The first question on the dance scene is not "so what do you do?" Because your job or income is not the most important thing about a human being. We're just here to enjoy music, dancing and socializing.
The reputation of Americans is that everything revolves around money: their identity, goals, self-worth and how they value others. To further expand, Americans don't invest in anything if it's not going to make them money. Neither in a hobby, people or time. Unfortunately some of that has spilled into life in big cities around the world.
Notably, this independent, money-driven society is now suffering from depression, anxiety and loneliness.
However, friends, hobbies and progressive learning inevitably brings you a sense of fulfillment. Without the need to make money off of them. AND bonus: progressing in dance gives you a HUGE boost in SELF-CONFIDENCE!
End that cycle of isolation, low-self esteem, the anxiety of putting a dollar sign on yourself, and the inability to move around in a social environment.
Test different hobbies that involve socializing in person (not behind a screen). Even people with social anxiety or a sense of social ineptness have blossomed within a dance community.
Find a hobby or two that you like and stick to it.
Invest in it to develop and earn the emotional and mental benefits of simply progressing in something you enjoy. Get that boost in self-confidence.
Why is dance one of the best hobbies?
Dance has been scientifically shown to display slightly better cognitive benefits than other forms of exercise.
The social opportunities is what most dancers state as highly satisfying about their hobby. And speaking to you directly: note that dancers were at one point "non-dancers," just like you. Yet they all love that they have an immediate social scene, with an inclusive, welcoming environment. Especially in the Afro-Latin dance community. Open arms.
All it takes is dance classes. That's 100% the best place to start.
Try out all of the dance studio nearby that offer dance classes for adults. Yes, try them all out to see which one of them offers you the ambiance, teacher likability and style of dance that will motivate you to actually keep going.
Tips if you're on a budget
Many dance studios will offer you your first class free. They want to get you in the door so you give them a chance and see if you like it. Try out all of the nearby dance studios until you find one you like and that works well with your schedule.
Once you find "the one," ask about a package. Most studios have a scaled system where you have a small reduction in the price per class if you pre-pay for the month, trimester or year.
Avoid big name "ballroom" studios.* This has many caveats, by the way, please DO read the notes below. Why do I say to avoid big name ballroom dance studios? Their packages usually tangle students into a complicated, never-ending, expensive program. Smaller ballroom studios don't tend to employ these rather aggressive sales tactics. They tend to teach for the love of the art. But there is a pattern to ballroom dance studios that I can discuss in another blog.
Having said that ☝️ ...can you blame ballroom dance studios for leveraging sales tactics that keeps them afloat and where the dance instructors can actually build a life instead of struggling?
No. We cannot blame them. Starving artist is not what professional dancers are going for. *Note: ballroom dance studios are wonderful for certain people under certain circumstances. The above tip is only for people on a shoestring budget. I love and respect the passionate work of ballroom dance studio owners and the spirit of my fellow artists. Note # 2: if you're personable, young-ish and a quick learner, sometimes these ballroom dance studios will actually offer to teach you how to become an instructor, as long as you agree that you'll teach in their studio. Wow! You may actually get a job out of dancing!
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