Its true, if you don't perform early on, they're going to assume you can't later.
When showing any kind of affection, be it hugging or dancing or kissing, just do whatever you want barring like anything too untoward. Being awkward is the worst thing. Even something as simple as a hug can be very effective, I get more glances after a hug than I do before, that's for sure. You have to do it right.