This article was co-authored by Yolanda Thomas and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Yolanda Thomas is a Hip Hop Dance Instructor based in Los Angeles, California and Sydney, Australia. Yolanda has taught hip hop at the Sydney Dance Company and is a two-time winner of the LA Music Award for singing and songwriting. She has won Choreographer of the Year by GROOVE, an Australian hip hop dance competition and was hired by Google to choreograph their Sydney Mardi Gras float.
There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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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.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 10:Mimic other dancers.
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1Find some other people who are really jamming out to the music. 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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Method 2
Method 2 of 10:Remind yourself that no one is watching.
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1Relax, let loose, and do your own thing on the dance floor. 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]
Method 3
Method 3 of 10:Don’t compare yourself to other dancers.
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1Focus on your own skills and capabilities. 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]Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 10:Dance in a dark space.
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1Build your dancing confidence at home in baby steps. 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.
Method 5
Method 5 of 10:Learn new dance steps.
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1Hit the dance floor with your own dance moves. 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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Method 6
Method 6 of 10:Approach a partner.
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1You might not feel as shy if you’re dancing with someone else. 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.[8]
- 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?”
Method 7
Method 7 of 10:Enter a dance circle.
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1At parties and clubs, people sometimes form “circles” to show off their moves. 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.[9]Advertisement
Method 8
Method 8 of 10:Focus on having fun.
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1Remind yourself that there’s no “wrong” way to dance. 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.[10]
Method 9
Method 9 of 10:Pretend that you’re a confident dancer.
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1Your fake confidence might transform into real confidence. 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![11]Advertisement
Method 10
Method 10 of 10:Put your anxious thoughts in perspective.
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1Ask yourself if your dancing insecurities really matter in the long run. 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.[12]
- 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.”
References
- ↑ https://www.b-better.org.uk/stop-being-too-shy-to-dance-in-5-steps/
- ↑ https://www.steezy.co/posts/stop-being-too-shy-to-dance
- ↑ https://belladivadance.com/get-over-your-dance-shyness/
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder.htm
- ↑ https://www.cbc.ca/documentarychannel/features/chorophobia-the-fear-of-dancing-is-a-real-thing
- ↑ https://www.steezy.co/posts/10-basic-dance-moves-anyone-can-learn
- ↑ https://www.thecut.com/2020/03/tiktok-dances-to-learn.html
- ↑ http://blog.dancinginseattle.com/6-ways-to-ask-someone-to-dance
- ↑ https://www.b-better.org.uk/stop-being-too-shy-to-dance-in-5-steps/
- ↑ https://www.steezy.co/posts/stop-being-too-shy-to-dance
- ↑ https://belladivadance.com/get-over-your-dance-shyness/
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder.htm
- ↑ https://www.cbc.ca/documentarychannel/features/chorophobia-the-fear-of-dancing-is-a-real-thing
- ↑ Yolanda Thomas. Dance Instructor. Expert Interview. 15 November 2019.
About This Article
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!
