How Dancing Cures Awkwardness

The brain is a wonderful tool; it also can be a wonderfully self-tormenting tool. The brain is good at thinking too much, talking you out of doing, and getting in your way of feeling the truth.

How to use dancing to dissolve your personal brain battles, be present, and cure social awkwardness:

My first time dancing I was shaking like a badonkadonk and concerned too much about my inabilities, rather than focusing on being present and my opportunities. I certainly wasn’t comfortable with who I was and where I was at in my dance journey.

My mind always gets in my own way, but I am much less afraid of what can go wrong and much more concerned with what can go right. Many times I choose to be socially awkward. It’s funny; funny and insightful.

When we are dancing, we are doing and there is no stopping it; having a present interaction with another being. Most of our energy is focused on connecting to our dance relationships and figuring out what the hell we are doing – no time for brain battles. It’s time for dancing!

Listening:

When we are brain battling we surely are not listening. How could we? It’s impossible to be in the present if we are not listening to our surroundings; especially when we are not listening to our dance pal who is right there in front of us. The lead always needs to be listening. He needs to know what she is following and what he can lead next. And a follow, well, is the definition of listening and reacting. You can’t follow if you’re not listening.

Speaking:

OMG! I was so scared. If I do anything incorrectly, I am going to hurt my partner and she could fall over and die, and probably like me less.

Directly moving through your partner, and constantly communicating with them. He is saying, “Do this” and she is saying “yes, no, or maybe ;)” Just communicating through the movement of our bodies. OOOUUUR BODIEEEEES! OH YEAH! When the music starts, our bodies are doing. We don’t have a choice. Doing instead of thinking. It feels good, doesn’t it?

Touching:

How often are we permitted to touch another person? Not very often. How often are we appropriately permitted to touch the opposite sex? Talk about learning to be comfortable with other people. We are communicating with another person “hands on!” We are literally learning how to feel others.

Making Mistakes:

Oh my god. I cannot screw up! Not in front of this person or that person, or anybody I know. No way, José! I will only put down my guard in the safety of my home, where I’m comfortable. When you’re dancing you are going to make mistakes. When you make those mistakes, your partner’s going to know about it. There is no hiding it. You are going to make naked mistakes in front of others on the dance floor. Deal with it. Hopefully your attitude embraces these mistakes and turns them into enjoyable learning opportunities!

Lastly, life is a game of mirrors. People around you emulate you. The way people act when they dance with you, is a very honest reflection of your act.

Ready to learn a little bit about yourself and others? Ready to feel the situation? Let’s dance.