Have you noticed that in spaces where spontaneous dancing once thrived, the dance floor now often remains stiff or empty?
And then asked yourself - is it true we’re not dancing the way we used to? (click to read)
The answer is yes, it’s true.
I’ve spent years exploring this question, and here’s a list I’ve compiled of the resistances that hold us back from stepping onto the dance floor:
Imposter syndrome:
Believing we need to "earn" the right to dance by mastering specific skills.
Feeling inadequate because we don’t know the “right” moves or styles.
Comparing ourselves to experienced dancers and feeling like we’ll never measure up.
Thinking we’re too old, not cool enough, or otherwise not the type of person who should be dancing.
Feeling like an outsider in a dance community or scene, even if we’re invited to participate.
Worrying we’ll be judged for trying something new, especially if we don’t get it right the first time.
Assuming everyone else on the dance floor is confident and skilled, making us feel like the odd one out.
Believing that dancing is only for "real" dancers or those who are trained or naturally talented.
Safety:
Fearing we’ll be harshly judged or laughed at.
Having anxiety about being watched, taking up space, and how we will be perceived.
Worrying others will objectify us and our bodies, and fearing the risk of being so vulnerable and exposed.
Having had past negative experiences with dance, self expression, and/or with our bodies.
Worrying about having to dance with other people, whether or not touch is involved.
Fearing a possible physical injury, or being in pain during movement.
Competence:
Feeling genuinely lost and unsure where to start from lack of exposure or experience.
Overthinking and analyzing our movements and worrying if we’re doing it “right.”
Feeling incapable or insecure if we are breathing hard or sweating.
Needing to drink alcohol or use other substances before we feel ready or capable of dancing.
Perfectionism.
Lack of exposure:
Growing up without dancing as a regular part of social life.
Expectations shaped by family, religion or society that limits who can dance or the types of dancing that are considered acceptable.
Narrow media representation of dance as performance and competition, creating pressure to meet high standards.
Not having media representation of vibrant spontaneous dance done by average people.
Thinking more accessible forms of dance are corny or hokey because of how they are portrayed.
Belonging:
Not having friends that enjoy dancing, or having friends who actively discourage it.
Feeling like we might attract unwanted attention or stand out for being different or dancing differently.
Fearing rejection and ridicule.
Fear of seeming like a "show off".
Pressure to conform to gender stereotypes, either in how we dance or whether or not we dance at all.
Difficulty finding a community or a scene that resonates.
Practical barriers:
Common venues where spontaneous dance occurs can feel intimidating.
A dislike for crowded spaces, or spaces that involve drugs and alcohol.
Not enjoying or connecting with the music being played.
Dance events being late at night, expensive, far away, or otherwise inaccessible.
Lack of Momentum:
Television and the internet play a significant role in competing for our attention. Before TVs were in every household, music and dance were primary sources of recreation and connection. Because we spend so much of our leisure time sitting and passively consuming, it takes a massive amount of effort to generate the momentum to get up and engage in physical, embodied practices like dancing.
General:
A general sense of social anxiety, lack of confidence, lack of boundaries, a fear of showing emotions, not feeling comfortable and connected to our bodies, and a distrust for people also play a role. They may be unrelated to dancing, but show up in everything that we do.
Which of these barriers do you resonate with? What did I miss?
Check out my upcoming offerings to learn how we are actively counteracting this trend!