What is the best dance of seventeen?

The teenage years are an exciting time filled with new experiences, expanding horizons, and navigating the journey into adulthood. For many teens, dancing plays a central role in this coming-of-age, providing a creative outlet, a chance to socialize, and an opportunity to just have fun. With so many types of dance to choose from, what is truly the ‘best’ style for seventeen year olds?

The Most Popular Dances for Teens

Certain dances tend to be especially popular among teenagers. These styles allow teens to get up and move to upbeat music, interact with their peers, and express themselves. Some of the most common dances embraced by teenagers today include:

• Hip Hop Dance – Energetic street dance styles set to hip hop, rap, and R&B music. Includes subgenres like breakdancing, popping, locking, and more.
• Jazz Dance – Stylized dance with a strong emphasis on technique, set to pop, funk, and showtune music. Includes styles like lyrical and contemporary.
• Ballet – Classical and neoclassical ballet with formalized technique and graceful poise. Teens often take ballet classes as part of dance training.
• Latin Dance – Exciting partner dances like salsa, bachata, and merengue that originate from Latin America and Spain.
• Club Dances – Dances popular in night clubs and parties like shuffling, Melbourne Shuffle, and jerkin’. High energy and trendy.

Teenagers flock to these dances for the chance to challenge themselves physically, connect with peers who share their interests, and experience the joy of dancing to their favorite music. These popular teen dances provide a fun and engaging pastime.

Choosing the Right Dance Style

With so many options out there, how does a teenager know which dance style is the ‘best’ fit for them? Here are some factors seventeen year olds may want to consider when selecting a dance:

• Music Taste – Styles like hip hop, jazz, and latin dance connect closely to musical genres teens already enjoy. Picking a dance genre that matches your music taste makes it feel more fun and natural.
• Social Setting – Many teens start dancing in a group setting like dance classes, dance teams, studios, or clubs. Consider a style popular among your peers or offered in your area.
• Natural Talent – Think about your innate abilities. Teens with grace and flexibility may lean towards ballet, while those with great rhythm may excel at hip hop.
• Interests – Your personal interests impact what dance you’ll enjoy most. For artistic teens, ballet or contemporary may be appealing. For teens who love high energy, try hip hop or African dance.
• Comfort Zone – Stepping outside your comfort zone can be thrilling! But also consider your confidence level when choosing between low key or high-energy dance styles.

There is no one “best” dance for all teens. The right style for you showcases your interests, fits your social scene, plays to your talents, and pushes your boundaries in a way that feels exciting. Don’t be afraid to try a few different options to see what’s the best fit.

Physical Benefits of Dance for Teen Wellness

Beyond just being fun, dancing offers many excellent physical benefits for teenagers including:

• Cardio Exercise – Dancing gets your heart pumping and improves cardiovascular health. Most styles burn 200-400 calories per hour.
• Muscular Strength – The physicality of dance naturally builds strength in the core, legs, arms and entire body.
• Flexibility – Dance training enhances flexibility through moves that target the back, hips, and hamstrings.
• Coordination – Learning choreography challenges motor skills and coordination.
• Posture – Proper dance posture realigns the spine for better poise.
• Balance – Dances like ballet improve stability and control.

For teens looking to get in shape, dancing provides an engaging alternative to plain old exercise. The diversity of movements keeps the body challenged. Teens can tailor the intensity level to their fitness goals across dance styles. The incentive to learn new choreography and songs helps teens stay motivated. Taking even just one dance class per week promotes lifelong healthy habits.

Mental & Emotional Benefits of Dance

Beyond the physical, dancing also boosts teenager’s mental and emotional health in the following ways:

• Artistic Expression – Dance provides a creative channel for self-expression and emotion.
• Confidence – Mastering choreography develops self-confidence and a sense of pride.
• Social Connections – Dancing side-by-side fosters camaraderie, teamwork, and lasting bonds.
• Stress Relief – The physical exertion of dance releases endorphins that counteract stress.
• Brain Stimulation – Learning choreography challenges cognitive skills.
• Focus – The intense concentration needed to dance teaches invaluable focus.

The mental perks of dance make it valuable beyond just a fun hobby. Dance provides a positive outlet for teens to channel their emotions, connect with others, and find focus in their busy, social-media filled worlds. The arts encourage self-reflection and community building at a critical time of identity development.

Developing Life Skills Through Dance

In addition to the physical and mental benefits, dancing helps teens build life skills that will serve them well beyond their school years. Here are some of the life lessons dance imparts:

• Work Ethic – Dance requires dedication, practice, and persistence to improve.
• Teamwork – Group dances teach cooperation, coordination, and collaboration.
• Responsibility – Attending class and rehearsals instills commitment.
• Time Management – Juggling dance schedules with schoolwork develops organizational skills.
• Accepting Feedback – Applying constructive criticism from teachers helps dancing progress.
• Networking Skills – Dance introduces teens to mentors and like-minded peers.

Dancing at a young age ingrains values like self-discipline, leadership, and hard work. Teen dancers learn how to accept feedback, solve problems as a team, and manage busy calendars. These essential life abilities pave the way for future success.

Best Dance Styles for Teen Beginners

For teens just starting out, certain dance styles tend to be more accessible for beginners. Here are some top genres for dance newcomers:

These beginner-friendly genres feature accessible choreography, upbeat music, and a focus on having fun. Teens can also explore street dance styles like hip hop and African dance in a self-directed way through music videos, online tutorials, and copying dance moves with friends.

