I can’t tell you how times I’ve heard this from folks who find out I teach folk dance: I can’t dance. I’m really bad at dancing. I’m left-footed. I have no sense of rhythm. My (fill in the blank: wife, partner, friend, PE teacher, mother…) refuses to dance with me.
I beg to differ. I fully believe everyone can dance. I fully believe that everyone can bring joy and fun into their lives through dancing.
How?
Well, the first thing you have to do is stop telling yourself you can’t dance. The words you say, whether out loud or just in your head, are powerful. Telling yourself you can’t dance is the primary thing that’s keeping you from dancing.
Next, find a dance class that is warm, welcoming, and open to newcomers and beginners. And look for a teacher who works actively to integrate newcomers and beginners into the class.
Note that, in my experience, 75% of adults can’t tell their right foot from their left – so you’re in good company. Here’s the trick: when you are in a dance circle facing in standard line of direction (counter-clockwise for the most part, except for those pesky French and Croatians who go the other way), your right foot will be on the outside (and your left foot on the inside).
Then you need to relax. Relax your shoulders and your arms and your knees. Try to feel the rhythm through the hands you are holding. Listen to the music.
Note that there is no rule of dance etiquette that you’re supposed to go the end of the line. In fact, it’s much better for you to find two friendly experienced dancers and stand between them - because one of the very best ways to learn is by letting your fellow dancers help you. And know that different people learn at different paces; some will learn a dance immediately; others will need more time to figure it out.
Every single one of us, beginners to experienced dancers (including me!), makes mistakes – it’s not a sin in folk dancing. No need to feel embarrassed: just laugh, shrug it off, never say oops, and keep moving with the dance circle and the musical beat.
So go out, start dancing, and join in the fun – I promise it will make you a better, happier person.
