Dance 101: Tips to Surviving Your Grad Dance If You Can’t Dance

If you're a bad dancer, these basic tips will help you avoid embarrassment on grad night.

It’s the night of your grad. You’re kitted out in your best gear, enjoying a night of celebration. All of a sudden, the evening takes a horrible turn – the dreaded DJ has made an appearance. An irritating beat begins to play and your livelier friends have grabbed you by the arm and are forcefully dragging you onto the dance floor.

So here you are in a bit of a predicament: you're stuck on the dance floor and you can’t dance. Standing on the side and looking like a lemon is not an option. You can either resist and make a scene, or brave the worst until everyone tires themselves out. For those courageous enough for the latter, here are some helpful tips to help you survive.

Tip 1: Hide
Chose a strategic location before you attempt to explore the art of dance, the more crowded the better. Then nobody will actually be able to see you. Added bonus if you are so sandwiched between people that you can’t move your arms and legs - put it this way, the less you are able to move, the less you are forced to move. In this position, you can safely join in with a generic and discreet bop.

Tip 2: Keep it Simple
You don’t have to go all out crumping or whatever the kids are doing these days. Simply feel the rhythm of the music and establish a sway in time to the beat or step from side to side. Swaying or stepping is all that is required. Don’t try and branch out with some elaborate interpretive dance. Just keep it simple.

Tip 3: Relax
Try to feel loose and relaxed in your body. I understand that you are trying desperately not to look like an idiot, but the ultimate aim of dancing is to enjoy yourself. And the more comfortable you feel, the closer to this goal you will be.

Tip 4: Find a Crutch
You know that guy/girl who has a thing for you? Don’t ignore them – they are your allies! Dancing partners are great support. Just cling onto them and pray to God that they know what they are doing.

Tip 5: Fly the White Flag
If you absolutely can’t swing the dancing, hang around with a group of people who also dislike dancing. This way you can stand by and watch with company!

At the end of the night, don’t stress about the moves and enjoy yourself. Nobody expects you to be the next Michael Jackson!