I'm starting to feel a little intimidated?

Question

I took dance lessons from age 3 to 10 then I quit but now I am rejoining at age 14. I am in a beginners class to work on my technique and I'm also in an intermediate class (the one I'd be in if I never quit). The intermediate class has kids of a wide age range. One girl looks to be about my age and she makes me feel like a horrible dancer. She doesn't intend to, she's only doing her best like she should be. She can see a step once, try it once and get it right the first time. She’s a really great dancer. But watching her makes me feel really bad about myself, even embarrassed. How can I get more confidence? I've tried just focusing on myself but its really hard to. I keep wondering what she thinks of me; I know it shouldn't matter but still.....any ideas?

Answer 1

Hey Forever,

Confidence comes from your self. You should dance like nobody is watching. Try not to compete, but to learn. Perhaps, the other girl is really truly talented. What does that matter. What matters is that you learn the dance! So, Forget about her talent, and focus on your own moves. Who cares what she thinks, your dance does not make you a good or bad person. Just do the best you can. Only you can stop yourself from feeling intimidated. Be happy with the journey of learning, observe yourself getting better in small ways. Take a video now, and in a month, you will see you have learned. That is what matters.

Answer 2

You are wondering what she thinks of you - well, if she is kind and smart, she is minding her own business on the dance floor, that is, concentrates on her own dancing. This is probably how she got so good.
Your own dancing always feels imperfect. That is normal. The higher you go, the broader is your own horizon. More you realize you have a lot to learn. You are taking 2 classes, which means you are putting in twice the time. I'm sure it will pay off. Nothing, especially ballet, brigns instanteneous results. Everyone learns differently. Some people are really good at getting the steps pretty close on their first try. Some people take more time to figure them out, but once they got it - they got it well. If you have good dancers in your group it is actually very good sign - you are in a good school. Your confidence should be coming from you, not from other people. No matter how good you are at anything you do in life - there is aways a possiblity that someone else can do it better. But that's OK. We do what we do because we enjoy what we do.

Answer 3

First of all never compare yourself with someone else. Look at what she is doing. She is probably a visual learner. You are a different kind of learner. You need to figure out how you learn. My daughter is a wonderful dancer, but she has to practice and learned to use her resources. First ask the girl to show you the step while you are in the corner or at the bar (which talking in class though), stay after to work on combination. Teachers are more willing to help those who show the desire to learn and get it right. Don't worry about your age. Learning is based on how much you can absorb and practice will train your body to do what you want. Never give up there is a dance for everyone.

Answer 4

I'm a dancer too, I only started last year though. I took a year of ballet when I was younger (5). I took tap, jazz, ballet, and modern. I had girls in my class that had done zero dance and a girl who'd done dance for over 8 years. The girls who hadn't done any dance were better than me, I felt so stupid doing across the floor exercises. Everybody was better than me, and I'd get so upset when I'd do something wrong in front of them.

It took me awhile but in the end I realised that as long as I was having fun doing what I love, I was the best in the class. It doesn't matter who can do the most fouettes or who can do the better pirouette. Well maybe to the teacher, but you shouldn't be worried about this girl and her opinions of you. As long as you're doing something you want to do and you're loving it. You shouldn't care what she thinks, just be the best you can be. If it does bother you that much find an empty area and practice your dance moves there (that's what I did). It helps.

And remember, dance like nobody's watching. It's a good philosophy. So, good luck. :)

Answer 5

(if you want to read shorter version (without examples of the same thing)then read only the ones that star with a *(star).



well that has happened to me 2 times.
i have piano recitals and these girls who have been playing for 2 are years are better than me(i played 6years) so its kinda sad

*****the only way is to improve and it doesnt matter if you are not better than her as long as you try your best it is good enough.

another thing that happened to me was in dance.we were in rows of 2.and the teacher told me to go to first row and i was never in the first row because i wasnt the best dancers you know and then the other girl she is a really good dancer and she is really fast and im not.so i would feel that she is a lot better than me(which she is) but i tried to keep up with her.

*******dont feel embarassed just keep on going.she may think you are not good at dancing but it doesnt matter.as long as you dont think u are a bad dancer then you arent.if you keep on working then someday you will be the same or maybe even better than her.dont worry after a few years you will fit in.


good luck

Answer 6

i used to have the same problem with trumpet, actually

There's this kid i know who plays trumpet like 4 hours a day...kid has no life, but he's amazing...anyways, we were both in this jazz band and whenever it was his turn to improv it would be absolutely amazing, phenomenal...but when it comes down to it, it doesnt matter who's better..it matters who's into the music, or the dancing...get into it, do what you feel comfortable doing...even if its not as cool as the other person, it's what you feel

keep practicing, get the technical stuff down, then explore and make things look cool, just dont worry about the other person she's just more of a visual learner than you are, and picks it up quicker...the main piece of advice i have for you is to do your own thing and not to worry about the other person, it's just not worth it

Answer 7

You're probably just as good, but not recognising your ability to dance. If she is int he same class, on the same level as you then she isn't really any better. I think your doubt comes from low self esteem rather than her ability for dancing. Believe you are a good dancer, and work more on your confidence if you want better results.

Answer 8

Maybe you could try taking private dance lessons to build up your skill before you start dancing with girls that are better because they've been doing it longer. Those can be expensive though. Try talking to her, see if she's nice. If she is, then you won't have anything to worry about, and you'll have a new friend. If not, maybe youshould stick with begining until you're a little better.
P.S. I agree with the two people before me.

Answer 9

I'm a dancer myself, and I know this is a complex question. However really, there is one simple answer. Practice, practice, practice. And remember, some people are naturally fast learners.

Answer 10

I always say to myself:

in th world there is always someone who will do something better than me........but there is always someone worse.

Try not to focus on her, i bet there is one girl in the class with bad rhythm or something.

keep dancing and enjoy it