In the social jungle, making a good impression, or just having a good time can depend a lot on how well you make new connections. And of course, having a few tricks, like a sharp wit, dashing good looks, or ballroom dancing, can help you stand out from the crowd. In fact, knowing how to dance with others is like a superpower in the social arena. Here’s just a few ways it can transform you from a wallflower into a social butterfly.
Dance puts you in the action.
Most of my students wanted to learn how to dance after they saw others doing it at a party. Let’s face it: most of us would rather be where the ‘life’ of the party is, rather then watching from the sidelines.
Dance is an reason not to drink.
If you’re normally introverted in social situations, you may find yourself tempted to imbibe some liquid courage - sometimes more than is wise - in order to feel comfortable approaching and making conversation with others. A good alternative might be to start the evening off by hitting the dance floor. Others will admire your confidence, and you may find others start introducing themselves to you.
Dance provides a new way to socialize.
If you’re like me, conversations aren’t really your strong suit. I’m serious - it’s why I learned how to dance in the first place. Dancing gives you a whole new avenue for getting to know others, many of whom started dancing for the same reason.
You can make cool dance friends.
Fact: People who know how to dance are interesting people. Coming from every walk of life, these energetic souls love to share their artistic spirit with others. So much more fun to hang out with than Debbie Downer from the office.
Cool dance friends tell you about cool dance parties.
Another awesome thing about having dance friends is they tend to know about all the other dance parties going on in your area, and can introduce you to even more people in the dance community. Many of the events I attend yearly in Toronto I would have no idea about if I hadn’t met someone who told me about it first.
It’s a fun challenge!
Maybe you don’t have a problem with being a wallflower. Maybe you’re the suavest, most charming and entertaining guy or gal around. In that case, why not challenge yourself? The dance world is just a new arena to meet others for fun, romance, and potential business clients. Learning how to dance just shows you can be fun and confident, no matter where you are.
Frightfully sorry but I’ll have to pick a bone with the author on this idea of advocating dance to the people of the type “If you’re like me, conversations aren’t really your strong suit” during parties. The shy introverts. Isn’t it a bit of a LAZY approach, like taking an easy way out? Instead of working on one’s oral skills and social competencies to feel comfortable in social situations and to get “to know others” better in socials, just launching straight into the non-stop dancing? And waiting until those in awe of the dancing superpowers introduce themselves? :)) Perhaps, I’m old school, but I’ve been somewhat under the impression that VERBAL is the leading medium of communication for one’s professional, social and personal success (not dancing or writing or singing and such). What does the author have to say for himself? Apologies for the long comment
Hi Lara,
I absolutely agree – conversational skills are extremely important. If you’re normally terrified of walking up and saying hello however, learning to dance can build your confidence and act as an ice-breaker, so you have some time to get comfortable with them (during the dance), before you have to open your mouth. So dancing supplements conversational skills – it doesn’t replace them. I hope that answers your concerns.
Not quite, still sounds somewhat escapist . Shifting focus from one’s precious self and how it feels ‘in the moment’ (terrified, stupedified or such) onto the other person might greatly facilitate saying “hello” and making a small tall. Every human being is a book that has a VERY interesting story to tell – if you show enough interest ☺ Everything depends on what’s more interesting to you: you or a fellow party attendee. That’s the foundation of social graces: being interested in others MORE than in oneself. Failing that, the “sink-or-swim” type of exposure therapy might work unless you’re a fainting type ☺Begging your pardon but dancing before talking still looks like putting a horse before a carriage. Thanks for your patience with this long comment. Lovely articles, keep up the good work!