Q&A for How to Dance Without Embarrassing Yourself

Just like any hobby, dancing needs practice. Most people start out bad, but get better over time. Set aside some time everyday to practice.

Practice as much as you can, and perform for others and ask for their feedback. As with any other skill, you can only get better by practicing.

Just laugh it off and keep going. Chances are, the audience won't notice. If they do, they'll love any funny reaction you might have to it. Loosen up and remember that dancing is all about having fun and expressing yourself.

You are never to old to learn how to dance. I once learned from a teacher who started dancing at around 13 or 14 years and now he is very successful and well known in the hip hop dance community.

First of all, imagine that you are wearing earphones that drain out all the bad comments. Second of all, forget about trying to look great, dancing is about feeling free and in the moment, let yourself go and listen to the music! If you feel really self-conscious find a friend that can dance and follow his/her moves.

Firstly, make sure that you feel comfortable. Wear clothes that you feel are flattering and appropriate so that you don't have to be nervous about your appearance, because nerves tend to make your dancing more stiff. Also, practice at home in private where you can make mistakes without embarrassment. Dance in front of a mirror to give yourself confidence about what looks good and what does not. If you are planning to dance in heels, practice in those as well to get used to the feeling. After this, all you need is confidence.

Count the downbeat and stay calm. Express yourself and try your best. Show your skills and don't panic.

Looks are not that important when your are dancing. Energy level, facial expressions, and body language are what matters. Have confidence and have fun and you'll be fine.

Most people are able to improve with practice. Do you know for sure that you are not getting it, or are you just self-conscious? Maybe ask a friend or family member you trust to tell you the truth. Also, remember that everyone else on the dance floor will be worrying about their own dancing, or listening to the music, or watching the crowd in general -- not analyzing your dance moves. As long as you do not draw attention to yourself, people are unlikely to notice that you are not as good as you would like to be. Keep working at it, and try to have confidence.

You've probably heard people say "moving on" is the best way to recover from a mistake. They're right - dance is about expressing yourself, and if you put on a sad face and can't concentrate throughout the rest of the dance because of your mistake, what does that say about you? If anything, you should focus on having fun and really getting into the moves, and if you make another mistake, so what? Put on a smile and move on. To answer your first question, really concentrate on the dancer in the video (assuming there is one) and take note of their style. This is a great way to start off so that you can later learn to develop your own style.

Show her some videos of professional dancers on YouTube and explain that these people are serious about their craft and it's not silly at all.

Swallow your pride/ego (if that's the issue) and ask for help from someone who does understand the routine.

Yes, you can improve your strength and muscles by continuing to dance and work out.

Don't be shy. Maybe just ask one person you really trust and feel comfortable around first, and if their reaction is positive, you can try asking another person or a group of people.

Start by watching dance videos -- observation is key. Take note of the dancer's style and moves. Try to copy some basic moves from these videos before attempting to learn a whole routine. Next, start dance lessons if available. It's important to focus on the basics. It will set you up for your dance career and can enhance your dance moves. The most important thing is to not give up -- it's the hardest step. Everyday, turn on some random music and see what you can do -- no inhibitions, especially because you'll be alone during this creative process. Occasionally record yourself and note down some things to work on, using optimal dance videos as reference.

They might wear a leotard, dance tights with shorts, a leotard with shorts, or a sports bra with shorts. It depends on your teacher's preference and the dress code.

Loving dance is the first step to becoming better. The second is trial and error. A LOT of trial and error. Know that failure and embarrassment are inevitable, and ultimately nothing to be afraid of. Being a dancer takes hard work, passion, and a good sense of humor. If you forget the dance, improvise or follow along, and if you trip, get back into it! What an audience doesn't know about a routine surely can't hurt them. If it's class that you're nervous about, you're there to learn and get better, and to do that means making mistakes. The pros were beginners once too, and they still make mistakes. Remember that and you'll do fine.

Try to relax. Many people in that class are probably feeling the same way you do. Try to let go a little more and stop thinking about what you're doing, just do it. You can also practice at home. Try and watch some YouTube videos about the fundamentals of ballet, jazz, and modern dance.

It might take a while, but you just have to learn not to care what others think of you.

I'm tall too, no worries! Dance is one of those things where anyone can learn and become better, that's the beauty of it. Granted, some things might be harder while others are easier, but it's the same way with shorter dancers. Just have fun with it and give it your all, you might be surprised at what you can do. Confidence is key to improvement, and failure is simply necessary for you to learn what not to do.

It depends on you as a person. You may be excited or you may be nervous. Each individual will likely feel different emotions.

If you’re with a group of people, it always makes things better. Everyone is doing the same and having fun. If you're doing it seriously and aren’t comfortable with being at the front and remembering the moves, ask to be moved to the back.

Some people are overly afraid of criticism or what others might think.

Turn the music on with a low volume, or wear headphones or earbuds. Try closing the doors of your room and your parents' room to drown out the sound, and put a rolled up blanket or towel over the little space under the door.

Don't be the shy person who sits in the corner. Try to be involved, bust a move on the dance floor, chat and laugh with your friends and have a good time. Put some time and effort into your appearance, don't just throw on a tee shirt, jeans and toss your hair in a ponytail. Buy yourself a dress/suit that you will love, and maybe even curl your hair.

If you are in a dance class, everyone there is learning too, so try to focus on yourself and they will focus on themselves too. Just enjoy it!