music. The lesson? Rhythm isn't something you "get", it's something you feel. Start by simply nodding your head or tapping your foot to the beat. Before you know it, your whole body will want to join in.

These days when I'm teaching, I tell students: "If you can walk, you can dance. If you can clap, you've got rhythm." Don't overthink it – just let the music move you.

Dance Inspiration

How to Build Confidence on the Dance Floor

Feeling shy about dancing? You're not alone. Here's how to fake it till you make it:

  • Start small - dance in your bedroom first
  • Find your "power song" - that one track that makes you forget to be self-conscious
  • Focus on enjoyment - no one is judging you as harshly as you're judging yourself
  • Take up space - literally stand tall and claim your spot on the floor
  • Remember - everyone looks better when they're having fun, regardless of skill level

"Confidence isn't 'they'll like me'. Confidence is 'I'll be fine if they don't'." - Unknown (but probably a dancer who's been there)

Dance Challenges to Try at Home

Stuck for inspiration? Try these fun challenges to mix up your practice:

Mirror Game

Dance facing a partner or reflection and try to match each other's moves exactly

Genre Swap

Do a ballet routine to hip-hop music or vice versa

Slow Motion

Perform your favourite routine at half speed with maximum control

Emotion Switch

Dance the same sequence expressing different emotions each time

Aussie Dancers to Follow for Inspiration

@MelbourneTappers

Incredible tap crew making waves internationally

Tip: Watch their "Tap on Public Transport" series

@BrisbaneBboyCollective

Breaking crew with amazing community workshops

Check out their free park jams

@PerthPointeSisters

Ballet dancers showing the reality behind the glamour

Their "Blisters & Bling" series is eye-opening

@AdelaideSwingCats

Vintage jazz and swing with modern energy

Weekly social dances at the Gov

@SydneyKPopCrew

High-energy K-pop cover dances

Beginner-friendly tutorials

@DarwinBushDancers

Traditional Aussie bush dancing with a twist

Great for family fun

Dance FAQs

I'm completely uncoordinated - can I really learn to dance?

Absolutely! Coordination is a skill like any other that improves with practice. Start with simple movements and build up. Remember, even the most graceful dancers were once beginners flailing about. The key is consistency - showing up is half the battle.

How often should I practice?

For beginners, 2-3 short sessions (20-30 minutes) per week is better than one long marathon session. Quality over quantity! Even just practicing basic steps while you're waiting for the kettle to boil adds up. More advanced dancers might aim for daily practice, but always listen to your body and take rest days.

Am I too old to start dancing?

Never! We've had students start ballet in their 60s and hip-hop in their 50s. The important thing is choosing a style that suits your current fitness level and any physical limitations. Many studios offer "beginner adult" classes specifically for those starting later in life.

Do I need special shoes or clothes?

For your first class, just wear comfortable clothes you can move in (no jeans!) and clean sneakers or bare feet depending on the style. Once you're committed, your teacher can advise on proper footwear. Don't stress about dancewear - even leggings and a t-shirt are fine to start.

How do I find a good dance school in Australia?

Look for schools that:

  • Offer trial classes so you can test the waters
  • Have qualified instructors (check credentials)
  • Cater to adult beginners if that's you
  • Have a friendly, non-competitive atmosphere
  • Are registered with Ausdance or other professional bodies

Word of mouth is powerful too - ask around at local community centres or check Facebook groups for your area.

I get nervous performing - any tips?

Performance nerves are completely normal, even for pros. Try these tricks:

  • Practice performing for friends/pets first
  • Focus on enjoying yourself rather than being perfect
  • Remember the audience wants you to succeed
  • Do some deep breathing before you go on
  • Smile - it tricks your brain into feeling more confident

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