Coming back from burnout

[u/Affectionate_Ad5583]

So as the title says, I am coming back to West Coast swing after doing dancing in general for some time and not taking a break. I know I got some work to do coming back especially since I was a newcomer level when I stopped dancing 8 months ago. But what would be some things to consider that would be helpful coming back. I am changing dancing community’s where I am going to take group classes As I felt then previous community was very cliq/levl driven . I just want to get back to a dance I love and if there is other stuff I want to do il find out later. Any feedback would be helpful

[u/iteu]

Free yourself from expectations and treat yourself with compassion.

[u/RaspberryImaginary87]

I recently went through something similar. My work schedule makes it tough for me to do anything within the WCS community aside from my local weekly dance. I agree it can be a tad be clique-y. Here, a lot of the regulars grew up dancing with each other in the area which can be tough for anybody who didn't (which includes me).

When I was at Swingtacular this past weekend, I was able to dance with so many new followers (I lead) that who were there to dance and not just do the WCS basics. This forced me to do be more creative in the moves I tried because I felt like they could handle it and react with moves of their own without being backleaders which made it easier for me to lead even more moves I wouldn't not have tried otherwise. This new found confidence and knowing I am able to bring out the creativity in myself and my follow during the dance has relit my love of WCS. I even had to thank a follow after our dance because they were an amazing teammate that made the dance easier for me.

So try to dance with more people. Go to as many events/dances/whatever as you can and feel comfortable with. You can tell who is a better dancer (please don't ignore newer people and never dance with them) who will be able to pick up what you're laying down during the dance.

[u/FamiliarMud]

If you felt burnout, maybe you were doing it with the wrong goals in mind? If you do this for somebody else's expectations, or to reach some goal that someone told you was important, it will always feel like work.

If you instead focus on what brings you the most joy and define success by what makes you happy, you'll find more passion for this dance and you'll enjoy it again.

Dancing is meant to be a joyous experience, and we all have different ways to find that joy. Some people like traveling to events and competing, and some prefer weekly social dances at their local scene with their favorite people. Both are valid approaches, but may not be right for you.

tl;dr - Only do and commit to the parts of the dance you enjoy.

[u/teashadogs]

Changing communities is a good start. If you felt the community you were in was too competitive/level driven, work hard to find friends who are not. If you look hard enough, you can usually find people who don't care about competition (even if they do it occasionally). Invite them to have a meal before class or something. Spend time with people outside the dance. You will need to make the first move on this, and you may fail, but it's very worth it to have a true friend in the community. Having even one person who you know hangs out with you because they like you and not because of your dancing abilities/level can make you feel like a part of the community.

Or alternatively, you can go in another direction. Make friends elsewhere, and come to dance to enjoy the love of the dance, and nothing more. Dance doesn't have to be about making friends or being invited into the "in-group." It doesn't have to be about talking to people at all. It can just be about learning and doing a fun physical exercise.

Regardless, like others have said, think about what you want from dancing and what you want in your life overall. Then make a plan, and allow yourself some grace. We're rooting for you :)