The 7 Stages of Learning a New Dance Routine
Learning a new dance routine is a journey. An emotional rollercoaster filled with highs, lows, and the occasional moment of complete confusion. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, there’s a universal experience that happens in the studio when new choreography is introduced.
If you've ever gone from “I’ve got this” to “What on earth am I doing?” in the space of a few minutes, then you’ll recognise these seven stages of learning a new dance routine.
1. Excitement Mode (“I’m going to nail this!”)
The music starts, the instructor announces a new routine, and the energy in the studio instantly lifts. You’re ready. This is your moment.
You imagine yourself gracefully executing every step, completely in sync with the music. Your future self is already picturing the final performance, flawless, effortless, and possibly worthy of a standing ovation.
Confidence level: Sky-high
Reality check: You haven’t learned the first step yet.
2. Focus Mode (“I need to concentrate… but my feet aren’t cooperating.”)
The instructor breaks down the first section, and you nod along enthusiastically. It all makes perfect sense, until you actually have to do it yourself.
Left foot? Right foot? Wait, what comes next? Why won’t my brain and body communicate?
Confidence level: Still optimistic, but slightly confused
Reality check: It looked a lot easier when the instructor did it.
3. Panic Mode (“Wait… what comes next?!”)
You’ve made it halfway through the routine, and everything is going well, until suddenly, you completely blank.
You glance around, hoping for a clue. Some dancers are smashing it, some are making it up, and others look just as lost as you.
Do you fake it? Do you quietly step to the side and pretend to tie your shoelace? Decisions must be made quickly.
Confidence level: Rapidly declining
Reality check: You have no idea what’s happening anymore.
4. Overthinking Mode (“Why is my arm doing that?!”)
At this point, you’ve memorised most of the moves, but something feels… off. Your arms seem to be moving independently from your legs, and your face has developed an expression of deep concern rather than dance joy.
You try to correct every little mistake, only to make bigger mistakes in the process. What even is rhythm anymore?
Confidence level: Overthinking everything
Reality check: You were doing fine until you started thinking about it too much.
5. Determination Mode (“I WILL get this right!”)
Frustration is kicking in, but so is your competitive streak. You are not letting this routine beat you.
You repeat the steps over and over, possibly in your sleep, determined to get it right. Your family, pets, and random strangers have now seen your attempts.
Confidence level: Steady progress
Reality check: The steps are getting smoother, but you’re still hesitant.
6. The Breakthrough (“Hang on… I CAN do this!”)
Suddenly, something clicks. Your feet start moving before you even have to think about it, and your arms finally remember their place.
Your reflection in the mirror doesn’t look half bad, and you actually feel in control of the routine.
Confidence level: Approaching professional dancer levels
Reality check: You’ve still got some polishing to do, but the hard part is over.
7. Acceptance Mode (“Let’s just go with it!”)
By this stage, you know the routine. Maybe not perfectly, but enough to perform it with confidence. You’ve accepted that small mistakes will happen, and you’ve learned the golden rule of dance: if you mess up, just keep moving.
The final run-through feels exhilarating. You’ve done it. You’ve survived the seven stages, and now you’re ready to perform with style, energy, and a touch of dramatic flair.
Confidence level: Maximum
Reality check: You secretly want to start learning the next routine.
Ready to Take on Your Next Routine?
The journey of learning a dance routine is always an adventure, but that’s what makes it exciting! Whether you’re stepping into your first class or perfecting your skills, every dance routine teaches resilience, creativity, and confidence.
Fancy putting yourself through these seven stages? Book a trial class with Just Dance today and see where the music takes you!