How to Dance

Overview

Course No. 80150

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.

Have you ever watched talented dancers and wished you could do that? The truth is, good dancers aren’t born; they’re made. In How to Dance, you’ll learn everything you need to know to have a great time on the dance floor. Through 25 relaxed, easy-to-follow lessons, you’ll master the rhythm, solo steps, and partnering techniques required for various popular social dances, from the elegance of the waltz to the swagger of the tango.

Your instructors, professional dancers Rob Glover and Alyssa Lundgren, know what it takes to learn the steps, and they encourage practice along the way, creating a fun and enjoyable atmosphere tailored to your learning style.

Video Lectures

01: Beginning Your Dance Journey

Meet your instructors and learn about dance as a way to engage cognitive and physical functions.

Duration: 8 min

02: Getting Started with Latin & Rhythm Dance

Explore the history of Latin dance and learn foundational knee movements for Cuban motion.

Duration: 7 min

03: Rumba

Learn the American version of the rumba and its connection to elements of life and love through various steps.

Duration: 34 min

04: Mambo

Master the basics of mambo, including rock steps, switch turns, and partner patterns.

Duration: 28 min

05: Cha-Cha

Discover the defining triple step of the cha-cha and how both partners can contribute to this engaging dance.

Duration: 34 min

06: Salsa

Learn to dance LA salsa, focusing on arm styling, spins, and the circular motion of this energetic style.

Duration: 19 min

07: Latin & Rhythm Dance-Along

Enjoy a Latin dance party, showcasing the similarities between the rumba, mambo, cha-cha, and salsa.

Duration: 8 min

08: Getting Started with Swing Dance

Learn the basic rhythm of swing and the key elements, including rock step and triple step.

Duration: 7 min

09: Single-Time Swing

Explore single-time swing, a simplified version for television featuring solo and partner patterns.

Duration: 20 min

10: East Coast Swing

Discover the variations and rhythmic steps of East Coast swing while learning to rotate the triple steps.

Duration: 27 min

11: Lindy Hop

Master the high-energy Lindy Hop with essential beginner steps, including the rock step and Lindy circle.

Duration: 20 min

12: West Coast Swing

Learn the fundamentals of West Coast swing, which can be smooth, bluesy, or contemporary.

Duration: 31 min

13: Hustle

Absorb the energetic hustle, integrating footwork from Latin and swing genres that gained popularity in the 1970s.

Duration: 25 min

14: Swing Dance-Along

Experience all five swing dances performed successively while identifying unique rhythms and styles.

Duration: 6 min

15: Getting Started with Smooth & Ballroom Dance

Dive into the history and structure of smooth and ballroom dancing, discovering key figures in its popularization.

Duration: 9 min

16: Waltz

Learn the elegant waltz with its graceful movements as you master box steps and twinkles.

Duration: 34 min

17: Foxtrot

Discover the basics of the romantic foxtrot, practicing key movements to accompany a variety of music.

Duration: 29 min

18: American Tango

Explore the passionate movements of the American tango and the specific techniques for its performance.

Duration: 33 min

19: Smooth & Ballroom Dance-Along

Join your instructors as they perform the three ballroom dances, recognizing shared steps and unique styles.

Duration: 6 min

20: Getting Started with Country Dance

Uncover the cultural influences behind country dance, learning its history from regional to mainstream popularity.

Duration: 8 min

21: Polka

Experience the energetic polka dance, mastering its lively steps and patterns suitable for competitive dancing.

Duration: 29 min

22: Two-Step

Practice the country two-step, enhancing your partner patterns and footwork techniques.

Duration: 24 min

23: Nightclub Two-Step

Learn the graceful movements of the nightclub two-step while exploring its romantic qualities.

Duration: 21 min

24: Country Dance-Along

Participate in a dance-along session showcasing the styles you’ve learned, focusing on partnering techniques.

Duration: 7 min

25: Take Your Dancing to the Next Step

Learn techniques to enhance your dancing skills, including switching roles and joining dance communities.

Duration: 5 min