Breaking the Bubble: How to Recognize (and Gently Pop) Cliques in Dance Communities

If you’ve been part of any dance community for a while, you’ve probably seen it happen: a small group of dancers who always dance together, stand together, and talk only to one another. They might not be unkind. In fact, they may be some of the friendliest people you know - within their circle.

But to someone standing just outside it, that circle can feel like a wall.

I know - you thought you were done with cliques once you graduated high school. But not so fast, dancer! Cliques are more common in dance than one would think, so let’s talk about it!

The Invisible Line on the Dance Floor

Social dancing is built on connection - but ironically, it’s also one of the few social settings where people can feel deeply excluded while surrounded by others.

Cliques in dance communities often form naturally: people connect through shared classes, progress at a similar level, or simply feel comfortable with familiar partners. That’s normal. The problem isn’t that friendships form; it’s when those friendships become a closed system that subtly tells others, you’re not part of this.

For an adult learner - someone who may already be stepping outside their comfort zone just by showing up - that silent message can spell the difference between dance becoming a beloved hobby, and that one time they tried a dance class.

Why It Happens (And Why It’s Not Always Intentional)

Before we label anyone “cliquey,” it helps to look at what’s really going on. Most exclusivity in dance spaces isn’t malicious - it’s social autopilot.

Here are a few common reasons it happens:

• Comfort: People stick with who they know because it’s easy and safe.
  

• Skill levels: Dancers at a similar level - or those who have been taking the same class together for a while - gravitate toward each other, sometimes without realizing they’re leaving newcomers out.
  

• Fear of awkwardness: Asking someone new to dance, or drawing them into a conversation can feel risky, especially if you don’t know how experienced they are, or what they might think about a specific topic.
  

• Habit: Once a group forms a routine - same spot in the room, same partners - it starts to feel “normal,” even if it’s unintentionally excluding others.
  

Understanding that these dynamics are often unintentional makes it easier to address them without blame.

How Cliques Affect the Dance Environment

Even a small amount of social separation can change the tone of an entire community.

For example:

• A newcomer might attend one class or dance social, feel invisible, and never return.
  

• A less experienced dancer may interpret being passed over as “I’m not good enough.”
  

• Teachers may notice less mixing during classes, which limits everyone’s learning.
  

• Over time, the energy in the room shifts - from open and collaborative to predictable and closed.

When this happens, even the “insiders” miss out. The pool of fresh energy and creativity that makes social dancing exciting starts to shrink.

How to Make the Circle Wider

If you’ve ever noticed a clique forming - or realized you might be part of one - here are some gentle ways to help open things up:

1. Notice who’s on the sidelines.
   Take a moment to look around. If someone seems hesitant or alone, invite them to dance or strike up a conversation. Take it from a life-long introvert - a simple “How did you like this song?” or “This step looked so cool!” can completely change someone’s experience.

   *Click Here to learn how to join a dance class as an adult introvert.

2. Change things up during classes.
   Regardless of whether you are a teacher or a student, encourage changing partners, rotating lines, and standing in different spots in the room from class to class. It keeps everyone learning and connected. Even if your studio doesn’t enforce these policies, you can volunteer to mix it up - it sets a quiet example.

3. Be intentional about your post-class circles.
   When chatting before or after class, make space for others to join. A simple “Hey, come sit with us!” can make a huge difference.

4. Lead with curiosity.
   Ask new people how they got into dance, what styles they like, or if they’ve been to any local events. Showing genuine interest helps build bridges quickly.

5. Check your comfort zone.
   It’s easy to assume “I’m not part of a clique” - but if you always dance with the same three people, or have a designated barre spot next to your friends, others may see it differently. Experiment with consciously switching partners or greeting new faces first.
   

Creating a Culture of Openness

Healthy dance communities grow when kindness becomes part of the culture. Teachers, organizers, and experienced dancers can model this by acknowledging everyone, encouraging partner changes, and reinforcing that dance is a shared experience, not a private club.

Adult learners, in particular, benefit from environments where it’s okay to be new, imperfect, and curious. When everyone feels welcome, the quality of dancing improves - because people relax, connect, and take risks they might not otherwise take.

A Final Thought

Cliques aren’t villains - they’re a side effect of comfort. But comfort zones, by definition, keep us from expanding.

Next time you go to a social or class, look for one person you don’t know and make a point to connect. You might find that widening your circle not only changes their night - it refreshes your own love for dance.

Feeling inspired to explore the world of dance? Dance Flavor offers live and on-demand classes in various styles. Don’t be shy -contact us with any questions, or to try a private class in the dance of your choice!