What mistakes should a beginning [casual] dancer try to avoid (e.g. moving the feet too much)?

Question

To be honest I'm not really into dancing but my friends are and at my age (20s) the dance scene is a MUST if you're hanging out with the other gender. I think it would be cool to actually be GOOD, but since I don't see myself ever having time for serious lessons I am content to be merely decent. Unfortunately I have some work to do before I get there.

I have been called a "bad" dancer by one girl and a "funny" dancer by another (and even that's probably a nice way of saying you're a bad dancer to somebody you're seeing). As you can imagine that's pretty paralyzing socially and makes me not want to get out there and even try.

I want to know:

(1) What are some beginner's mistakes I should try to avoid?
(2) What, generally, does "acceptable" dancing look like when the music is usually 80s or hip-hop?
(3) Outside of taking classes or buying videos, where can I go to see specifically how to dance?

If possible please try to avoid recommending expensive paid sites and classes and such

Answer 1

I wonder what style you're talking about? Ballroom, hip hop, clubbing or something else?
In general, what looks the most "off" is dancing not according to the music. Too much movement in one part without moving the other looks bad too, i.e. moving your arms too much without moving everything else.

Answer 2

My advice to you, is to stop thinking about it so much. I believe that everyone has the rhythm inside of him/her. The thing is to let it free. Feel comfortable and try to dance the way you feel the music and not the way you see the others dancing. Because dance is very individual and good dancers are those who really feel the way they are dancing and not these who are just copying steps. And remember, that not all people are doing dance classes. So i think that you should be more confident and free yourself. Because if you do something with confidence you convince the other too.

Answer 3

Your Question is vague, but a quote, “incredible dancers are not born they are trained” Fred Astir. Take a class.