So my son is in 7th grade and will be going to his first dance. I am very happy that he wants to go and that he is actually excited. I helped him find some great clothes and such. Now he wants me to help him learn how to dance so that he "doesn't look like an idiot." He is a real trouper, but is also a bit nervous. He is my oldest, so this is my first time through this and honestly, because I have two boys, I never really thought about helping them transition to this age. (I guess I never thought about it because I only understand junior high from the perspective of a girl?) So any moms who have been here, I need your tips. Anything you can offer? Songs that are easy to learn to move to? How to make a young man feel at ease? All tips will be much appreciated. (His dad can help him too; but I think he wants me to give him insight into how to be a gentleman at a dance)>
Thanks so much for all your help ladies. I watched the Hitch scene with him and we had a good laugh. The dance was last night and he was nervous but ended up having a great time AND he danced. I think I was just as nervous dropping him off. We stopped for ice cream on the way home and had a great chat. I love having sons!
Try the Wii game "Just Dance" - it will show him lots of different dance moves and you both will have fun playing it!
There is also some dance instruction on Demand if you have Comcast. Scroll down and click on "Music" then click on "Get Up and Dance." Most of the dances are independent (not done with a partner), but some fun moves are shown.
Good luck and have fun!
Tell him not to do that stupid freak dancing. Have him dance FACING the girl, not thrusting at her rear.
I taught my son to 2 step. His first dance was in 8th grade. Didn't go with a girl because he was too cool. Whatever!! He went to his first dance (with a girl) his junior your in high school which was homecoming. He asked me to help him. We put some of his music on and I gave him pointers. First, thing I told him was don't try and have sex on the dance floor! All I heard was "Mommmmm" I will be honest, we live in Texas and its a requirement that all men know how to two step!!! I explained to him that you get to hold the girl and be close. He was all for that!! We also danced regular. I explained that we don't want to flail around with our arms. I had him close his eyes and listen to the beat. It also helps that he is a drummer so he gets that. He was a natural just like his mom! His dad has NO beat but boy can he two step!!!
Watch the movie "Hitch" where Will Smith teaches Kevin James to dance. Funny and instructive
O.K. dancing was my biggest dream. Never became a professional of it, but I believe I still got the groove. I used to come home from J.H.S, H.S. while parents were still working. I'd run to the basement blast the stereo and just moved. Eventually I got good. Now I'm hoping to get into my own home a.s.a.p so that I could have my kids get into dancing too. I have a little boy 5, he's still young, but I turn our radio on, and I get him to boogy with 3 year old sister. We have a blast. Play all sorts, from hip hop to light rap, 70's Bee Gees, Donna Summer etc. Make it a point to have a little shindig a few nights a week without making a chore for him. He'll eventually pick up on the moves. Have a DJ make some mixes of todays music. They usually blend some great stuff. Oh, and dim your lights a bit.
As far as being a gentleman, I'm sure he already is. Just the fact that he approached you and husband for this, says a lot about him. He doesn't sound like the macho type.
Have fun dancing.
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Too bad they dont have regular dance shows like Bandstand anymore, you could watch and see what current stuff was. So You Think You can Dance is to choreographed so you cant really learn natural, regular dancing. Or maybe there is a show on MTV or something... I'm old and maybe just dont know.
Youtube some "current dancing" and see what you come up with. Slow dancing should be easy tho.... I remember doing that with both of my sons before prom.
I would play the type of music that will be played at the dance and show him how to move his hands and feet to the beat, even in a sitting position. Then get him on his feet and show him how to make his body flow with it.
Dancing like any other thing is learned in stages. Sports analagy, you don't throw a fast ball at a 3yr old and expect them to hit it with a bat, you start them with Tee ball. They learn to swing the bat at a still ball first.
Oh....this is so sweet!
I began dancing with my son when he was very, very little.
I'm a single mom so I always wanted my son to feel comfortable dancing.
His father REFUSES to dance. Sadly, we only danced once during our marriage and he spun me around so fast (to a slow song), that I thought I was going to throw up.
Literally.
Anyway, my kids and I always had (have) music playing.
My son has always danced in the living room with me. They are some of my fondest memories!
There are pictures and videos taken of us at weddings and receptions with my son dancing with me when he was just little. So precious!
Anyway, how kids dance fast these days is anybody's guess and all relative. Surprisingly, my son is more comfortable with the slow dancing.
He should offer his left hand up for the girl to hold onto and then place his right hand just above her waist. He should count and move to his right, in a circular motion, one with his right foot forward then bring the left foot to meet it. Then two with his right foot and bring his left foot to meet it. Go with a slow one, two, three, four count. GENTLY moving to his right. He should slide his feet so as not to step on the girl's toes.
It takes some practice. He doesn't want to get TOO close, but he doesn't want to be complete arm's distance away like she has cooties either.
My son is a Junior in high school so I have no idea what 7th graders are listening to right now, but here's a link to one of our favorites.
It's easy to count the beats....one, two, three, four....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XFK3ayRQ1s
P.S. My son still dances with me. It's easier now that he's way taller than me.
Have fun.
My heart melts for you!
Best wishes!
