How Do I Overcome My Fear of Dancing?

“How Do I Overcome My Fear of Dancing?“ – Let’s just put this out there on permanent record:  It’s normal to have a fear of dancing.  

It’s not unlike any other new and slightly scary activities like driving in a new part of town, giving a best man toast, or bungee jumping over daggers, lava, and big hairy spiders.  

It’s self preservation.  You know, that instinct that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up when you’re walking into a dark room, or, you know, bungee jumping over lava.  Since a dance floor doesn’t pose any real threat to your life, Sigmund Freud may have labeled this fear as neurotic.  

We’d just call you a regular person.   

1. Eliminate the Myths 

There are a lot of myths that keep people on the sidelines, and off the dance floor.  They are told over and over, like some folk legend that is now a forgone conclusion…

And they are all fake.
 

Did you ever wonder what these dancing babies looked like? You know, the ones without two left feet, with rhythm, who all said, out loud, that dance was their hobby of choice?

VERDICT:  FAKE

Here’s the Truth
 

For more on this, take a look at 6 Myths About Dance Classes  

2. Schedule A Lesson 

There is no way of conquering your fear for something by avoiding it. 
 

Need more convincing? Try out a free private lesson at Arthur Murray and put the myths to the test 

3. Eliminate the Gaps 

Avoid long gaps between your dance lessons.  If it takes you 30 minutes to get comfortable, and your lessons are 45 minutes – waiting a week won’t reduce that time on your next lesson. 
 
-30 + 45 = 15 
 
On the other hand… 
 
If it takes you 30 minutes to feel comfortable, and you take a 90 minute lesson, then you’ve got 60 minutes of positive territory developing a new comfort zone.  
 
-30 + 90 = 60 
 
You can choose your own calendar, and the closer you keep your lessons scheduled, the sooner you’ll feel acclimated. 

For new students, try reading:  Your First Lesson at Arthur Murray – Perception Vs. Reality 

4. Avoid Early Assessments 

Every lesson you’re making progress, feeling more comfortable, but no matter what you do… avoid making assessments. 
 
It would be unfair to judge the entire process at such an early stage. 
 
It would be like judging a caterpillar in a butterfly contest.  It’s too early!  
 
During this time you should: 
 

At this early stage, it’s easy to toss the entire idea of dance lessons out the window.  So leave the assessments and pass/fail opinions to your teacher.  

5. Attend A Group Class 

Yes, group classes can seem scary, but they have a much bigger purpose than a few extra dance steps. 
 
You need proof, social proof.  A group class is the perfect opportunity to: 
 

For more helpful tips on group classes, try:  5 Tips To Gain More From Your Group Class 

Final Thought