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—it’s a living, breathing culture born in Kingston, Jamaica, in the late ’70s. As political tensions and economic struggles grew, people turned to music and street parties for joy, release, and community.
The name Dancehall comes from the actual dance halls where people gathered to hear sound systems and move to the riddims. These events were fueled by stripped-down beats, bold lyrics, and raw energy—creating a sound that was faster, grittier, and more unapologetic than the reggae that came before it.
Unlike reggae’s slower, message-driven vibe, Dancehall reflected everyday life: bold expression, rhythm, and fun. By the ’80s and ’90s, shows like Sting and icons like Beenie Man, Shabba Ranks, and Sean Paul helped bring the sound to global stages—turning this homegrown movement into a worldwide force.
🔥 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 is more than music—it’s a whole vibe. It’s how you show up, move, and own your space. Bold. Expressive. Unapologetic. Born from the lived experiences of the Jamaican people, it’s a celebration of identity, style, and confidence.
At the heart of Dancehall is Patois (or Patwah)—Jamaica’s rich dialect shaped by African, European, and Indigenous influences. It’s not “broken English.” It’s a language of power and pride, woven through the lyrics, slang, and storytelling that define the genre.
From fearless fashion to unfiltered lyrics, Dancehall reflects real life: joy, struggle, pleasure, pain, and resistance. Some verses spark debate—but that’s part of the culture’s raw honesty. Dancehall invites you to show up as you are, celebrate who you are, and take up space with no apology.
💃🏽 Dancehall as a Dance: Style, Energy, and Confidence
Dancehall music gave rise to its own signature movement style—grounded, rhythmic, and full of vibes. Rooted in African movement traditions, it centers the waistline and hips first, with expressive footwork and bold, full-body movement.
It’s not about perfect choreography. It’s about confidence, freedom, and connecting to the music in the moment. Dance moves often start in Jamaica and spread through street parties and social media before hitting global stages.
You’ll see two main vibes in the dance:
Feminine, with hip-based movements like whining (OR "bubbling")
Masculine, with more footwork, sharp arm movements, and “gun finger” gestures—though anyone can dance in this style
Two names to know:
Bogle, the iconic dancer and choreographer who created many of the steps still used today.
Dancehall Queen Carlene, crowned in the early ’90s, who brought visibility to FEMALE 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—just open to the vibe. Whether you’re dancing alone or trying a class, Dancehall is about expression, freedom, and showing up as your full, unapologetic self.
If you’re ready to learn real Dancehall moves in a low-pressure, feel-good way, I’ve got a free class preview made just for beginners.
👉🏾 Grab your free Dancehall class preview now and start feeling the rhythm for yourself. You don’t need permission. just the music, the movement, and a willingness to try.
Dancehall is for everyone—and that includes you.
Happy dancing,
– Raah 💖