Top Dance Styles for Confidence Building

Some dance genres are especially great for building self-confidence in teens. Dances that emphasize stage presence, partnerwork, and community provide a safe space for teens to come out of their shell. Excellent options for confidence building include:

• Latin Dance – The supportive lead-follow dynamic promotes confidence between partners.
• Jazz & Tap – All eyes are on you in these Broadway styles focused on presentation.
• African Dance – Tribal group numbers foster community and fearlessness.
• Bollywood – The high energy and dramatic flair is infectious.
• Hip Hop – Freestyle circle battles build bravado and improv skills.

Stepping outside your comfort zone by trying any new dance will bring you out of your shell over time. Going to auditions, battles, and performances gives teens a stage to shine.

Competitive Team Options for Teen Dancers

Many teen dancers crave a more committed experience through competitive dance teams and productions. Here are some of the top team options for talented, dedicated teen dancers:

• School Dance Teams – Teams that represent high schools by performing at school events and competitions.
• Studio Dance Companies – Advanced teen performance troupes at local dance studios.
• Dance Crews – Specialized hip hop crews that battle other crews and perform in shows.
• Competition Teams – Teams through studios or conventions focused on competing.
• City Youth Ballet – Prestigious opportunity to dance with the youth troupe at your local professional ballet company.

While competitive, these experiences take teen talent to the next level through intense training, choreography, costuming, teamwork, and performance opportunities. Most teams accept auditions for motivated, qualified dancers.

Choreographing Original Dance Pieces

Once teens have built some fundamental dance skills, many start exploring their own creative choreography. Creating original dance pieces allows teens to showcase their unique vision and talents. Here are some tips for choreographing your first dance:

• Pick music that inspires emotion and movement ideas.
• Start improvising to the music and string together the best snippets.
• Decide on a concept or through-line to theme your piece.
• Use a mix of styles you’ve studied like ballet, hip hop, contemporary.
• Change up timing, levels, group formations to add interest.
• Record yourself and revise until the choreography feels cohesive.

The sky’s the limit when crafting your own choreo. Let the music be your guide. Showcase your developing technical skills. Through dancemaking, teens can share their unique inner world.

Where Teens Can Take Dance Classes

For teenagers eager to start dancing, many options exist for beginner-friendly dance instruction in your area:

• Dance Studios – Most cities have dedicated recreational dance studios offering classes in all genres for all ages.
• Performing Arts High Schools – Public or private high schools with robust dance programs taught by professionals.
• Community Centers – Public parks & rec departments often host affordable dance classes.
• Online Tutorials – Build a foundation right at home through YouTube instructional videos.
• Church Groups – Many churches offer dance workshops or performing arts ministries.
• Master Classes – Attend individual workshops taught by visiting guest choreographers.

Ask friends who dance where they recommend starting locally. Consider observing a class first to assess the teaching style and skill level. Many studios offer free introductory lessons. Investigate options to find the right dance community for you.

Steps for Teens Starting Out in Dance

Any teenager can jump into beginning dance classes with the following tips in mind:

1. Pick 1-2 genres you’re most excited to try like jazz, ballet hip hop, etc.
2. Look into options at local studios, schools, or community programs in those styles.
3. Commit to at least 4-6 classes to give it a fair shot.
4. Come eager to learn with a respectful, engaged attitude.
5. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t pick up steps quickly as a beginner. Stick with it!
6. Focus on enjoying dancing to music more than getting every step perfect.
7. Meet peers who share your newfound passion and support each other.
8. Consider performing in a recital or talent show to set a fun goal.

The most important thing is to just get started! Even one enjoyable class per week can open the door to a lifelong love of dance. Allow yourself to be a beginner and let your interest guide you to a style that makes your heart sing.

Famous Teen Dancers Who Made It Big

Looking for inspiration? Many famous dancers first broke out in their teenage years. Here are just a few top dancers who achieved mainstream fame and success as talented teens:

• Maddie Ziegler – Starred on reality show Dance Moms before becoming Sia’s music video muse.
• JoJo Siwa – Competitive dancer turned YouTube star, pop singer and entrepreneur.
• Raven Symone – Danced on The Cosby Show at just 3 years old before starring in That’s So Raven.
• Paula Abdul – Cheerleader and choreographer for the LA Lakers at 18 before her pop singing career.
• Jenna Dewan – Broke out as a backup dancer for Janet Jackson before acting and marrying Channing Tatum.

The next famous dancer could be you! These teens show that drive and talent can launch dance careers at a young age. Performing arts high schools and competitions also scout promising teen dancers annually.

Considering Dance as a Profession

Gifted teen dancers may consider pursuing dance full time professionally. This career path takes immense dedication but unparalleled rewards. Here are some tips for teens considering dance as a profession:

• Start intensive technical training as early as possible to develop proper technique.
• Attend summer intensives at professional dance companies while still in high school.
• Earn a commercial dance scholarship and/or apply to prestigious performing arts colleges after graduation.
• Double major in dance and business to open arts management doors down the road.
• Be open to all opportunities from music videos to cruise ship gigs when first starting out.
• Live in a dance hub city like LA, NYC, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta or Las Vegas.
• Keep up conditioning, take class daily, and care for your body like an elite athlete.

Professional dancers must have exceptional training, perseverance, a competitive spirit, and a creative passion for the art form. But for the right teen, a dance career can fulfill lifelong dreams.

Conclusion

At seventeen, the possibilities in dance are endless. Hip hop, ballet, jazz, tap, latin, and contemporary styles all provide fun, confidence, fitness and more. As teens discover their talents and interests, dance diverges into recreational classes, competitive teams, choreography, and even professional careers. With an open mind and eagerness to move, the beat drops on an exciting journey of self-discovery on the dance floor. The best dance style for each seventeen year old depends on their personal goals and growing identity. By following their bliss, dance can unlock something magical. What dance will you choose?