How Do You Move Through Embarrassment In Dance & Movement Classes?
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. Usually these feelings arise as a high degree of self-consciousness. When this happens, most people usually “check out” by thinking about things other than what the teacher is saying, perhaps by getting distracted in fidgeting with their finger nails or checking the clock every five minutes. Over time, you can learn to stay present, pay attention, and know that things will get easier with each class you attend. Pay attention in class. When you notice yourself checking out, come back to focus. Know that the first few classes are probably going to be very challenging. You may struggle to keep up with the class. THIS IS NORMAL. Realize that no one else in the class is paying attention to you an
