I don’t know what to do with my hands. I’m legitimately so nervous and self conscious when I’m expected to dance. I have a company party coming up and I’m seriously considering taking lessons. How do I get out of my head and enjoy myself?
I think going with someone who you know really well and just focus of them and vibe (earbuds/earplugs may help with hyper focusing on other people). You don’t have to do anything in particular if you’re not comfortable, comrade. It’s easier in a concert situation where u can just follow what everyone else is doing.
I actually have no issues at concerts, I love a good mosh pit. Anything more than 2 stepping and clapping puts me into fight or flight though. This company thing is more like a wedding reception, semi formal dress and a bunch of the higher ups/bosses so headphones aren’t really an option. The last one was pre-covid and the whole team was being egged on to take a turn in the middle of the circle on the dance floor. That’s the part that terrifies me.
Oh sorry I assumed it was a sensory issue; it’s not like they can force you though. Shuffle style dances are easy to learn and look impressive if you want to learn! Dancing is a good skill to have and practise- good exercise too
Taking lessons is a great idea. It will give you structure and practice to help you gain confidence you aren’t making a fool of yourself.
In terms of getting out of your head, recognize that a part of you is frightened and likely needs reassurance. That fear is trying to keep you safe by shutting you down in a freeze response so you don’t harm yourself. It doesn’t know that you’re safe and from its perspective you aren’t. Don’t gaslight this fearful part. Instead see if you can offer it some gratitude, thank it for its service and see if it might be helped to gain confidence in you that you and your desire to dance can be trusted in a world where people can be cruel.