Scared to dance in public!?

Question

I want to learn how to dance, but I'm scared to dance in public. What makes it worse is (and I prolly shouldn't even bring this up) since I'm black it's feels like I should already know how to do this, but I don't. I don't like dancing like the kids at my high school (graduted '06 baby!!) did cause I don't consider humping dancing. I want to learn how to step (aka, bop, cha-cha, etc) and do some modern dance.

For those who have taken dance classes which is better, private lessons or group lessons? (I don't want to learn from a DVD unless I have too because then I'll know how to dance, but I'll still be scared to do it when ppl are watching.)

Thanks!

If you just came from reading my last question...singing and dancing are my two extrememly weak points and are also things I really wish I could do.

Answer 1

I recommend starting out with a group lessons and maybe later progressing to private lessons. Even though you say you're anxious about dancing in public, in the beginner class everyone will be in the same boat. You really don't need to pay a lot of money for the private teacher just to show you the steps and count "2, 3, 4 and 1" over and over to make you do the basic step. Group classes are fine for that. Once group classes are not enough and you decide to take your dancing to the new level you should strart taking private lessons.

Here is a good place to look for dance studios near you listed by ZIP code: www.ballroomdancers.com
Oh yeah, wherever you go - don't go to a chain studio like Arthur Murray or Fred Astaire. Go to a private studio. I recommend a studio over a nighclub because studios, in my experience, have better teachers. Also, nighclub tend to have annoying guys who don't dance but just stand there and watch you which is not helpful when one is trying to learn steps.

I'd say, don't worry about being black and not being able to do it yet. Every baby is born not knowing how to walk, black or white or asian. People learn. If you didn't learn it yet - so what. You learned a lot of other stuff in that time and now it's time for learning how to dance. I'm sure you'll pick it up pretty fast.

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If you are in college - try to find out if there is a ballroom/latin dance club in your college. Those are MAJOR FUN and a very good place to learn.

Answer 2

Oh my, well first of all in regards to not wanting to hump on the dance floor:
Don't hump
but don't sit there and look in disgust, because thats retarded, if you dont want to dance like that, don't go there
So learn!
Prep yourself up, if you know you look good, smell good, youll be less shy and also
If anyone tells you to not care what people think just have fun, smile at there ignorance as this life, and you wont be having fun with people laughing at you
But you seriously have to feel the music, and dance to the music
4 example, reggae and reggae ton have more foot movement then hip hop normally because the beat is often more defined. When dancing try to switch sides when the beat shifts
for example gasolina when the chorus
Daddy Yankee:"something something gasolina" SWITCH
Girls: "something something gasolina"
Move your hips and shake it!
Use you hands, it's sexy when a girl runs her fingers through her hair, use your knees too and also move your hips not your butt.
Tip: if you can't dance, don't make a fool by mocking dancing, youll look dumb, and also, join a whore group, ie a group of people all dancing together, there very welcoming normally and even when your alone move to the music, because guys will approach you. Now that your out of highschool anyways.
I also dance ballroom (wow big shift)
and alot of these merits do apply, which is to say popular grinding is actually dancing and it helps, as far as the whole ryhtm goes...
But take classes, as thats not self expression it's an art form, and its more refined....
I hope this helps..

Answer 3

In your case, go for group lessons. This way, you will not be afraid to dance in public anymore. About the quality of your dancing, don't worry. They will probably teach you some simple moves that look well. You will never impress anybody with those, but you will be a pleasant view. Also try group dances. There are certain songs(e.g. Meniato) that have a predefined steps. So you will just have to mimic.
If this does not help, you are not required to dance. You can feel good by having conversations, admiring the others or just by not going to places where dancing is the main activity.

Answer 4

I know what you mean, I never learned how to dance either. That is until now. No, I'm not great, but I am not completely hopeless anymore.

I too didn't want to just know how to hump dance, so I took classes in school. Try taking a Social Dance class at your local college. They are a lot of fun, and you'll see people are just as bad if not worse than you.

Have fun!

Answer 5

Don't worry just have fun and think you are all that also i am scared 2 dance 2 I have a talent show next month an I am only 10 in the 5th grade so do your best OK and don't b scared because u are going 2 rock that stage.Good luck!

Answer 6

Have you make speech in public? Or do whatever in front of audience? I think that's a good start to train your mental self on how to concentrate on yourself.

I am a shy guy too, but I m a professional musician and do lot of public performances. I don't dance either, but when I have to, I just try to focus on myself and let the fun going. Just follow what the rhythm do to you. Be yourself and don't worry to do something funny. Dance floor is for you to enjoy yourself, nobody cares as long as you're not disturbing others around you by stomping all over the place. Just move your body, small move is OK, just never never never stand still.

Answer 7

Do what you want dont bother whether people laugh at you or not i dance at first i was nervuos to dance cause when i was younger my family used to say i was very stiff and shold stick to standing against the wall YEAH RIGHT like id listen ot the now i dance anywhere even for my school dramas and play jus do what oyu feel is right i love humping but its my personal preferance and yours do group lessons youll feel better aboit dancing.

Answer 8

So many people go through this, so don't even worry. The best thing to do is to take a beginners dance class; a group lesson. They are so fun, and you'll be feeling carefree in no time. Good luck!

Answer 9

Jazzercise definitely, I go 3 times a week and dance my butt off literally. When I go out to the clubs, no one knows where I learned all that stuff and where I get the stamina. Jazzercize is affordable and its all fresh material from California.

What's humping dancing? I missed that!!! Is it like slow dancing and humping? or is it like fast dancing and humping?

Answer 10

I would learn which ever your heart tells you to learn, I would take private lessons first just to get the feel of things. Then go to public lessons. Wish you good luck on whatever you do!!!!!