Starting lyrical dance can feel a little intimidating at first. The movements look effortless, emotional, and beautifully fluid—but behind that grace is technique, control, and confidence. The good news? Every lyrical dancer starts in the same place: learning the basics, one movement at a time.
At Phoenix Dance Academy, we love guiding beginners through those first foundational steps. Lyrical dance isn’t about perfection or experience—it’s about learning how to move with intention, connect to music, and express yourself through motion.
If you’re new to lyrical dance (or thinking about joining your first class), these are the essential lyrical dance moves every beginner should get familiar with.
Why Learning the Basics Matters
Lyrical dance builds on strong foundations. Before dancers glide across the floor or perform emotional routines, they must understand how their body moves, how to control momentum, and how to transition smoothly.
Learning foundational moves helps you:
- Build strength and balance
- Improve coordination
- Prevent injury
- Gain confidence
- Develop emotional expression
At Phoenix Dance Academy, we focus on mastering these basics so dancers feel secure, supported, and ready to grow.
1. Walks and Runs with Purpose
It may sound simple, but purposeful walking and running are core elements of lyrical dance. Unlike everyday walking, lyrical walks are intentional and expressive.
You’ll learn how to:
- Move through space smoothly
- Use your arms naturally
- Match movement to music
- Show emotion through posture
These walks create seamless transitions between movements and help tell a story without saying a word.
2. Body Rolls
Body rolls are a staple in lyrical dance. They allow movement to flow through the body—from head to chest, ribs, hips, and legs.
This move helps beginners:
- Develop flexibility
- Improve coordination
- Connect movement through the body
- Express emotion naturally
At Phoenix Dance Academy, body rolls are taught slowly and safely, ensuring dancers learn proper alignment and control.
3. Contractions and Releases
Contractions and releases add emotional depth to lyrical choreography. A contraction pulls the body inward, while a release opens it back up.
These movements help dancers:
- Show tension and emotion
- Build core strength
- Control breath and movement
- Add meaning to choreography
It’s one of the most expressive tools in lyrical dance and an essential skill for beginners.
4. Chassé
A chassé is a travelling step that helps dancers move smoothly across the floor. It’s often used to transition into leaps or turns.
Beginners learn:
- Weight transfer
- Balance and control
- Fluid travelling movement
Chassés are a great introduction to moving confidently through space while maintaining grace.
5. Turns (Pirouette Preparations)
While full pirouettes come later, beginners start by learning proper turn preparation. This includes spotting, alignment, and balance.
Turn prep teaches:
- Body control
- Core engagement
- Focus and coordination
- Confidence in rotation
At Phoenix Dance Academy, we prioritise technique over speed, ensuring dancers feel stable and safe as they progress.
6. Pivots
Pivots are travelling turns that flow naturally within lyrical choreography. They help dancers transition smoothly while maintaining momentum.
This move develops:
- Balance
- Timing
- Directional control
- Musicality
Pivots often feel more approachable than stationary turns, making them ideal for beginners.
7. Lunges and Reaches
Lunges are grounded movements that add emotion and depth to lyrical routines. Combined with reaches, they help express longing, strength, or vulnerability.
These movements improve:
- Leg strength
- Flexibility
- Emotional storytelling
- Control in transitions
They’re a powerful way for beginners to connect emotion to movement.
8. Floor Work Basics
Lyrical dance often includes floor work, which allows dancers to explore levels and textures within choreography.
Beginners are introduced to:
- Safe ways to move to and from the floor
- Controlled slides and rolls
- Fluid transitions
At Phoenix Dance Academy, floor work is taught carefully to build confidence and prevent injury.
9. Arabesque
The arabesque is a classic lyrical pose that helps dancers develop balance, extension, and elegance.
This move focuses on:
- Strength through the standing leg
- Core stability
- Arm placement
- Line and shape
Even at beginner level, arabesques help dancers understand posture and body alignment.
10. Leaps (Preparation and Technique)
Beginners don’t jump straight into big leaps—but learning leap preparation is essential. This includes take-off, landing, and body control.
Leap preparation teaches:
- Proper landing technique
- Strength and coordination
- Confidence in elevation
At Phoenix Dance Academy, we build leaps gradually so dancers feel safe and strong.
11. Arm Pathways
In lyrical dance, arms are just as expressive as the legs. Learning arm pathways helps dancers create softness and continuity.
This includes:
- Circular arm movements
- Controlled reaches
- Coordinated upper-body flow
Beautiful arm movement enhances storytelling and adds emotion to every step.
12. Musicality and Breath
One of the most important aspects of lyrical dance isn’t a single move—it’s how you connect to the music.
Beginners learn to:
- Move with the rhythm
- Use breath to guide movement
- Pause intentionally
- Match emotion to sound
At Phoenix Dance Academy, musicality is woven into every class, helping dancers move with feeling rather than just steps.
Progress Comes with Practice
Lyrical dance isn’t about rushing. It’s about allowing your body to learn, adapt, and grow over time.
Every beginner experiences moments of:
- “I’ve got this!”
- “That was tricky.”
- “Wow, I’m improving!”
And that’s exactly how it should be.
Why Learn Lyrical Dance at Phoenix Dance Academy?
At Phoenix Dance Academy, beginners are supported every step of the way. Our lyrical classes focus on:
✨ Clear, step-by-step instruction
✨ Encouraging and inclusive teaching
✨ Safe technique development
✨ Emotional expression through movement
✨ A welcoming community
Whether you’re an adult trying something new or a child discovering dance for the first time, you’ll find a space where growth is celebrated.
⭐ Ready to Start Your Lyrical Dance Journey? ⭐
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to start lyrical dance, this is it. You don’t need experience—just the willingness to move, learn, and express yourself.
👉 Enrol today at Phoenix Dance Academy and discover how lyrical dance can build your confidence, creativity, and strength from the very first step.
Your journey begins with one move—and we’d love to guide you.