A Beginner's Guide to Dancing at Prom

Prom is the biggest celebration of the year, but for those of us who feel a little awkward on the dancefloor, gearing up for an all-night dance party can be a bit nerve-wracking. Even though it might seem like everyone around you is super comfortable showing off their moves, a lot of your peers are probably feeling the same anxiety about dancing as you. Dancing in front of a big group of people can be pretty intimidating, but the most important thing to remember is to just be yourself.

Feeling anxious about dancing at prom? Here are 6 easy ways to keep your cool before you bust a move.

1. There’s no right or wrong...just move!

I know we’ve all watched Beyoncé’s Homecoming documentary a thousand times by now, but you don’t have to nail Coachella level choreography to enjoy yourself on the dance floor. Don’t spend the whole night worrying about what people think of your moves; you might feel like everyone is watching you, but trust me, they’re not. At the end of the day, all that matters is that you have a blast with your best friends and stay true to yourself.

2. Know how to find the beat.

If there’s one thing that will instantly make you feel so much more comfortable on the floor, it’s knowing how to find the beat. Don’t stress -- it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4. Count it out, clap along to get the rhythm in your body, and start moving or stepping side to side. You can keep it small and simple with your feet or your hips. Once you have it down, feel free to add in some shoulder or hand movements, and loosen up...or don’t! You can always just keep it lowkey. Following the beat isn’t a strict rule, but it’s there to guide you if you feel lost.

3. Consider studying up before the big night.

If you want to brush up or learn some new moves, don’t worry about finding pro dance lessons -- every tutorial is right at your fingertips. Head over to YouTube to watch some experts break down their best moves and practice along in your room. This is by no means a requirement -- and your rendition doesn’t have to be perfect -- but it might come in handy to have a go-to move in your back pocket.

4. When a slow song comes on…

...don’t freak out. To this day, the most distinct memory I have of my senior prom is dozens of my classmates making a swift beeline to the bathrooms as soon as the DJ turned on a slow song. Just remember: dancing is totally optional! If you’re feeling brave, grab your date and sway along (or make it a BFF slow dance like Lady Bird and Julie). If it just isn’t your style, use the slow songs as a chance to take a breather, get some water, and catch up with your friends. A not-so-slow song is just a few minutes away.

5. Don’t be afraid to get a little weird.

Chances are you won’t be the only person at prom who feels a little awkward on the dance floor, so embrace it! Show off your dorkiest moves in true Napoleon Dynamite fashion...which, let’s not forget, is totally iconic. Prom night is all about letting loose, and sometimes it only takes one person letting their freak flag fly to get everyone feeling like they can be -- and dance like -- their truest, freest selves. “Dance like nobody’s watching” is a major cliché, but if it works for Lorde, it’ll work for you too.

6. Remember: Prom is about having fun!

Prom night is probably one of the last times of the year that you and your classmates will all be celebrating together, so it sounds super obvious, but focus on the fun! No one will remember what you looked like on the dance floor, no matter how silly you might feel. Make your prom night the best experience for you. If that means sweating it out like a goofball on the dance floor, great. And if it means staying on the sidelines with your friends because even the thought of dancing stresses you out, that’s great to you. It’s your prom -- you do you!

Still having prom stress about finances, dates, drinking, body image, sex or anything else? We’ve got you. Use our Prom Anxiety Hotline by texting PROM to 38383.