Winter dance wow: maybe it's your first school dance. Maybe it's your friend's bat-mitzvah. No matter what the occasion, here's how to have the perfect big night out!

Festive moods. Great music. Mistletoe! What's not to love about the holiday dance season? We have everything you need to know for a fabulous time at your next major school dance or party--from getting dressed to slaying stress.

THE PREPS

You want to be cool, calm and collected when you get to the event, not freaked because you got yourself together at the last minute. Here's your pre-dance battle plan ...

FIRM UP YOUR PLANS. Tickets? Who knew you needed tickets? Find out if you have to get them in advance or at the door. A couple days before the dance, call around and plan who's going with you, where you're meeting and whose parent is driving. Make sure you have a ride, because, sadly enough, the dance will go on with or without you.

CALL DIBS ON THE BATHROOM. Sounds weird, we know, but you don't want to find out your pesky big sister is getting ready for a date on the same night and you can't get anywhere near the bathroom. Check with the fam to make sure you're all clear. It might not hurt to get the 'rents to witness your restroom reservation.

FORECAST YOUR FASHION. Find out in advance if dress is casual or formal. You don't want to be the only belle at the ball dressed like Cinderella.

And for goodness sake, plan your outfit in advance so you don't end up in panic mode on dance night, frantically tossing all your clothes into a reject pile. A new outfit would be super, but if your budget won't cover it, no big deal. Borrow from your BFF for a new-to-you look. If you've been eyeing her sparkly top, ask to swap! She may be dying for your beaded choker.

WHAT'S YOUR 'DO? Do a dry run of whatever fabulous style your tresses will sport the weekend before. That way, you'll really know if you can pull it off (you may need mom or sis to help) and how much time it will take. Up 'dos are great because they keep hair out of your face while you're dancing, but be prepared with backup bobby pins. Down is fine, too, but why not add a little extra sparkle with a jeweled accessory like glittery bobby pins?

MAKIN' UP IS HARD TO DO. If you're not allowed to wear makeup, but you want to, it's negotiation time. Choose one product, like lipstick or mascara, and make your case to the 'rents.

If they won't budge, here are a few top-secret non-makeup tricks (don't tell them we told ya): Pinch the apples of your cheeks (just a little bit!) for a rosy glow, dab a tiny amount of Vaseline along your lashes for fullness, and use tinted lip gloss for subtle color.

THE FINAL HOUR. Leave yourself at least an hour to get ready. To relax, take a long aromatherapy bubble bath. If you're filled with anxiety, remind yourself that the easiest way to have fun is to be yourself--the everyday you who doesn't hyperventilate or pace around in circles. Eat something light--you'll want the energy to dance the night away but don't want to end up in a food coma. Obviously, avoid garlic, onions and other bad breath-causing foods, and skip any meals that could upset your stomach (we've sworn off fettuccine Alfredo).

THE ARRIVAL

Make a slammin' entrance at the dance--you'll keep that confidence for the rest of the night.

PEP UP. If your first instinct is to scurry into a corner, give yourself a personal pep talk first. Slap on a smile, push your shoulders back and hold your head high. Walk into the room with the attitude that everyone's been waiting for you!

HIT THE PUNCH BOWL. Hitting the scene with friends is the best way to start your night off right, but if you're solo, don't panic. Head to the refreshment table for punch--it'll give you something to do, and it's also an opp to scope out the scene.

MINGLE. After you've hung out with your friends, break away to talk to a few other people. Don't forget that this is a social event--get out there and mix it up! Move around the room so you don't get taken for a wallflower. You look too fob to hide!

DANCE FLOOR DIVA

OK, so we can't get Wade Robson to choreograph your routine, but there's no reason you can't get out there and bust a move on the dance floor.

STRUT YOUR STUFF. You don't need to have J.Lo's moves to show 'em what you've got. Think about your most fab dancing experience ever. Was it your BFF'S slumber party? Your cousin's wedding? In front of the TV in your living room? Chances are, it was somewhere you felt free enough to let loose. Well, what are you waiting for? Dancing is what dances are for, so have fun doing it!

* Listen carefully for the beat. Don't be afraid to sing out the lyrics if you love the song. The whole crew might join in.

* Move your whole body. If your neck or arms or feet are stiff, you won't look natural. And, yes, work those hips!

* Watch other dancers. You can get ideas for some cool moves without totally mimicking someone. Just fold it into your rotation, along with the moves you picked up from TRL.

* Dance like it's fun. Pretend no one is watching you. Soon, it will just be a good time!

* Keep confident! Keep it strong, and keep moving. All those hours you spent practicing in front of the mirror will pay off when you let go of your self-consciousness.

SLOW-DANCE LIKE A CHAMP. You're about to put your arms around each other for THE dance. This is the moment you've been waiting for, right? So first of all, breathe! And to be sure you savor every moment, familiarize yourself with our tried-and-true steppin'-out-slowly tips.

