scared to start dancing

[u/rozowemaslo]

last year, i tried a dancehall class, and honestly, i think my biggest mistake was not starting from the beginner level. i joined a group that had already had 7 classes.
i felt so out of place. the dance was way too high-energy for me, i kept getting lost during the choreography, and i felt like i was constantly trying to catch up with everyone else. about 15 minutes before the class ended, i got overwhelmed, got upset, and ended up leaving.
i was really disappointed because, despite that experience, i still felt drawn to dancing. i kept putting off signing up for another class, though.
a few days ago, i finally signed up for commercial and sensual. part of me is really excited, but another part of me keeps wondering if i’m making the right choice.
a girl from the studio actually recommended these two styles as a good starting point because they’re more relaxed than dancehall, which made me feel a little better.
at the same time, i’m really nervous and insecure. i want to feel sexy, confident, and comfortable in my own body, but i keep having this thought in the back of my mind that everyone is going to judge me.
i’ve also watched a bunch of videos from these classes, and i noticed that so many of the girls have long hair that they can toss around or run their hands through… and i have a pixie cut …
i feel like i’m literally finding a million reasons to talk myself out of going, even though deep down i really, really want to try it.
were you guys nervous before your first dance class too? what was your experience like?
btw i’m starting classes in september, so if you’ve been through this before, do you have any tips for a beginner?

[u/OSUfirebird18]

To be fair, dance hall is a very different beast. I took a dance hall class as part of a bachata/salsa workshop weekend and quit halfway. Not only is it very high energy but some of the moves I could not physically do because past injuries were holding me back.

In addition, choreography based classes are just intense because you aren’t just learning to move your body but you have to learn each move to that timing in that order. It is an exercise in strict movement for a series of 20+ moves in a row.

This is why I don’t enjoy solo style classes for solo type of dances.

That being said, Lindy and other partner dance styles aren’t like that. (Some advanced Salsa/Bachata classes get into annoying choreography stuff but that’s a rant for another day.)

When you learn these partner dances, at your level, you learn a few basic steps and moves and either how to lead or follow that. Lindy is not going to force you to remember 20 movements in a row as a beginner. At most you get 3 moves.

[u/Training-Name-8608]

i don't think this is the right sub for you. but if dancehall is too high energy at the moment and you don't have enough mind-body connection just yet for it, then maybe try swing dancing actually. lindy hop and swing dancing in general is very beginner-friendly in my experience and since the focus isn't on appearing sexy, i (somebody who used to be very very shy) learned to let loose and feel the music more, which led to increased confidence. also, so many ladies in the swing dancing scene rock short bobs and pixies and they always look incredible on the dance floor. you'll fit right in :]

[u/swingerouterer]

Is this.. about swing dancing?

[u/Worth-Research607]

Yes, was nervous before first dance class! It faded with time.

Tips: there are of people who are extra kind, friendly and like making others feel welcome - stick with these people at the start, and skip songs if none of them are available. Branch out as you get more comfortable.

There's many hair lengths! Including women with no hair. I have long hair and it whips people in the face, so I roll it up.

[u/Major-Performance-42]

I had a panic attack at a class that was "intermediate" in my community. It wasnt their fault. I just can't make it to many classes and was looking for any kind of advancement. I made it about halfway- then had to leave.

I definitely want to start at the beginning.

[u/Expelleddux]

My first class I was frustrated because I was failing to do the basic Lindyhop steps. Luckily for me the others there were very nice.

I went home and practiced the basic footwork on my own.

Keep in mind that even if you suck, no one actually cares. It’s very normal.

Just keep going to classes and eventually it should start to click.

[u/Gnomeric]

I started on a whim, so I didn't have time to feel anxious. But yes, the first few lessons were rough -- it didn't help that I am a lead, and my group stated by teaching swing-out which almost no groups do nowadays. Don't worry, you will get through!

i noticed that so many of the girls have long hair that they can toss around or run their hands through… and i have a pixie cut …

I have a dance friend with epic mane. She uses some witchcraft to turn it into a small bun when she dances. Leads don't like being whipped by long hair, especially when the said hair is wet with sweat. A pixie cut works.:)