There have been several times in the past year or so where I have decided to try out a new dance form; Attending a new class for the first time (or first several times) can be a harrowing experience. There's the not knowing anyone, the "I don't know what the heck is going on here...Everyone else seems to know what they are doing...", and the challenge of trying to get one's body to move in new ways. For me these feelings always arise as a high degree of self-consciousness. When this happens to me, I usually "check out" by thinking about things other than what the teacher is saying, perhaps by getting distracted in fidgeting with my finger nails or checking the clock every five minutes. I'll tell you when that happens, the class drags on and I get far less from being there. Over time, I have learned to stay present, pay attention, and know that things will get easier with each class I attend.
Here are some tips and notions from my explorations that will help you to get through the challenges of new dance classes:
- Pay attention in class. When you notice yourself checking out, come back to focus.
- The first few classes are probably going to be very challenging. You may struggle to keep up with the class. THIS IS NORMAL.
- No one else in the class is paying attention to you and no body cares how you are moving. You are the one paying the most attention to you. Acknowledge if you are feeling embarrassed or self-conscious, and then let it go. REALLY. No one else in the class cares if you can't do a sequence.
- Know that it will get easier. The more consistently you go, the faster you will learn, and the easier the class will get. Most teachers usually have a routine or a base repertoire for their warm-up and certain segments of their class. As you continue going, you will become familiar with how the class is run, and you will get to know things by heart. That's when it starts to feel really satisfying. KEEP GOING!
- Pay attention to the small stuff that marks your progress. Things like getting a footwork pattern down, or learning a hand-flourish, or nailing a handstand are important stepping stones. Be sure to celebrate something that you did in every class!
- Tell the Self-Critic, "Thank you very much; You can be quiet now." And then get on with your dancing.
- Lastly, and most importantly: Enjoy the process. Realize that you will never get any of those dance class moments back; so give 100% to every moment, and see the value in the challenges as well as the triumphs.
In The Flow,
Miss Rosie
