Arts >> Dance >> Dance Other

How to Dance to Reggae Music

The slow tempos and relaxed vibe of reggae music tend to create an atmosphere of free dance expression. The key to dancing to reggae music, sometimes called skanking, is allowing your whole body to follow the multiple rhythmic patterns into a hypnotic sway. Crowds of dancing reggae fans look like an undulating mass of water as their bodies roll like waves licking a beach. Get into the spirit and feeling of reggae music by surrendering to the way it moves you.

Things You'll Need

  • Loose-fitting clothing
  • Clear space (6 foot by 6 foot)
  • Music player (record, compact disc, cassette)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Put on loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that does not inhibit movement. Find a clear area with nothing nearby that could be knocked over or broken. Some reggae dancing involves the eyes facing upward or closed.

    • 2

      Play slow tempo reggae music like roots, dub or rocksteady to get a feel for the variety within the genre. Faster reggae influenced music styles like reggaeton and dancehall have their own dances that are more influenced heavily by hip hop.

    • 3

      Stand in the middle of the open area with your feet shoulder width apart and begin to sway from side to side to the rhythm of the music.

    • 4

      Twist your torso slowly as you begin to lightly stomp to each count of the beat. The majority of reggae music is timed in an easy to follow four count.

    • 5

      Tap the heel of your left foot on the strike of the first beat and roll it forward to tap your toe on the strike of the second beat. Repeat this process with the right heal on the third beat rolling to the right toe on the fourth.

    • 6

      Sway in fluid motions that course through your entire body, keeping in time with the beat. Avoid using well-known dance moves that have been borrowed from other styles.

    • 7

      Listen closely to the reggae music and allow your body to interpret the movement in the timing and tone. Let go of inhibitions and preconceived notions about dance to help find your own style of reggae music dancing.

Dance Other

Related Categories