How to Dance

Course Overview

Hey wallflowers: You CAN dance—and we can help. Master the rhythms, solo steps, and partnering techniques of 16 classy, funky, twisty, and sexy social dances with friendly lessons from two stars of the dance competition circuit. This course will guide you through the basics of dance, showing you that good dancers are made, not born. Enjoy the benefits of dancing, such as fun, friends, exercise, and more.

Instructors

Your instructors, Rob Glover and Alyssa Lundgren, are professional dancers who started as beginners themselves. Their teaching style is informal, clear, and calm, helping you to easily understand each lesson, practice, and review as often as you like.

Dance Genres

This course addresses four basic genres of dance: Latin & Rhythm, Swing, Smooth & Ballroom, and Country. You can take the lessons sequentially or start with your favorite style.

Video Lectures

01: Beginning Your Dance Journey

Meet your instructors and get introduced to the main dance genres: Latin, swing, ballroom, and country.

02: Getting Started with Latin & Rhythm Dance

Explore the history and fundamentals of Latin dance, including Cuban motion and closed-change foot action.

03: Rumba

Learn the American version of the rumba, a passionate dance embodying life and love.

04: Mambo

Master the basic mambo steps, including rock steps and pivot turns.

05: Cha-Cha

Discover the defining triple step of the cha-cha and enjoy its fun dynamics.

06: Salsa

Learn LA salsa, also known as “On 1,” with its fast pace and creative arm styling.

07: Latin & Rhythm Dance-Along

Join a Latin dance party to see the similarities and unique rhythms of various styles.

08: Getting Started with Swing Dance

Delve into swing dance, learning its basic rhythm and key elements.

09: Single-Time Swing

Explore the simple and tamer version of East Coast swing tailored for television.

10: East Coast Swing

Learn East Coast swing, featuring triple steps along with rotating moves.

11: Lindy Hop

Experience the high-energy Lindy Hop with its distinct patterns and style.

12: West Coast Swing

Discover the smooth and versatile West Coast swing, adaptable to various music tempos.

13: Hustle

Learn the hustle, a dance melding Latin and swing from the disco era.

14: Swing Dance-Along

Watch all five swing dances performed in sequence to see their unique characteristics.

15: Getting Started with Smooth & Ballroom Dance

Explore the history and development of ballroom dancing.

16: Waltz

Learn the elegant and graceful waltz, featuring box steps and twinkles.

17: Foxtrot

Discover the romantic foxtrot basics, suitable for a variety of music styles.

18: American Tango

Embrace the passion of American tango, including its solo and partner movements.

19: Smooth & Ballroom Dance-Along

See ballroom dances in action, exploring the nuances of leading and following.

20: Getting Started with Country Dance

Trace the history of country dance and its diverse influences.

21: Polka

Experience the lively and energetic polka with its quick, hopping movements.

22: Two-Step

Learn the country two-step, incorporating twists from the swing genre.

23: Nightclub Two-Step

Explore this informal, romantic dance style perfect for a night out.

24: Country Dance-Along

See the differences in country dance styles with additional partnering tips.

25: Take Your Dancing to the Next Step

Learn advanced techniques and strategies to continue your dance journey.