Drop in on a dance class of the style you are attempting to learn. Sit in the back and watch if you feel uncomfortable participating. Count out the steps in your head with the dance teacher to learn the natural rhythm of that style. Ask if you can record the choreography to take home and practice with.
Watch the video and purchase or download the song that was used in the class. Close your eyes and count out the steps to the song. Stand up and step out the counts in a basic two-step (i.e., one, two, three-and-four, five, six, seven-and-eight).
Get familiar with the music that is most popular for the style you are attempting to learn. Notice the similarities in rhythm in different songs. Visualize moving to the music, emphasizing different sounds, melodies and back-beats.
Go out to a club that features your style of music and dance. Watch couples dance with each other. Notice the differences and similarities and compare it to the class you saw. Analyze how individuals take structured steps and manipulate them to make their own arrangements.
Take a dance class or trade for a one-on-one lesson with a dancer you admire. Learn a structured routine first so that you may manipulate it later.
Don't be afraid to take risks. Start by practicing the steps you learned in a different order. Add new movements into the routine or create your own. Dance for at least 10 minutes every day in front of a mirror.
Continue to attend social dance events. Dance with many different partners to pick up individual styles. Take a little from every person and add in your own variations.