Dance As A Social Companion For Introverts

Dance as a social companion has many benefits for an introvert, including regular networking with large groups of people comfortably and better chances of success in an extroverted environment.

As an introvert, do you have a friend who persuades you to go to parties? Or are you in a job where you cannot escape meeting new people?

These two are the most common scenarios that introverts have to deal with. By refusing to participate in a fun group activity, an introvert is often misunderstood as being unfriendly or a snob.

Likewise, being an introverted dancer is a rare personality type that confuses many people. Ideally, dancers and performers belonging to the entertainment industry are assumed to be extroverts or people-pleasers. The fact is that, like any person, dancers also love appreciation and encouragement for their work. But being in a social environment means interacting and networking with crowds without hesitation, which is just the opposite trait of an introvert. Dancing is a social activity that can benefit an introvert, and an introverted dancer can become confident and comfortable in a large group to succeed in their professional and personal lives.

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POST CONTENTS
Dance as a social companion is helpful in expressing your thoughts and emotions.
Dance as a social companion enhances an introvert’s personality.
Dance as a social companion makes introverts comfortable in large or small groups.
Dance as a social companion makes everyday interaction easier for an introvert.

Dance as a social companion is helpful in expressing your thoughts and emotions.

Expressing the deepest emotions through movement and music becomes easier when words fail. As introverts, we talk less and don’t feel awkward about long silences. It is one of these qualities that many people misunderstand. An introverted dancer needs space to process emotions and understand movements in detail. It’s similar to writing a journal. Working independently brings clarity of emotion, which in turn helps you feel more comfortable expressing yourself and interacting with people with better understanding.

Dance becomes a social companion that won’t judge you as an audience or as a critic. Dance allows introverts to understand that openness in the body is not just about physical freedom but also freedom from stifling, confusing thoughts. 

People who have symptoms of depression or have suffered trauma often lose the mind-body connection. Movement brings awareness to the present. DMT, or Dance Movement Therapy helps find that connection between the body and mind through step-by-step guidance with a counsellor.

For more information about DMT, I recommend reading My Body, My Wisdom: A Handbook of Creative Dance Therapy by Tripura Kashyap.

Dance as a social companion enhances an introvert’s personality.

Dancers are of all shapes and sizes. Dance training brings more control, balance, grace, and flexibility. When your body is correctly aligned, your posture improves. You look smart, approachable, and confident. 

The first impression of a person does make a difference. Even a dancer with heavy weight knows how to control movements, so their normal ways of walking and sitting are also graceful. 

When you have a confident and pleasing personality as an introverted dancer, you have the power to influence people easily, whether on or off stage. 

Dance as a social companion makes introverts comfortable in large or small groups.

Introverts like having a few close friends and not being the centre of attention in a large group. When you are an introverted dancer, you don’t have a choice but to avoid large groups. Dancers are supportive of each other because we understand how unconventional and vulnerable to social pressure this profession is. But sometimes introverted dancers like to be at home, enjoying solitude. 

I have struggled a lot with friends expecting me to dress, behave, and have extrovert hobbies because I am a dancer. When I refuse, they think that I am throwing unnecessary tantrums before being driven to a club. Instead, I want to be home, massage my feet, read, apply a face mask, or do anything else I want. 

Nobody likes to be forced to dance when uncomfortable. Though introverted dancers don’t get enough alone time, we can arrive late and leave early from a party. Becoming comfortable teaching a large group of students comes with experience. And even extroverts take time learning to teach a large group. 

Dance as a social companion makes everyday interaction easier for an introvert.

Introverts may or may not be shy, but interaction with people and networking are part of a performer’s job. Dance as a social companion makes interaction easier because, unlike other professions, a dancer is a person who shares happiness. People always welcome a dancer in their group. As a stage performer, people like to be associated with you. Parents want their kids to learn some moves to keep them engaged in physical activity. Senior citizens want you to teach them simple aerobic exercises for fitness. Men want to learn couple dancing, etc. On the downside, people think that a professional dancer is not serious about his or her career. 

Final Thoughts

A social companion walks beside you at every public event. Dance as a social companion gives an introvert the confidence to interact with different types of people. Dance makes you comfortable in a large or small group. Dance enhances your overall personality and helps you find a mind-body connection, minimising misunderstandings with family and friends.