A habit is something you do regularly and automatically — often without thinking — because you’ve repeated it many times before.
In short: a habit is a repeated action that becomes part of your routine.
Whether it’s brushing your teeth, checking your phone, or tapping your foot to music — habits shape how we live and learn.
The same is true in dancing.
Dancing Habits — Helpful or Unhelpful?
When we come to Lindy Jazz, most of us are here for fun — to relax, enjoy the music, and meet lovely people.
But sometimes, without realising it, we try a bit too hard.
We overthink, analyse, and tense up in the process.
And before we know it, those thoughts and actions become… habits.
So let’s pause for a moment.
Are your current habits helping you dance with more freedom — or holding you back?
Becoming aware of your habits is the first step to dancing with more ease and joy.
Once you spot an unhelpful habit, you can swap it for a more helpful one.
Helpful Habits for Lessons
- Showing up (even on days you feel tired!)
- Imagining you know nothing — stay open and curious
- Smiling
- Laughing — it helps you to relax & learn faster
- Listening carefully
- Giving it a go without needing to get it right
- Counting along during lessons
- Smiling at your partner — and saying nothing!
- Asking your teachers for advice before or after class
- Bouncing gently to keep your energy alive
- Swinging your arms freely
- Relaxing your shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, and ankles
- Letting go of the need to be right right now
Helpful Habits Between Lessons
- Practising Rock Step Triple Steps (RSTS)
- Making short videos of your RSTS practice to check your progress
- Sharing your practice clips in our WhatsApp group
- Watching Lindy Jazz videos for reminders and inspiration
Unhelpful Habits for Lessons
- Passive movement without bounce
- Overthinking
- Analysing every step
- Imagining people are watching you (they’re not — they’re busy thinking the same!)
- Looking at your feet
- Giving your partner advice
- Focusing too much on “getting it right”
- Trying to remember everything
- Referring back to other dance styles or your previous dance experience
- Saying negative things about your own dancing
- Gripping your joints — shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, ankles
- Leaders being hesitant
- Followers anticipating or dancing ahead
Your Turn
Take a moment to check this list.
Which habits do you already have?
Which ones would you like to build — or let go of?
Remember, every time you repeat something, you’re training your body and your brain.
So let’s make sure we’re training the habits that help us feel free, confident, and joyful on the dance floor.
See you at the next class — ready to smile, swing, and enjoy every step. 💃🕺