10 Dance Myths You Need to Reject

“I have always believed that the facts about dancing are much more interesting than the myths.” – Deborah Bull, English dancer, writer, broadcaster, and former creative director of Royal Opera House

If you like to dance but are shy because of various inhibiting reasons, this post will help you reject all myths. After all, there are many reasons to dance, but above all else, there is love. Dance can be fun for some and intimidating and unnecessary for others. Everyone has different opinions and may choose to do something more comfortable.

However, for many people, dancing is fun to watch, and they also want to dance, but their insecurity stops them from joining a class. Shyness, revealing clothes, gender bias, etc. are some excuses that can prevent someone from moving to the rhythm. 

But for the love of dance, there are also many wonderful reasons to pursue this artistic physical activity. Dance is a medium to liberate you from your inhibitions. 

So in this post, I am going to debunk some common dance myths to let your inner Jenna Dewan or Zac Efron take the first step towards the stage. 

POST CONTENTS
Dance is for thin people
All dancers are super flexible
Dance can replace exercise
Only girls or kids or gay dance
All dancers wear tight-fitted, uncomfortable attire
Dance is only for youngsters
Dance is only for natural dancers
Street dancers cannot do other dance styles and vice versa
Ballet dancers are fragile
Inappropriate body contact

Disclaimer: All contents in this post are for general health information only. Please consult a specialist physician or a coach before trying any new exercise, diet or health advice. There are no affiliate links attached to this post. 

Dance Is For Thin People 

In the Ellen DeGeneres show once, a guessing game was played named ‘Do you think they can dance’. Ellen and Twitch have to guess who in the audience can dance. The surprise soon turned into a shock when an IT guy called Will started doing some real kick-ass breakdancing. Take a look at the video here. 

The moral of the story – it does not matter what your physical body looks like. Dance is only about expressing your love for rhythm and music. 

All Dancers Are Super Flexible  

Many people came to my dance class who were super flexible, and they could do the full split and many dance moves. However, they were not good dancers because they focused only on impressing everyone instead of showing interest in learning new moves and accepting mistakes.

Dancing is part of the entertainment industry, but if your dance does not connect with others or touches the souls of others like an art form, then it’s incomplete. 

Just like in a colouring box, there are different types of paint; neither is better than the other but is used by the painter to create life. Hanging onto only flexibility or believing that you are not good enough because of less flexibility is denying yourself the simple joy of learning to dance. 

The perfect example is the legendary ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov. He does not have extraordinary flexibility, but when you see him perform, you will fall in love with him. 

You may also like to read: Dance Or Workout: Which Option Is Better For Fitness?

Dance Can Replace Exercise 

Dance is different than exercise, and neither is less or better. The basic difference lies in your fitness goals. If you work for long hours sitting in front of a laptop and are easily bored, then I would recommend taking weekend dance classes to improve mobility. But if you have a fitness goal, like bulky arms or weight loss, then dedicating 30 minutes to exercise regularly is a very good idea. 

What no one can replace is a healthy diet. More protein and fewer carbs, stopping eating junk food, and reducing smoking and drinking are simple tips to follow to live a better life. If you take care of yourself, you will be an inspiration for everyone around you. 

You may also like to read: Dancers Breaking Gender Stereotypes

Only Girls Or Kids Or Gay Dance 

Inclusivity is not just a trend; it’s a humanitarian value that extends into the artistic field as well. When people are mean to you for choosing a specific art, they are only manifesting their insecurities. 

In this high-tech age, the rules of the power game haven’t changed. Money is still a power that controls every aspect of everyone’s life. If you can make money from a hobby, it impresses people. Now, an influencer can help a brand connect with its audience. 

A dancer is only devalued until they reach the impossible pinnacle of success. Then it does not matter if you are straight or not. Why would you sacrifice your dreams just because someone has a biassed opinion? The world of dance welcomes everyone without any bias. It is a safe space for your emotions because you are encouraged to express yourself. 

All Dancers Wear Tight-Fitted, Uncomfortable Attire  

Every dance style has its own dance attire because it helps you move in a certain way. Dance is not just about what you do but also about how you do it. The clothing is also part of representing a culture. No one will force you to wear tight clothes in the beginner’s class. Nowadays, the focus has shifted to customising classes according to age and level of dancing. 

