How to Stop Being Shy when You Dance

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Does the very thought of dancing make you break out in a nervous sweat? If so, you’re not alone. It can be tough to face your fears on the dance floor, but don’t worry. There are tons of ways to build your confidence, both physically and mentally. We’ve put together a few tips and suggestions to help get you on your way.

1

Mimic other dancers.

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  1. Hang out nearby and try to mimic them on the dance floor. You do not have to imitate them exactly—just recreate their joy, whether they’re jumping up and down or just swaying to the music. Who knows; after seeing your moves, they might invite you to join them! [1]
    • For instance, if a group of dancers are rocking out to a high-energy song, you might bounce up and down or rock your head to the music.
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2

Remind yourself that no one is watching.

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  1. Assuming that other people are watching or judging you is a really common worry, especially when you’re dancing. Don’t worry. The people around you are most likely preoccupied and not paying any attention to what you’re doing. [2]
3

Don’t compare yourself to other dancers.

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  1. Whether you’re at a party or school dance, it’s easy to compare yourself to other dancers nearby. Try not to focus on what other people are capable of; instead, acknowledge that you’re your own person, and that you’ll grow and improve at your own pace. [3]
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4

Dance in a dark space.

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  1. You don’t have to face your fears all at once. [4] Believe it or not, some people find it easier to dance in a dark space instead of a well-lit area. [5] Try dancing in a dimly-lit area of your own home and see if that helps.
    • Always dance in an open area without any tripping hazards.
5

Learn new dance steps.

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  1. You might whip out some classics, like the Dougie, Grapevine, or Electric Slide. Or, change things up with the Woah, 2 Step, or Biz Markie. [6] If a popular Tiktok song comes on, like “Say So” by Doja Cat, “Cannibal” by Kesha, “Attention” by Todrick Hall, or “Rule the World” by Liz, show off your best Tiktok dance moves. [7]
    • Knowing a variety of dance moves can help you feel a little more confident, even if no one else is hitting the dance floor.
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6

Approach a partner.

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  1. For a direct approach, introduce yourself and ask the other person if they’d like to join you on the dance floor. If you’d like to take a more subtle route, try making eye contact and gesturing for them to join you.
    • You can always break the ice with a compliment first, or ask a question like “Have you been dancing for a while?” or “What’s your favorite dance move?”
7

Enter a dance circle.

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  1. If you notice a dance circle popping up, make your way to the center and show everyone what you’re made of. Even if you mess up, no one will remember or care afterward. [8]
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8

Focus on having fun.

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  1. Dancing is all about expressing yourself in a fun, physical way. It’s okay if your dance moves aren’t music video caliber. That doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! Focus on dancing for yourself, and not to please anyone else in the room. [9]
9

Pretend that you’re a confident dancer.

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  1. Imagine that you’re an actor in a movie and you’re playing the role of a star dancer. Try embracing that confidence and bravado in your dance moves, even if you aren’t feeling all that confident. Sometimes, you just have to fake it at first! [10]
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10

Put your anxious thoughts in perspective.

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  1. Negative, anxious thoughts can really throw you for a loop, especially if you’re getting ready to dance. Analyze these thoughts individually, and try to view them in a positive, realistic light. As you challenge your dancing fears and insecurities, you may realize that there’s nothing to worry about. [11]
    • Challenge a thought like “What if I mess up and look like an idiot?” with “Anyone who judges me on my dancing isn’t worth having as a friend.”
    • Fight a thought like “What if I trip while I dance?” with “I won’t be the first to slip up during a dance, and I definitely won’t be the last.”

Join the Discussion...

I am planning on going to a dance but...
GuineapigsRcute
GuineapigsRcute
I am planning on going to a dance but I am afraid that if my crush asks me to dance I will be to nervous what should I do?
wikiHow Editorial Team
If your crush is asking you to dance, it's probably a good sign that they're interested in you and want to get closer. It's totally normal to be a little nervous, but your crush may be nervous asking you too! If they ask, take a breath to calm down and give them your answer.

If you're feeling up for it, go out on the dance floor with them. Try to focus on the music and having a good time bonding with them. You can chat while you're dancing about the song that's playing or things happening around you. As you get more comfortable, you'll be able loosen up and show off some of your best dance moves.
Hebert Aguilar
Professional Dancer & Choreographer
Dancing is all about having a good time. Don’t be shy to say on your first couple of dances, “I'm a beginner” or “Have patience with me, I'm still learning.” This is the best way to not feel any pressure and most likely the other person will understand and encourage you.

The best thing to do is feel the connection with your partner by simply doing a basic two-step or a side-to-side rocking motion. This will get you two moving and ease the awkward tension of standing there doing nothing. Also, the biggest thing to do is to smile and have fun!
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.b-better.org.uk/stop-being-too-shy-to-dance-in-5-steps/
      2. ↑ https://www.steezy.co/posts/stop-being-too-shy-to-dance
      3. ↑ https://belladivadance.com/get-over-your-dance-shyness/
      4. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder.htm
      5. ↑ https://www.cbc.ca/documentarychannel/features/chorophobia-the-fear-of-dancing-is-a-real-thing
      6. ↑ https://www.steezy.co/posts/10-basic-dance-moves-anyone-can-learn
      7. ↑ https://www.thecut.com/2020/03/tiktok-dances-to-learn.html
      8. ↑ https://www.b-better.org.uk/stop-being-too-shy-to-dance-in-5-steps/
      9. ↑ https://www.steezy.co/posts/stop-being-too-shy-to-dance
      1. ↑ https://belladivadance.com/get-over-your-dance-shyness/
      2. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder.htm
      3. ↑ https://www.cbc.ca/documentarychannel/features/chorophobia-the-fear-of-dancing-is-a-real-thing
      4. ↑ Yolanda Thomas. Dance Instructor. Expert Interview. 15 November 2019.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Being shy when you dance is totally normal, but you can develop your confidence so you can dance without worrying what other people think. Remember that other people won't be paying much attention to you while you're dancing since they'll be busy dancing themselves. There's no right or wrong way to dance, and as long as you look like you're having fun, no one will think twice. Try practicing dancing in front of a mirror so you can get more comfortable with how your body moves. Just throw on some music and let yourself get lost in the beat. Practicing by yourself might feel weird at first, but if you're comfortable dancing alone, it will be much easier to dance when you're out in public. To learn how to stop worrying about what other people think, keep reading!

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