The Dance Primer

In college, a dance professor convinced me to take her “Pre-Professional Jazz Dance” class. So there I was, in the middle of this class with people who have been dancing all their lives who responded to every technical term without blinking. I, on the other hand, had only ever done social partner dancing and had no idea what “Grand Jete” or “Releve” meant.

We learned routines at lightning’s pace and I almost constantly felt lost and embarrased at my severe lack of skill. I wanted nothing more than to hide in the back of the class, and dreaded small group performances. I hated them watching me out on the floor making a fool of myself.

Then one day it hit me. I noticed those trained dancers were either watching the teacher, or they were watching themselves in the mirror. During small group performances, all eyes were drawn to watch the best (not the worst) dancers. I suddenly realized that nobody cared how bad I was, except me.

My “they’re watching me” paranoia only slowed down my learning. Once I got over that hurdle, I no longer had to hide in the back. I could watch myself in the mirror, I could watch the professor closely, I could ask for help! I suddenly started making friends in the class and soon found that others would help (not hate) me.

Out there on the social dance floor, the story is same. Nobody is staring at you saying “look at that fumbling fool!” In fact, if you’re smiling and obviously having a great time they may even say “look how much fun he’s having!”

“But what about my partner,” you ask? I’ll let you in on a secret: people are there for a good time. It may be a while before a good time with you includes great dance technique. That’s OK! The more fun you are now, the more folks you’ll meet to have even more fun with as you do improve.

Anyone unwilling to dance with you (because they don’t think you’re good enough for them) is not worth your time anyway.

Plus, once you can leave your worries at the door and start having fun, you’ll be open to all kinds of improvements.

*Photo by mogmiso, who would love you to contact him through flickr for any dance events in Asheville, NC.