Rap dancing is an incredibly fun activity. While dancing can be intimidating for some, it's easier to learn than you might think! Start by learning the basics and then practice at home as much as you can. When you feel like you've learned to do a few different moves, go to a club and put them to the test.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Mastering Simple Dance Moves
Step 1. Step from side to side by alternating side steps with your feet
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, move your right foot one step to the right, and then place your left foot next to it. Then move your left foot to the left and place your right foot next to it. Keep your knees bent as you do this.
When practicing this move, take two steps to the right and left, alternating as you go
tip- To help you keep up, clap your hands each time your feet come together. Clapping is also a great way to keep your arms active.
Step 2. Try a variation of the side-by-side step to mix things up
Start with your feet together, step to the side with your left leg, and then return to the original position immediately. Do the same with the right leg. You should only move one leg at a time and always return to the original position of having your knees bent and your feet together.
- Don't be afraid to turn your hips outward as you move your feet. The less stiff you are, the better your dance moves will look!
- When practicing these movements, always stomp on your toes so you can move quickly.
Step 3. Take a sliding step (also known as a slide hop) by stepping to the side with one leg and sliding the other leg next to it
Take a big step to the left with your left foot, and then slide your right foot across the floor until it is next to your left foot. Then take a side step with your right foot and slide your left foot until it is next to your right foot. Step with both feet twice to complete the movement.
As you slide your feet, remember to stand on the balls of your feet. This makes the slide easier to execute
Step 4. Kick your leg for a basic kick switch
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and kick with your right leg. Then bring your leg back and cross it over your left leg. Finally, step back with your left leg so that it is shoulder-width apart from your right leg, but slightly behind. Then step your front leg out to the side to return to a shoulder-width position.
- When you first practice this move, do it slowly to understand each move. As you become more comfortable with the movement, pick up the pace.
- The arms should move in front of the body while the feet are crossed in front of each other. They should return to the sides when you return to the shoulder width position.
Step 5. Cross your arms and move your hips so that your whole body moves
Start with your feet next to each other. Then step to the side with one leg while keeping the other planted. As you stick your leg out, spread your arms so they're outside your body. Then tuck your arms back in and cross them together to create an X shape. As your arms move in and out, wiggle your hips from side to side.
As your arms move in and out, keep your feet shoulder-width apart. The only time they should get together during this move is at the beginning
Method 2 of 3: Learn Popular Dance Moves
Step 1. Dab for a simple and engaging dance move
This is one of the easiest movements to learn and it only takes a few minutes to learn. Start by raising your arms to your sides. Then, bend one arm and bring it toward your body as if you were about to sneeze into it. Tuck your head into the bent arm while keeping the other arm straight and hit the head with your elbow once. You can switch arms once you've dabbed one arm.
As you dab your upper body, try to move your lower body at the same time. You can lean back and forth, jump, or move your hips
Step 2. Do the “Hit the Quan” step by bending your knees and swinging your arms
Begin by placing your feet shoulder-width apart and bending your knees. Then, bring your arms to your sides and move one arm forward so that it stops in front of your torso. As this arm moves forward, the other arm should go behind you. Lastly, move your hips back and forth as you move your arms so that your entire body moves to the beat.
This dance comes from a popular rap song called Hit the Quan. When you practice this dance move, do it while listening to this song
Step 3. Try the Shmoney dance when you hear a slower song
Shmoney's dance originated with a song of the same name by Rowdy Rebel and Bobby Shmurda. Begin this simple dance by spreading your feet shoulder-width apart and slightly bending your knees. Then roll your hips back and forth, and make your knees move in tandem. Lastly, swing your arms in time with your hips by swinging them back and forth overhead or swinging them back and forth in front of you.
As you get more comfortable with this dance, try to bend your knees to get really close to the ground. Keeping that height low and flexible allows you to try your own variations on this dance
Other songs that you can dance to the rhythm of Shmoney Dance are:
SWV's “Anything”
“Can’t You See” dey Total
"Flava In Ya Ear" (Remix) by Craig Mack
"I'm Fly" by 213
“Doin’ It”by LL Cool J
Step 4. Do the Cha-Cha Slide step when the song plays
Start by putting your feet together and clapping your hands in the unconventional rhythm of the song. While clapping, bounce your body to the beat of the music. Then follow the instructions in the letter. Fast forward when the song says “1 hop this time”. When he says “Cha-Cha real smooth” (do the Cha-Cha smoothly), place the right foot a few inches in front of the left. Then, bring your right foot back and place your left foot directly in front of your right foot.
The song has other instructions, like "criss cross", where you jump up and down and move your legs with a scissor motion; and "how low can you go?" (How far can you go down?), Where you put your hands on your knees and move your body down
Method 3 of 3: Practice Your New Dance Moves
Step 1. Practice the basic steps at home in front of a mirror
Dancing in front of a mirror allows you to analyze your movements as you do them to make sure you look elegant and confident. Put on some rap music and practice each move individually to master the basics. Some artists you can listen to include Busta Rhymes, Outkast, T. I., Eve, and Timbaland.
While you should take time to practice without music to focus on doing the basic steps well, dancing to the music allows you to improve and move your body to a specific rhythm
Step 2. Focus on the transition from one movement to another to unify the dance
As you become more comfortable with the basic steps, practice moving from one movement to the next without stopping. This skill will come in handy when you are in a club, as you will be dancing non-stop for a long time.
Continue with this step only when you feel completely comfortable with each movement. It is best not to create bad habits, which can happen if you try to combine all the movements without practicing each one separately
Step 3. Take some time to freestyle to get more comfortable with dancing
Sometimes just setting a beat and starting to dance helps a lot. You will never know what moves you will come up with and you will be amazed at how good you are at dancing! This is also a great exercise that helps you improve muscle strength and deal with stress.
Other benefits of dancing include losing weight, keeping bones strong, and increasing balance
Step 4. Head to a club to show off
Not all bars or clubs in the city play rap music, so you'll have to do a quick Google search to see which venues have the right playlists. This is a great opportunity to meet new people who also share common interests!
If you're feeling a bit self-conscious, hit the clubs with a large group of friends for a fun, stress-free night
tip: Take money with you in case there is an additional charge.