Self-help Dance Guide

By Adam Truong, staff writer
Thursday, September 28, 2006

Welcome to the self-help dance guide. This program is intended for people who want to impress their date or just learn a little something to bring to the dance floor. In this quick five minute program, learn to put all those hours on the Bowflex machine to use as you venture into the middle of the circle and strut your stuff. You can do it, we can help.

The greater than/ less than dance

This is a little something that we learned on our journey to the past. It's a quick, yet simple, dance move that will dazzle people who appreciate the good oldies. Easy to learn, fun to use, highly effective.

1. Start your dance move with the ever popular Power Stance. This is an good start and makes the rest of the steps easier.
2. First shape your hands into a peace sign (or the v for victory sign if you are into anime). Swipe your hand across your face as you pull off the classy look.
3. While your fingers come to the side of your face, prepare to bring your other hand up to repeat in the other direction.

The Punching Bag

Most of you should know about this move. A mix of Rocky and Flashdance, this move will impress anyone with your wild enthusiasm. Please be careful not to smack anyone in the back of the head when pulling out this “secret weapon.”

1. First start from either a low or high position; then start spinning your arms out in front of you.
2. It should look like you are punching a punching bag.
3. You can move up and down for added effectiveness.

The SCUBA

This move was used quite often in the past, but somehow died along the way. It's time for you to bring back the fun and impress your friends as you go for a swim on the dance floor. Be careful to not get trapped in the crowd as you can go down and not find an exit to surface.

1. Start your stance with your legs straight and one arm up. Your other arm can simulate the scuba mask.
2. Bend your knees while you move your hips and your arms in a nice wave motion.
3. To come back up, straighten the knees.
4. To repeat, switch the hands while coming back up and start again from step 1.

The Head-Bob

Of course, no one can forget the classic head bob, perfect in the car or on the dance floor. This was popularized in the movie, Night at the Roxbury .

1. This move is all in the neck. Bob your head to the right or left, then repeat.

The Sprinkler

I am not sure of the specific name for this, but this move is fun to use in public. Originating sometime in the 50's, this is a popular retro move.

1. Take your left hand and put it behind your neck; then take your right arm and point it out in front of you (Use either the slap or the fist; your choice).
2. Bring your arm and elbow close together.
3. While coming back to the original position, turn a little bit to the left.
4. Before long, you will be dancing and sprinklering your way to dance king/queen.
   

Charlie Brown

I have no idea why this move is called the Charlie Brown, but it is really fun to watch and do. It may take a little bit of practice to figure out how to balance on one leg for people who have trouble with hand-eye coordination .

1. Put one arm on the back of your neck just like the sprinkler, and put your other arm on your ankle
2. Bring your head towards your elbow (it helps if you bend your knees).
3. When returning to the original position, turn a little bit towards the arm that is touching your neck.

The Shopping Cart

Saving the best for last, this is by far the most difficult dance move but also looks the coolest. Please be careful when busting out this physical wonder; don't trip!

1. Walk in place: This is done by lifting one leg up while kind of hopping back with the one on the ground. After sliding the foot back, place the one in the air in front of your back foot and then slide back again while picking up the first foot.
2. While doing step 1, put your hands out in front of your body just as you would if you were pushing a shopping cart.
3. Push and retract your arms for an interesting combination.
4. If you are gutsy, feel free to add a little head action.