Step on the beat of the music .... 1. Find a Great Instructor Experienced dancers know the importance of a good dance instructor. A dance teacher not only teaches new steps and techniques, but also corrects mistakes. If you are new to dance, choose your instructor carefully. 2. Watch Other Dancers Rent a few dance movies or instructional DVD's. Watch the dancers closely, noting such things as body alignment, posture and technique. Try to find ways to incorporate styles you like into your own dancing. 3. Perfect Your Posture Stand up straight, push your shoulders down and back, and hold your head up. It's truly amazing what good posture does for a dancer. 4. Stretch Daily stretching will make your body much more flexible. A big goal in dancing is to make each move look effortless. The more limber your legs are, the easier it will be to move them. Make it a habit to stretch every day. 1- Whenever you hear a song, try to tap your feet or clap your hands or tap your fingers on a table to the beat. If you do this with regularity you will see a difference and you will be able to follow the beat more closely. 2- Try to detect the general beat of every song and try to move your hips to that beat, trying different tempo beats will help you as well. 5. Improve Your Technique Professional dancers spend their entire careers perfecting their technique. Good technique is what separates the good dancers from the best dancers. Learn new moves, but strive to perfect the skills of each step. 6. Wear Proper Shoes Each dance style requires a specific type of shoe. Dance shoes are carefully structured to protect the legs and feet and to benefit the dancer. Make certain that you are dancing in the correct type of shoe and that the shoes are the right size. 7. Relax Your body will dance its best in a relaxed state. Take a few deep breaths and clear your mind. Teach yourself to unwind to the music. 8. Smile A smile is an expression of pleasure, happiness, or amusement. If you smile while you are dancing, people will get the feeling that you love what you are doing. Even if you are dancing alone, smile at yourself. You love to dance, so let it show! 10 Things You Can't Live without at Dance Competition 1. A first aid kit, including Band-Aids, Ace bandages and ointment. 2. A water bottle. Drink water before and after dancing to avoid dehydration. 3. Safety pins. 4. A support system of friends and family. 5. A good luck charm, like a special teddy bear—something that will make you feel good. 6. Baby wipes and Vaseline for fast makeup removal. 7. A note pad. Take notes on the music you liked, including steps you saw in other dances and ideas you got from an inspiring dancer. 8. An open mind. This is a learning process and you will grow as a dancer from your experience. 9. A good attitude. 10. A smile.