You're at an awesome party. All your friends are there - along with half the school - and you're having the time of your life. For some reason you're totally on tonight. Even though usually you'd rather lie low at huge parties like these, tonight everything is different. Instead of hanging back, you easily strike up a conversation with people you hardly know. The crowd loves you and you love them back. And, is that your crush who keeps smiling at you? This party definitely can't get any better.

Then the music starts. The huge speakers blast on. Everyone around you lets out a whoop. "Come on!" your friends call to you from the dance floor. But suddenly all the confidence you had two minutes ago drains out of you like someone just pulled a plug. Making the excuse that you're thirsty, you slowly back away. You? Dancing? Yeah right. When it comes to dancing, you feel like a fish out of water; lost and out of place. You're just not the dancing type, you tell yourself, so why try?

Wrong! Don't you realize how much you're missing when you tell yourself you can't dance? People have been dancing for thousands of years, so why can't you? Dancing is good for the body and soul. Not only is it a helpful exercise, but it builds self confidence and (best of all) it's fun! Maybe you're too self conscious when it comes to your body image, or you're not interested in traditional sports like soccer and softball. Then dance is perfect for you! Dance takes your mind off what you look like on the outside, and gets you in touch with what's on the inside. It makes you comfortable with your body no matter what you thought of yourself before. Also, it's a great alternative exercise for those who aren't into sports.

You CAN Dance!

Way too often, girls find the impression that their bodies aren't the "type" for dancing. Media imposes that stick figure stereotype it thinks a dancer should have. Sadly, some dancers believe in this stereotype and end up starving themselves to meet its impossible standards. In reality, dance is a haven for all body types. That's what makes it so awesome! Whether you're tall, short, skinny or curvy, dance will make you stronger from the inside out.

Don't hide behind the old "I can't dance" or "I don't know how" excuse. Have you ever tapped your foot or swayed to the rhythm of a song? Have you ever heard your favorite song on the radio and felt a sudden impulse to twirl around like there's no tomorrow- or just move? Of course you have! Dancing is as natural as walking and talking. Every human being gets that instinctive urge to move their bodies to a beat. And let's face it. Everyone dances wildly around their room when no one else is home. So what are you kidding yourself for? Get out there and start dancing!

Check out some of these awesome dance styles to see which ones you like best.

Ballet: If you still think ballet is simply about pink tutus and a bunch of spinning, you've got a lot to learn!
Though this elegant dance is most often associated with France, we've got the Italians to thank for the beginning of ballet. After hundreds of years, a single dance performance in Italy's royal court has grown into the dazzling and surprisingly modern ballet of today.

Requiring a strong and flexible body, ballet is perhaps the most complex and physically demanding dance there is. Not only do your legs need to be in shape, but muscles in your arms and body as well. Flexibility and balance are also key characteristics in a ballerina. Fortunately, it's nothing that can't be gained from a few workouts!

Basically a ballet dancer's job is to blend dramatic motions with elegant ones, and in turn make these movements appear effortless. Ballerinas have it harder than it looks! Ballet definitely takes plenty of practice, but with determination there's no saying how far you'll go.

Modern Dance: The all-American dance of freedom!
In the early 1900s, a time for propriety and classics, Isadora Duncan shocked her audience with a totally revolutionary dance. Now known as simply "modern dance," this style set people free from the traditional dance rules.

Modern dance is something you have to see to fully grasp its rhythm. It's like one of those abstract paintings: smooth, yet at the same time a bit off the wall. Though it has its graceful twirls, modern dance is full of rigid, capricious movement. Instead of fanciful motions as in ballet, the body's natural actions are emphasized. Often a dance revolves around an aspect of nature such as wind, rain, or fire.

The purpose of modern dance is to create a sense of freedom in movement and expression, both on and off the stage. It has no limits. If you like to be your own girl, you'll love modern dance!

Jazz and Tap: The party dances that make you move to the music!
Though they began as a spin-off from modern dance, jazz and tap have grown to be completely unique in the dance world. They became trendy in the 1920s, at the dawn of women's rights and Broadway's fame.

Jazz and tap are all about excitement! The music is always upbeat and lively. Since jazz and tap are Broadway-style dances, actions in both will be showy and energetic. Jazz includes lots of leaps and twirls- similar to modern dance. On the other hand, tap has extravagant arm motions and snappy foot movements.

These dances are most popular among people who enjoy performing for others. Are you devoted to the dramatic arts? Do think of the stage as your second home? Then make way for Broadway's jazz and tap dances!

East Indian Dance: An intriguing dance of Indian culture.
One of the oldest dances in the world, East Indian dance originated in ancient India and reflects strongly on the country's culture to this day. But whether you're of Indian descent or not, you'll find this dance style worth trying.

East Indian dance is similar to yoga in the sense that it focuses on self discipline and self-control. It is a dance of the mind as well as the body. Actions are carefully choreographed, demonstrating symmetry and patience. Unlike modern dance's unpredictable steps, each movement has a strong importance behind it. The movements display a specific emotion, anywhere from sorrow to rage to joy.

This dance is brilliant because it teaches patience and mental strength. East Indian dance will give you a strong mind and body, and expose you to the fascinating world of Indian culture.

Irish Dance: Find your Irish side in this lively step dance!
The Irish dance we know today has been around since the 1800s and - believe it or not - comes from Ireland. At first only boys performed this type of dance, but in the past generation, girls have taken their stand.

Irish dancing is one of the most popular dances for teen girls. And what's not to like? The music is spirited, everyone is always so merry and it's a good way to meet people. Nevertheless, Irish dance is no siesta! As you've probably seen before, a dancer has to move her feet quickly and precise to the beat, all the while keeping her arms stiff at her sides. The result is fun to watch and even more fun to do!

A dance in the Irish spirit is sure to brighten your mood on a rainy day, and get your heart pumping. Get in touch with your Irish side, and start exploring Ireland through dance!

Take a Class!
Now that you've been introduced to the six dances above, check them out some more! Find out which ones are best for you and begin life as a dancer. Look into local listings for dance studios and sign up for a class there. (If you're a little nervous about it, ask a friend to take the class with you.) If, for whatever reason, you can't take a class, start dancing on your own. Check out a video or book about your favorite type of dancing at the library, or simply turn on the radio and rock the day away!