This concept has also been accepted by the dance and sports fashion industries with the innovation of the athleisure trend. Comfort, style, sweat-proof, breathable, stretchable, and adaptable are some things the fashion industry is focusing on for students of all shapes and sizes. 

Dance Is Only For Youngsters 

Take a look at this video. 

Instagram videos like these make me realise that age is just a number. I don’t think of old age or retirement, but I want to grow old like this. When I see an elderly person dancing, it’s truly a sign of a person who is alive and happy in every circumstance of life. 

Why do you get so conscious of only doing the things approved by society? Dancing is a harmless activity enjoyed by everyone. Take a breather, play some rock and roll music or any of your favourite music, and start dancing.

Dance Is Only For Natural Dancers 

I don’t understand the definition of a natural dancer because I have only seen people come to the class to have a good time moving to the rhythm. Believe me, the beginner’s class is so much more fun than the company members’ classes. 

In a professional dance class, it’s all about discipline, competition, and injuries. Yes, we do get a high from that. But I love attending the beginner class with a different dance style and an unknown teacher because you are allowed to make as many mistakes as you can. Whoever said it’s not about the destination, but the journey, is correct. I have seen so many friendships bloom in a dance class because learning together is fun. 

Street Dancers Cannot Do Other Dance Styles And Vice Versa 

This one is for students who are already attending dance classes. Let’s break another well-known myth because dance is not defined by a style or technique. Dance is defined by emotions and expressions. 

If you think only contemporary dancers can do amazing floor work, then you should watch underground dancers perform. Some street dancers do better dance lifts and have better flexibility than ballet dancers. 

The dance legend Martha Graham invented the Modern Dance style as a subversion and rebel of all ballet techniques. And a true artist always tries to explore and colour outside the box. 

Don’t limit your learning to only one dance style. If you keep your focus on the basics, which are musicality and rhythm, any dance form will look magical. Some contemporary dancers dance to only sounds found in nature. It’s because they find rhythm in every living being. Be curious, take risks, and find your connection to the rhythm. 

Ballet Dancers Are Fragile 

Ballet dancers are often misunderstood as being fragile because of their skinny appearance. Well, they don’t have bulky muscles, but have you seen their calves? Legs support their entire body to perform well, including dance lifts. 

Let me tell you a secret: dancers understand that dance lift is not just about power and balance but also about lifting from the core. It is a technique that helps both partners understand their bodies better.

When you know the technique of lifting your weight from the core, the body becomes lighter in weight, and therefore the men can lift and twirl the dancer in the air. That is why dancers love doing bodyweight exercises to understand their core strength better. 

Inappropriate Body Contact 

If you are planning to join social dance classes like salsa or swing dance, then it’s 100% normal to feel awkward about body contact. I am an introvert, and I remember in my first jazz dance class, I felt weird when my dance teacher touched my knee to stretch it while doing side lunges. But he was only giving me a correction that I wasn’t aware of. 

We, as humans, living in a society where moral policing and a biased judgement for women are the norm, don’t know the difference between good and bad touch. A dance class is a space where you feel exposed to a lot of things that are unacceptable in the outside world. Women are often judged for… wait a minute… I was about to say, we are judged for what we wear, and then I thought, we are judged for just about everything. Anyway, I digress. 

You may also like to read: Similarities Between Learning Salsa Dance And Managing Relationships

The best way to avoid embarrassment or awkwardness about body contact is to speak up. In a social dance class, bring your friend with whom you are most comfortable. Good dance teachers always give you Shines to do first. Shines are independent dance steps that do not require a partner. 

Once you are comfortable with the basic footstep and arm placement, only then will they let you practice with a partner. Professional teachers also teach you where exactly to place your hands so that your dance partner is not uncomfortable, and it gives them space to move around freely as a follower or a leader.

I hope this post answers some of your questions about dance. So make sure to book a dance class near you today. Also, no matter what your age or dance style, get ready to dance your heart out during the festival season. 

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