* Lay your hands loosely over his shoulders, or clasp them lightly behind his neck. He'll probably put his hands around your waist. Your closeness depends on your comfort level (and those PDA rules), but you'll be safe leaving a few inches between your shoes (you won't trample each other, either!).

* Get a light conversation going. Comment on the song or the decorations, like "Who knew all the creative uses for toilet paper?", or ask him his plans for the holiday break.

* If you step on his foot or something, it's not a big deal. Apologize in a lighthearted way, and laugh it off by turning it into a joke. "Oh, sorry. That was my other left foot."

* Don't dismiss powder of a good compliment. Feel free to say something like, "You're a good slow dancer." Even if he's no JT, guys love those little strokes to the ego.

ENDING IT SOFTLY Song's over. If you didn't dig dancing with him, smile, say "Thanks," and walk back to your crew. If you did dig it, resist the urge to dash over to your friends and deliver the full twirl-by-twirl report. Instead, pull away slightly, but stay close enough to dance again if the song is right. If he's giving off how-about-another-one signal, smile and say, "Oh, want to dance again?" and find your groove together. Afterward, let him know you're up for another: "Thanks. Maybe we can dance again later!" Repeat as necessary!

Evening bag must-have's! It's impossible to dance with a clutch under your arm (plus, you'll get deodorant stains on it--eww). And baby backpacks are just awful for dress-up. For an elegant night, pick a small bag with a long strap you can toss over your shoulder (never across your body--not flattering). Pack right, with just the essentials....

* Oil-blotting papers (for busting shine)

* Lip gloss (shiny=inviting)

* Bobby pins (if you're wearing that fancy up-'do)

* Mints (you could find yourself up close and personal)

* Money (you never know when it will come in handy)

* Band-Aids (if you're wearing new blister-causing shoes, these could keep you off the sidelines)

Slow Motion

In your dreams, your slow-dance with that certain someone may be totally planned out, down to the perfect B2K song playing in the background. Well, girlie--stop dreaming and make it real!

FIVE STEPS TO THE SLOW DANCE OF YOUR DREAMS. Don't wait all night for your dream guy to ask you. He could be shy, or just blowing a great chance to slow-dance because he doesn't know how to ask you. Why can't you ask him? No way, you say? To help you muster up some slow-dance courage, we surveyed guys on the secret to getting them on the floor. Here's our fool-proof five-step slow-dance approach.

STEP ONE: GET TOGETHER. It's best to get your guy and girl groups mingling. Some girls are more comfortable approaching when a guy is alone or with only a few members of his group, but don't be fooled. Just like you, he may find safety in numbers, and he might not know what to say, either.

Josh, 13, of Atlanta, Ga., advises "Just hang around. Walk up and say hi." If one of your friends is a friend of his friend, even better. Let the buddies break the ice.

STEP TWO: SINGLE HIM OUT. Maneuver so you're near your crush. If he perks up or seems interested in talking, stay put.

If he's shy, he may not give some of the usual signs of interest, like making eye contact and asking you questions. Watch for other clues--is he joking around and showing off? Also, pay attention to what he does when you talk to other people. Do his eyes follow you? Bingo!

STEP THREE: GET THE IDEA IN HIS HEAD. If you can't ask straight out for some one-on-one dance time, it never hurts to drop a hint. After all, someone has to take the first step. Waiting for him has at least one benefit: If he asks, you'll know he's definitely interested. The downside: Waiting!

No need to be impatient, but don't miss the chance to let him know you're up for a dance, When you're chatting, look at the couples on the floor and mention a slow song you can't wait to hear. Then speed up the process by requesting it from the DJ. Write it on a piece of paper to slip to the DJ, or ask a friend to request it so you'll stay incognito. (It will totally give you away if the song is played for "the girl in the black sweater.")

STEP FOUR: MAKE A MOVE. If the song comes on and he's not picking up on your hints, it's not all over. (With boys, come-and-ask-me attitudes are more common than you think.)

Chances are he's just as nervous as you, so keep that in mind! Even if he's acting super-cool on the surface, it may be his cover-up. "Half of the guys think too much, and by the time they get to the dance, they've got all these questions popping into their head," says Tyler, 12, of Nashville, Tennessee.

So relax, smile, and just ask. You don't have to make a big deal of it. Say (don't squeal--it's no surprise, after all), "Oh, my song! Do you want to dance?"

STEP FIVE: GOOD TO GO. Be prepared for him to say no, and if he does, don't let it get you down. It's possible he's not into you, but he could just be shy, embarrassed in front of his friends or insecure about his dancing abilities (lots of guys are!). Don't dwell on the rejection--grab your BFFs and get back on the dance floor.

But if he says "Yes," (yes!), now's the time to give him your best smile, take his hand and spring our slow-dance how-to secrets (see the previous page) into action!