New to Dancehall? Start Here with a No-Judgment Guide to the Culture & the Moves
If you've ever thought Dancehall looked fun but felt like you’d never be able to pull it off—you’re not alone.
Maybe you’ve asked:
“What even is Dancehall, really?”
“Where did it come from?”
“Am I too old / out of shape / awkward to try it?”
I see you. I’ve taught Dancehall to beginners of all ages, backgrounds, and body types—and every one of them left feeling more confident than when they walked in.
In this post, I’ll break it all down in a way that’s beginner-friendly, culturally rooted, and—most importantly—judgment-free.
👉🏾 Want to start dancing now? Grab my free Dancehall class preview to warm up your body and start learning real moves, step by step.
🎶 Dancehall Origins: From Kingston to the World
A Kingston local in front of a sound system.
Dancehall isn’t just a GENRE OF music & Dance—it’s a living, breathing culture born from resilience and joy. Originating in Kingston, Jamaica, during the late '70s, Dancehall emerged when people craved relief from intense political tensions and violence. Reggae music, with its slower rhythms and deep political messages, had long defined the sound of the island—but a new energy was bubbling up.
Named after the literal dance halls where working-class Jamaicans gathered to release, reconnect, and celebrate life, Dancehall started as an underground movement powered by street parties, sound systems, and lyrical battles. Deejays (Jamaican “rappers”) would toast and rhyme over stripped-down instrumental tracks called riddims, building a vibe that was more raw, real, and reflective of everyday life.
While rooted in reggae, Dancehall isn’t the same—it’s faster, grittier, and unfiltered. It centers bold expression, rhythm, and fun. In the '80s, shows like Sting boosted its visibility. By the '90s and early 2000s, Dancehall was global—thanks to icons like Beenie Man, Shabba Ranks, and Sean Paul, whose international collaborations & Influence helped bring this homegrown sound to the world stage.
🔥 The Vibrant Culture of Dancehall
The "Ouch Crew", pioneers in dancehall female fashion, at a bashment in Waterhouse, Kingston. Image from the OUCH Archive.
Dancehall goes beyond the beat—it’s how you show up, move, and own your space. It’s bold, expressive, and rooted in the lived experiences of the Jamaican people. At its core is Patois (or PATWAH), Jamaica’s vibrant dialect shaped by African, European, and Indigenous influences. Far from being “broken English,” it’s a language of power and pride—carried through the lyrics, slang, and storytelling that define Dancehall’s sound and spirit.
Beyond the music, Dancehall is known for its unapologetic self-expression—from daring fashion to the fearless energy you bring to a party. It’s a space where style meets substance, and individuality is the main event. Lyrics often spark debate for their rawness, but they reflect real life—pleasure, pain, resistance, and joy. More than anything, Dancehall is about community and confidence: showing up as you are, celebrating who you are, and owning every bit of it with no apology.
💃🏽 Dancehall as a Dance: Style, Energy, and Confidence
Dancehall music gave birth to its own unique movement style—one that’s equal parts grounded, rhythmic, and vibes. The dance is heavily influenced by African traditions, focusing on footwork, isolations, and full-body expression.
It’s a dance of freedom and confidence—not choreography for perfection’s sake, but movements that reflect the beat, the mood, and the moment. Dancehall styles can be:
Feminine, with hip-based movements like whining, gyrating, and "bubbling" (which are all different names for the same family of moves)
Masculine, with more footwork, sharp arm movements, and “gun finger” gestures—though anyone can dance in this style
Movements evolve with the music and often go viral within the culture before making their way into mainstream media. From Street parties in Kingston to TikTok tutorials, Dancehall dance continues to inspire people around the world.
If you're new to Dancehall, two names you should absolutely know are:
Bogle, the iconic dancer and choreographer who created countless foundational moves that are still used today.
Dancehall Queen Carlene, crowned in the early ’90s, who brought boldness, flair, and visibility to the feminine style of Dancehall and helped define the role of the Dancehall Queen.
The Original Dancehall Queen Carlene in the Murder She Wrote music video.
✨ How to Start Dancing Dancehall Today
The beauty of Dancehall is that you don’t need to be perfect, young, or even coordinated to get started—you just need to be willing to vibe. Whether you're dancing alone in your room, vibing in front of your mirror, or joining a class for the first time, you're Stepping into a culture that’s about showing up as your full, unapologetic self.
If you're ready to try real moves in a low-pressure way, I created a free Dancehall Class preview just for beginners. It includes a short warm-up, beginner-friendly dance steps, and tips to help you get out of your head and into your body.
👉🏾 Grab your free Dancehall class preview now and start feeling the rhythm for yourself. You don’t need permission. You just need to move.
Dancehall is for everyone—and that includes you.
I hope this guide gave you the knowledge and confidence to start your own Dancehall journey.
Happy dancing,
– Raah 💖
