Are You Sitting on the Dance Floor Sidelines?
Dancers’ do you find yourself sitting on the sidelines watching others dance? If so, there is only one sure fire way to resolve this problem. Get up, walk over to another dancer and ask them to dance. Chances are that they will lead you directly to the dance floor.
In a dance community, asking someone to dance does not imply that you are interested in starting a relationship with that person. It simply means: « I would like to dance ». There are many couples that go social dancing or attend dance conventions together and rarely even dance with each other. Couples, we dancers all thank you for sharing your significant others. We understand that « A Dance is just A Dance. »
When I first started dancing I was HORRIBLE. I did not have a clue how to dance but, I was determined to learn. I would show up at my local social dances 3-5 nights a week and literally BEG the guys to dance with me. I was unaware that dance classes were even available, so I was at the mercy of anyone that would help me.
During that time, my 3 year old grandson was visiting for 3 weeks. One night he fell asleep watching Shrek, if any of you have kids and have watched the movie you will know exactly what I am about to say. At the end of the movie the little donkey jumps up, over and over saying: « Pick Me, Pick Me », I was too tired to get up out of bed and shut it off, so all night long I heard, « Pick Me, Pick Me »!!! The next night at dance, my hand flew up in the air and the words just came out of my mouth: « Pick Me, Pick Me!!! » » From that day forward, I never sat on the sidelines again! As a matter of fact, as I eventually learned to dance, all it took was one « Pick Me » a night and I rarely left the dance floor. You see, once you get yourself out there on the dance floor, chances are that you will find your next dance while still there. So dancers, feel free to use my mantra and ask them to « Pick You. » Do not be afraid to ask someone to dance and if you must turn someone down, do it politely. There are legitimate reasons for saying no.
Positioning is also very important. Do not hide in the corner or sit at the back of the room. Stand near the dance floor and look like you WANT to dance. Watch where the dancers are entering and exiting the floor and remember that they are there to dance, just like you. I know that it is often difficult to ask a dancer that is more experienced than yourself, but if you truly want to become a better dancer, you’re going to have to be brave and do it! In retrospect, if you are a more experienced dancer, try to « remember when » and occasionally ask a lower level dancer to dance. Let’s all dance together and build a strong healthy dance community.
