“Because true belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world, our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance”
When I dance I feel at my most whole, at my most “me”. I'm learning to accept the imperfections, the mistakes, to accept myself as I am. When do you feel most at ease with yourself? How do you feel when you dance?
If you feel awkward or insecure you’re not alone. It can take a lot of courage to try something new or learn a new skill, knowing you’ll make mistakes which will be reflected back to you in the mirror or seen by your teacher or fellow students. Here are some ideas to think about to help you feel more comfortable with yourself in and out of the dance studio.
MOVE INTO YOUR DISCOMFORT ZONE
Although it might seem counterintuitive, putting yourself into new and potentially uncomfortable situations can really help to build your confidence and self acceptance. Maybe you’ve been dancing at the same level or with the same teacher for years. It would really benefit your confidence (not to mention your dance technique) to try a higher level or a different style. To make it less scary you could go to a higher level taught by a teacher you’re familiar with or find a friend who’s willing to try the class with you. Have a look at our timetable and pick one new class to try this week!
MAKE IT PLAYFUL
Transforming your experiences into play not only make them more fun but also take some of the pressure off us to do things perfectly. Being playful is also an aspect of our characters that once came so naturally to us but that we may have forgotten. Being playful can help you put aside the mask you wear in social situations and allow the real you to shine through! Seeing your dance class as an opportunity to play instead of another area in your life where you need to succeed will bring a lot more joy to the experience.
GET CREATIVE
Authenticity fosters creativity, and creativity expresses authenticity. Being authentic means to be who you are, be yourself, even if you are not perfect, and nobody is. Take the opportunity to create your own unique dance combinations, develop your personal style and get more creative by trying different dance styles such as Tribal Fusion or ContempOriental. More details of the different classes we offer can be found on our Courses page >>
BE PART OF A COMMUNITY
Enjoy who you are, we certainly do! ZeoT is more than just a dance school, it’s also a thriving community made up of women of all ages, nationalities & characters.. We deeply appreciate the enthusiasm of our students in class or in the events and performances we regularly organise. If you’re not already a member of ZeoT, why not try one of our classes in a free trial class. You might find more than just a fun dance class. Maybe you’ll find a way back to being you!