5 Common Mistakes New Dancers Make (And How to Avoid Them)
1. Looking Down While Dancing
The Mistake: New dancers often look at their feet, trying to make sure they’re stepping in the right place.
Why It Matters: It breaks posture, affects balance, and disconnects you from your partner and the music.
The Fix: Trust your instructor - and your muscle memory. Keep your head up and your focus forward. This small change instantly improves posture and gives your dancing a polished look.
2. Overthinking Every Step
The Mistake: Trying to memorize every detail and “get it perfect” right away.
Why It Matters: It creates tension, slows you down, and makes dancing feel stressful instead of fun.
The Fix: Think progress, not perfection. Ballroom dance is about movement, not memorisation. Relax, let your body move with the music, and remember: it’s okay to make mistakes - that’s how you learn.
3. Holding Your Breath
The Mistake: Without realising it, many new dancers hold their breath while concentrating.
Why It Matters: It leads to stiffness, fatigue, and breaks your natural rhythm.
The Fix: Breathe deeply and regularly, especially during partner work. Inhale with the beat and exhale into the movement. Breathing helps you stay loose and connected to the music - and your partner.
4. Leading (or Following) Too Forcefully
The Mistake: New leads may try to "push" their partner through the steps, while followers may resist or anticipate.
Why It Matters: It disrupts the flow and makes the dance feel more like a tug-of-war than a partnership.
The Fix: Good leading and following are about subtle signals, not force. Leaders: guide with intention but gentleness. Followers: stay receptive and responsive rather than trying to guess the next move. Your instructors at Arthur Murray are experts at helping you build this partnership skill.
5. Skipping Practice Outside of Class
The Mistake: Only dancing during lessons and expecting fast results.
Why It Matters: Like any skill, repetition builds confidence and progress.
The Fix: Practice just 5–10 minutes a day - even in your kitchen. Review a step or just sway to music in rhythm. The more you reinforce what you learn between lessons, the quicker you’ll improve.
Final Thoughts
Every great dancer started as a beginner - including your instructors! At Arthur Murray, we know that growth comes with patience, encouragement, and fun. Don’t let small mistakes hold you back from experiencing the joy of dance. With the right mindset and support, you’ll be gliding across the floor in no time.
Ready to put these tips into practice?
Join us for a complimentary introductory lesson! Our friendly team is here to help you dance with confidence from day one.