Creating movement to fit the theme, rhythm, and character of a song takes time and effort. To speed up the process, dancers can do several things, like watch other dancers to learn new steps, take classes with a skilled instructor, or work on their technique at home. But to really improve, dancers need to make a habit of taking breaks from the mirror and their music to reenergize themselves in other ways.
When working on a new dance move, try focusing not on what you see but on how it feels. Beginner dancers often fall into the trap of staring at their feet to memorize each step, but this can be counterproductive. It can lead to a disconnect between the movement and the music and suck the joy out of dancing. Try taking your eyes off of the dance and concentrating on how each chunk of movement feels, which part of your body moves, where you are on your mental map, etc.
Another way to speed up the learning process is to practice the moves in an area with plenty of space. This will help you get a feel for how the dance moves, and allow you to move without worrying about hitting a wall or over-exerting yourself. If you have a tendency to pull a muscle, consider doing some light conditioning in addition to your dancing routines. This might mean doing thirty pushups or a hundred crunches, but it can be surprisingly beneficial for dancers.
