Skip to main content
Dance styles5 minutes

Which dance style suits me? The ultimate guide for beginners

By Mary De LucaUpdated

In a nutshell
  • Choosing the right dance style depends primarily on your personal preferences regarding music and the desired level of fitness.
  • Partner dances like Salsa, Discofox, or ballroom dances are excellent for people who value social interaction and moving together.
  • Solo dances like Hip Hop, Modern Dance, or ballet offer the perfect platform for individual expression and an intensive full-body workout.
  • Beginners without prior knowledge will find an uncomplicated and stress-free start in every dance style through special beginner courses and trial classes.

Find your dance partner on udansa

On udansa, you can easily connect with like-minded people in your area. Find the perfect companion for your first dance class or the next social now!

Find your dance partner on udansa

Searching for the right dance style often feels like choosing the perfect holiday destination: the selection is huge, and every style promises a completely new outlook on life. With the right guidance, you will easily find out where your dance journey should begin.

DefinitionSocial Dance

Social Dance refers to dance styles that are primarily danced for social interaction at parties or dance evenings, rather than for competitions or stage performances. The joy of meeting others and uncomplicated improvisation are at the forefront with udansa.

An overview of the variety of dance styles

The world of dance is as colorful as the music itself: from elegant turns in ballroom dancing to the energetic rhythms of modern club styles. If you are facing the decision of choosing a new dance style, it is easy to lose track given the abundance of terms. A good introduction to the overview of dance types is to distinguish between partner dance and solo dance. While partner dance focuses on non-verbal communication and creating movement together, solo dances like Hip Hop or Modern Dance offer the opportunity to focus entirely on your own body and personal expression.

For beginners, it is reassuring to know that many dance styles for beginners are structured in such a way that absolutely no prior knowledge is necessary. For example, if you are looking for an uncomplicated entry into social dancing, you will find quick access to styles like Salsa or Discofox thanks to their clear basic steps. The choice of the right dance style therefore depends significantly on whether you are looking for closeness and interaction as a couple or whether you prefer to move freely to the music.

A cozy atmosphere creates the perfect setting to think about the right way to start your dance journey in a relaxed way.
A cozy atmosphere creates the perfect setting to think about the right way to start your dance journey in a relaxed way.

Typical hurdles and how to overcome them

A common misconception when getting started is the assumption that you need to have a well-developed sense of rhythm to even begin learning to dance. In reality, an ear for music is something that develops quite naturally over the course of your training. If you are still unsure, you can test your own sense of rhythm in advance to get a better feel for beats.

Another stumbling block is the worry about finding a dance partner. Many hesitate to book a partner dance course because they lack a suitable companion. However, modern dance schools usually work with rotation systems where partners are changed regularly anyway. Furthermore, finding a dance partner online makes it easier than ever to find like-minded people in your own city. So, don't let supposed hurdles hold you back: learning to dance is primarily about the joy of movement and community at udansa.

The relaxed way to the right decision

Correct

  • Listen to different music genres and pay attention to your own body awareness
  • Take advantage of no-obligation trial classes at dance schools
  • Embrace the social aspect and meeting new people
  • Choose a style that suits your personal fitness level

Wrong

  • Letting yourself be put off by complicated-looking choreographies
  • Giving up too quickly if the basic step doesn't work right away
  • Pushing yourself into extremely demanding courses without any prior knowledge
  • Believing that you can only learn to dance with a fixed partner

Dancing is not about perfectly replicating steps, it is about feeling the music with your own body and sharing that joy with others.

Dance instructor, Hamburg

The path to your perfect dance style

To find out which dance style suits you best, you should ask yourself two main questions: What music do you prefer to listen to in your private time, and what is your fitness goal? If you are fascinated by driving Latin American beats, you will quickly feel at home in the world of Salsa and Bachata. If you are looking for elegance and traditional etiquette, classic ballroom dances like the Waltz or Tango are the ideal choice for you.

If you want to push your physical limits, Jazz or Modern Dance offer an intensive full-body workout that challenges both strength and flexibility. If, on the other hand, you are mainly interested in the social aspect and relaxed evenings in an open community, the global social dance scenes are exactly what you need. Take the time to try out different styles in trial classes, because often your gut feeling on the dance floor decides the fastest.

Two ways onto the dance floor

Partner dance

Connection and dialogue

Moving to the beat together

In partner dance, everything revolves around the connection between two people. Through the interplay of leading and following, a silent communication emerges that creates a deep sense of community and is ideal for anyone who enjoys interacting in direct contact with others.

Solo dance

Expression and fitness

Creative freedom just for you

Solo dance focuses on your own body control and the interpretation of the music. You are completely free in your movements, do not need a partner, and can focus entirely on your personal workout and your creative expression.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. For absolute beginners, Discofox, Salsa, and Bachata are particularly suitable. These styles are based on relatively simple basic steps that can be learned quickly, so you can dance along at parties with ease after just a few hours.

Dance courses for beginners near you

Discover the variety of dance styles and start your new adventure right on the dance floor.

View all matching courses