It’s only natural to care about what other people think about ourselves. Humans are social creatures, and we tend to validate our self-worth through interactions with other people. At the expense of sounding like an armchair psychologist, we really do feel the need to be accepted by everyone else around us. It’s a fairly universal desire among people.
Now, when it comes to dancing, it’s imperative that you let go of people’s presumptions and judgments and try your best to simply not care what others think about you. You’re going to dance at your very best when you’re truly confident in who you are without any self-conscience or doubt holding you back. Of course, that’s certainly easier said than done.
Modern Ballroom Dance Studio has touched on how to deal with anxiety about dancing in public in a previous blog post, but today’s post is designed to address the mental and emotional aspects of self-conscience as it relates to letting go and dancing.
If you have any questions about our social ballroom dance classes in Woodbridge, VA, please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time. Let’s get started.
Caring Less About What Others Think As You Dance With Us
People Are Here To Support You, Not Look Down On You
If you think that you’re the only one to take a social dance class — without any prior legitimate dance experience — and think that you’re clumsy and uncoordinated, you’re very wrong.
Our social dance lessons are designed for dance newbies to learn standard, relatively simple social ballroom dance moves in a fun, low-pressure environment. This isn’t competitive dance, so don’t worry! It’s incredibly important to note that many people are in the same position as you when you’re here, and no one is here to judge anyone else’s dance moves (especially if they’re equally as uncoordinated).
When you look around the room, you’re going to see smiling faces and social dance instructors that are here to help you improve your movements. If anyone seems frustrated or unhappy, it’s because they’re being too hard on themselves, not you!
You’re Probably Wrong
Humans have a longstanding history of falling prey to cognitive distortions, biases, and negative thinking patterns. If we believe or think something, then surely, it must be true. But oftentimes, it’s not true.
We tend to assume the worst when, in reality, the present situation isn’t so bad. We’re quick to overgeneralize or jump to conclusions, and this includes when you’re dancing in public in front of other people. Remember, unless you’re at a competitive dance competition, no one is here to judge you. Our instructors will provide constructive criticism whenever it’s necessary, but this is inherent to the student-teacher relationship.
Just keep in mind that your thoughts are a product of…well, your mind, and that what you’re thinking is literally in your own head.
Relinquish Your Ego And Let Go Of Perfection
If you’re new to our social dance lessons, then guess what? You’re not going to be perfect. You’re going to make plenty of mistakes, and that’s totally natural. In fact, messing up is necessary to improve yourself. The quest for perfection is always fruitless no matter where you’re searching for it in life, and the same goes for dancing.
You’re not here to be miserable and beat yourself up after every little mistake that you make, are you? Have fun, swallow your pride, and let our friendly instructors help guide your dance movements.
Remember That Everyone Has Their Own Mental Battles
You’re not the only one dealing with your self-conscience on our ballroom dance floor. You’re not the only one who cares about what others think about. In fact, when it comes down to it, you’re not the only one who does just about anything. There are billions of people on the planet, and at least a handful of these people have seemingly unique but shared experiences with people like you — even when it comes to social anxiety and dancing.
So, when you start getting in your own head and worrying about what others might be thinking about how you dance, remember that they’re occupied with their own thoughts that have nothing to do with you.
Sign Up For A Social Dance Lesson In Woodbridge Today!
Make a bold move by moving with our instructors at Modern Ballroom Dance Studio. Sign up for your first class; you won’t regret it!