Being shy and reserved when it comes to salsa dancing is totally understandable and more common than you think. Whether you are just starting with salsa dancing or you are dancing for a while already, it could be difficult sometimes to let go of dancing shyness. Salsa dancing is extremely fun but it can be bothersome for some people who are not used to dancing in the public.
How to overcome being shy when dancing salsa? To overcome shyness while dancing take salsa lessons, listen to lots of salsa music, make friends who are also taking salsa lessons, attend salsa social events, observe other dancers, practice finding the beat, and look your best. Additionally, you can practice salsa moves in the privacy of your home and it will give you more confidence when dancing salsa socially.
Many people are reluctant to start learning salsa dance because they feel anxious and uncomfortable about salsa dancing and they are afraid that they will embarrass themselves. Believe me, I had all of those negative thoughts going through my mind when I just started learning salsa. I knew I had to get out of my comfort zone and I am glad I did!
Salsa dancing is fun and it can be an invigorating way to express yourself and connect with others on a dance floor. With a little practice and mental preparation, you can overcome your shyness and dance anywhere and with anyone you want.
Here are ways on how to overcome shyness when just startings dancing salsa:
Enroll in A Beginners Salsa Class
Start with beginners salsa class if you never danced salsa before. That is how I have started. Everybody is terrible and nervous in the beginner’s salsa class so it won’t be just you!
You can work your way up from the beginners level to more advanced levels with time. In the beginner’s salsa class you will learn the basic steps and learn how to hear and feel the rhythm of different songs so you know when to move your feet. Most importantly, it will give you confidence in dancing in public because there will be other people in the class as well.
Practice Salsa Dance At Home
Practice salsa dancing in the comfort of your own home. It is important to practice the steps you learned so you could progress quicker. Put on some salsa music and rehearse the dance steps or techniques you picked up in front of a mirror. Develop confidence in your ability to dance and have fun in settings where you feel safe before attempting to dance salsa in public.
Attend Salsa Dance Social Events
I know that this may seem a bit scary but going to an event where other people are dancing salsa is half of the battle towards beating dancing shyness. To make things easier for you, you don’t have to dance the first time you go to a salsa social event. You could just observe other people dancing with each other in this kind of setting.
Bring a good friend that you feel completely comfortable with. Bringing a trusted friend will encourage you and will increase confidence to go to these types of events.
If you get a boost of confidence while there try those steps you learned and practiced. Sometimes I don’t feel confident dancing at an upcoming event but once I am there I suddenly change my mind about not wanting to dance. It must be because of the energy, Latin music, and the environment at the salsa social events.
Most people are focused on their performance and they are not watching or judging you, so focus on yourself, too! A lot of dancers’ anxiety comes from feeling behind in comparison to everyone else. They are insecure about not being at a certain level or feel embarrassed performing around really good dancers.
Stop comparing yourself against others and stop using other dancers as benchmarks. Instead, take ownership of your growth. Recognize that the only person holding you back is you.
Be Consistent With Salsa Dance Classes
Life happens and we all get busy sometimes, but do not skip any salsa classes. Your confidence and ability to dance will increase as you are consistent with your salsa lessons. You will learn new moves that you can use on the next salsa social event!
There are a partner and solo salsa classes. If you are attending partner salsa lessons then you will have an opportunity to dance with other participants and you could find someone you click with. If you find a person whose style matches yours, ask them to save a dance for you at the next salsa social event.
Get To Know Your Dance Instructor
Your dance instructor is there to help you. If you are not getting some moves, ask your dance instructor to repeat them for you. They would be so glad to help you because you actually want to learn.
If some moves are just not clicking, don’t worry, you are not alone. You probably asked a question that other participants had in the mind, too.
Get To Know Other Students
Getting to know other students in the salsa class can be very beneficial in helping you overcoming shyness while dancing. When you make friends in a salsa class you will also find companions to attend social events too.
Those people have the same interests as you do so they could introduce you to places where you could dance salsa socially.
Additionally, they could help you clarify the steps that you are not sure about. When you dance salsa socially everybody has their style. But people from your class have the same style as you do. So it will be easier for you to get onto the dance floor and show some moves.
I have met lots of wonderful people in my salsa dance classes that I stay in touch with. They have told me about places where I could dance salsa socially in my city or nearby. We are planning to go out to one of these places and I am really looking forward to it.
They are keeping me accountable to attend these events because I do not want to break my promise to them.
You Don’t Need A Partner To Dance Salsa
Some people opt-out of learning salsa because they don’t have a partner. But you don’t have to have a partner for a salsa class or to dance salsa socially!
I didn’t have a salsa partner when I just starting dancing. It allowed me to dance with many other people and learn different styles. Practicing with different people tends to advance the learning process. It also has helped me to overcome my shyness because I had to ask other people to dance and get to know them better.
Become Familiar With Salsa Music Beat
Your ability to interpret the music will help you improve the quality of your movements. Whenever you have a chance, listen to salsa music and think about those steps you have learned. Try to hear and feel the rhythm of different songs so you know when to move your feet.
Look Your Best
Whether you are just going for a salsa class or to dance socially, always dress up in an outfit that makes you feel good and attractive. Of course, how you would dress up for a salsa club would be different than what you would wear to a salsa class. In either way, dress something that makes you feel good.
Looking good will boost your confidence when dancing.
Overcoming shyness when dancing is an attainable goal for everyone, no matter how hopeless it may feel at times. Take it from someone who has been there. You can do it, and you’ll be glad you did and you will be proud of yourself for doing it.
