Ever wondered how to dance at a rave or do you want to master the art of raving? Well let’s preface this entire article by saying: dance however you want. Raves are for expressing yourself!
But, if you’re feeling anxious: don’t. Everyone is too entranced with the music to judge you.
If you’re still not sure, then don’t worry, cos we’ve got your back.
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Welcome to Your Guide on How to Dance at a Rave
Amidst the pulsating beats, vivid lights, and electric energy of a rave, one activity brings the crowd together in a symphony of self-expression: dancing.
This essential aspect of rave culture is more than just a rhythmic response to music—it’s an avenue for creativity, freedom, and unity. If you’re unsure of how to navigate this dynamic landscape, don’t worry.
This comprehensive guide will help you understand rave culture, learn popular rave dances, and offer valuable tips to make your rave experience unforgettable.
Understanding Rave Culture
To dance at a rave, it’s crucial to understand its culture first.
Raves originated from the UK’s underground scene in the late 1980s as counter-cultural events, but they have since blossomed into a global phenomenon.
They’re characterized by high-energy electronic dance music (EDM), vibrant light shows, and of course, enthusiastic dancing.
See also: Underground raves vs Organized raves – What’s the difference?
Dance styles at raves have evolved significantly over the years. Early rave dances were heavily influenced by the free-form and spontaneous movements of the ’60s and ’70s countercultures.
As the rave scene matured, so did its dance styles, drawing influences from various genres like hip-hop, breakdancing, and even ballet.
The essence of rave dancing, however, remains rooted in self-expression and freedom. It’s less about perfecting a specific dance move and more about letting the music guide your body. In the rave scene, there are no rules, no judgments—just you, the music, and the dance floor.
The Rhythm of Rave: Understanding the Music
Before we dive into the dance moves, let’s explore the music that fuels them.
Rave music primarily falls under the umbrella of EDM, which consists of various genres like techno, house, trance, and drum and bass.
Each genre has its unique tempo and rhythmic structure, influencing the type of dance moves that go along with it.
Techno, for instance, is characterized by repetitive beats and a tempo ranging from 120 to 150 beats per minute (bpm). This steady rhythm provides a great backdrop for dance moves like shuffling or jumpstyle.
Trance music, on the other hand, has a faster tempo (usually 130 to 160 bpm), and its rhythmic complexity often inspires more free-form dance movements.
It’s essential to tune into the rhythm and beat of the music. This doesn’t mean you need to count beats or understand music theory. Instead, let the music guide your movements. Feel the pulsating rhythm, the rise and fall of the melody, the thundering bass—and let your body respond in kind.
Stay tuned as we delve deeper into popular rave dances, how to learn them, and essential tips to make your rave experience safe and unforgettable. Dancing at a rave is about celebrating music, expressing yourself, and being part of a vibrant, energetic community.
So, let’s get moving!
How to Dance at a Rave: Popular Dance Moves at Raves
See also: 10 Epic rave music genres
Shuffling
Shuffling, often associated with the Melbourne Shuffle from Australia, has become an iconic dance style in raves worldwide.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Running Man Step: Begin by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lift your right foot and take a small hop forward on your left foot. Then, slide your right foot back so it lands slightly behind your left foot. Repeat this process, this time leading with your left foot. This step mimics a “running” motion, hence the name.
- Shuffle Step: While in the running man position, shift your weight to your front foot. Kick your back foot forward and out to the side, then bring it back and place it behind your front foot. Repeat these steps with the other foot.
- Slide Step: Now, combine the running man and shuffle steps. While performing the running man, slide your front foot forward and out to the side, then slide it back in a fluid motion.
Keep practicing these steps until you can seamlessly transition between them. Remember, shuffling is about the flow and energy, not just the footwork!
Jumpstyle
Jumpstyle, originating from Belgium, is an energetic and athletic dance style perfect for high-tempo EDM.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Jump Step: Start by jumping on one foot while kicking the other foot forward. As you land, immediately jump onto the other foot, kicking the first foot forward. The idea is to create a continuous jumping and kicking motion, hence the name Jumpstyle.
- Turn Step: Add some variation by turning your body 90 degrees every few jumps. This not only adds visual appeal to your dance but also helps keep the rhythm.
- Cross Step: For more complexity, try crossing your legs during the jump. As you jump, cross your kicking foot over the standing foot before landing.
While Jumpstyle can be physically demanding, it’s also exhilarating and a great way to engage with fast-paced music at raves.
Liquid and Digits
Liquid and Digits is a more intricate and visually mesmerizing dance style that involves creating fluid motions with your hands and fingers.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Wave Step: Start with both your arms outstretched. Begin a wave motion with your left hand by bending your fingers one by one, starting with the thumb and ending with your pinky. As your left hand reaches the end of the wave, start the same motion with your right hand. This creates a continuous “wave” effect between your two hands.
- Figure Eight Step: Using the same wave motion, draw a figure eight in the air. Start the figure eight with one hand, then smoothly transition the motion to the other hand as you reach the crossover point of the figure eight.
- Digits Step: While maintaining the wave, introduce more complex movements by intertwining your fingers, rolling your hands, or spinning your wrists.
Liquid and Digits takes time and patience to master, but the result is a visually captivating dance that perfectly complements the ebb and flow of EDM.
Stomping
Stomping, as the name suggests, is characterized by its heavy footwork. Originating from the hardstyle genre, this dance is perfect for faster, more aggressive EDM.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Basic Stomp: Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lift your right foot and stomp it down, bending your left knee as you do. Then, lift your left foot and stomp, straightening your right leg. The key is to transfer your weight from one leg to the other as you stomp.
- Double Stomp: For a variation, try the double stomp. It’s the same as the basic stomp, but you stomp twice on each foot before switching to the other.
- Stomp Slide: Introduce a slide to your stomp. After the stomp, instead of lifting your foot immediately, slide it back to meet your other foot. Then stomp with the other foot and repeat.
Stomping is all about energy and power. Be sure to match your movements with the rhythm and intensity of the music.
Cyber Dancing
Cyber Dancing is a combination of many dance styles, characterized by its robotic and mime-like movements. It’s often paired with industrial and electro music.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Robotic Movements: Begin by isolating different parts of your body and moving them in a jerky, robotic fashion. For example, you can start with your arms, moving them up and down at the elbows, then move on to your legs, head, and torso.
- Mime Techniques: Introduce some mime techniques, like the “box” where you pretend to be trapped within an invisible box, or “the rope” where you mimic pulling a heavy rope.
- Liquid Movements: Intersperse the robotic and mime movements with smoother, fluid motions. This provides a stark contrast and makes your dance more visually engaging.
Cyber Dancing allows for a lot of creativity and personal style. So, feel free to experiment with different movements and techniques.
In all these dance styles, remember that practice makes perfect.
Start slow, and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the moves.
Most importantly, enjoy the process! Rave dancing is all about expressing yourself and having fun.
