Every dance community has its rhythms - friendships that form, groups that click, familiar faces who always dance together. That’s natural! But sometimes, those comfortable patterns can quietly turn into something less welcoming: a clique.

As teachers and organizers, we’re in a unique position to keep the dance floor open - not just for steps and technique, but for connection. So how can we ensure that everyone is included?

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.

There is a common assumption that dancers are smiley, outgoing attention-seekers with not a shy bone in their bodies. This can unfortunately be the stereotype so many of us feel obligated to conform to. 

But the reality is the exact opposite. In fact, many of the best dancers in the world are complete introverts, and for a good reason. Being an introvert in dance isn’t a disadvantage; it’s a superpower. 

So, you love your dance class. Excellent for you! But have you wondered about how your presence contributes to the class, and to the experience of everyone else? Every class has its own rhythm - not just in the music, but in the way everyone shows up and participates. 

Many adults have a hard time processing that they belong in a “basic” or “beginner” level, and want to advance too fast. This is not only dangerous for your own health, but stops the rest of the class from progressing as quickly as it could if the teacher didn’t have to accommodate a less experienced dancer. Always remember: in dance, “beginner” doesn’t mean “easy.” Take your time, and learn properly.

Learning to dance as an adult is exciting… and humbling. You’re used to knowing what you are doing, or at least picking things up quickly in other parts of your life: work, technology, home projects. After all, you’ve been around a while. You know what’s what. So when your feet refuse to cooperate or your body won’t move the way you imagined, it can be… frustrating.

You may have also heard that learning to dance (or to do anything really) takes longer for adults than for children. And, unfortunately, there is truth in this.

The good news? You can learn to dance faster - just not by overthinking it. Here’s how:

Think of what gets you excited about your dancing - learning something new, or doing the old things better? Are you a creator or a refiner? Be honest with yourself. And if you are lost, try different approaches, or a combination. The key is to transition in a way that suits you, not just “do more.”

It often comes as a surprise to new dancers that there is more to music than just the main beat. Dance teaches you to listen to the syncopations, silences, subtle differences in the notes, that a movement can happen at the beginning, middle, or end of the same beat. Musicality is a whole world of its own, and learning about it can be just as exhilarating as learning dance steps.

As adults, we are often unused to not being good at something. After all, most of us feel pretty confident handling our jobs and day-to-day responsibilities of keeping ourselves and our families alive. And then you take a ballet class, and realize you don’t know how to stand…

Many dancers shy away from Latin styles because they feel self-conscious. “Oh, I can’t move my hips like that!” Guess what? Moving your hips is a technique, which can (and should) be learned. Nobody is expecting you to already know how. That’s what taking classes is for. If your studio doesn’t teach this, there are lots of great exercises available online. If Latin dance interests you, don’t let an imaginary handicap stop you! Shake it with the rest of us!

Yes, it is boring to do the box step over and over again. But not refining your technique before learning more advanced patterns leads to injuries, among other things. It can also result in hurt feelings when partners don’t ask you/refuse to dance with you at socials because you are known as one of “those” dancers - the one who dances to their own percussion section… Say it with me: “I will learn proper technique and timing!” Good. Now, go practice.

Tango is danced with one’s nerves, feelings, and intuition, not just with their body. For many adult beginners, this dance takes the longest to feel comfortable with. This is because in Tango just learning the steps isn’t enough to get you through. Tango demands more from a dancer - listening, breathing with the rhythm, allowing the music to dictate what happens next.

Getting ready for a performance is about more than steps - it’s about mindset, preparation, and self-compassion. Every time you step onto the floor or a stage, you grow as a dancer and as a person. Remember - there is a reason people pay money to see live shows. They are not looking for perfection, but for an experience. Don’t show your audience perfect, show them why you dance.

Dance and music are inseparable. Developing a deeper understanding of rhythm and phrasing can transform how you move. Try listening to different genres—classical, jazz, tango, or pop—and notice how each influences your movement and mood. If you are feeling adventurous, try dancing the same couple of steps to different music, and notice how they change with each genre. Pay attention to the beats, accents, and pauses. When you learn to feel the music rather than just hear it, your dancing becomes more expressive, natural, and connected.

Remember, dance is not just about the steps. The art that you see behind each dance step comes not only from the technique, but from the human being that is behind it. Nurturing your mind, body, and spirit as you move through your dance career is essential for your art to thrive.

Dance, like any art form, comes with its fair share of challenges. Whether it’s overcoming performance anxiety, technical difficulties, or personal setbacks, building resilience is key. Think of every day as a clean slate. What can you do today to have a productive day in dance? Even if it is taking the day off, do what needs to be done to help you progress.

As you continue your dance journey, it's essential to recognize that dancing is not just about mastering steps; it encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Many dancers of all ages and levels tend to forget about this part. Whether you began dancing for exercise or for the art of it, the longevity of your dance journey directly depends on how well you address this part. Sure, dance is loads of fun - you make new friends, you feel and look great - but eventually, everyone has a day when they feel sore, unmotivated, and dare I say, burnt-out. Stick with me through this next part of our series to explore how to cultivate a holistic approach to your dance practice, and ensure that your dance path is long and successful.

As you progress in your dance practice, it’s vital to remember that every body is unique. This diversity is what makes dance so beautiful! Avoid comparing yourself to others, as everyone has different strengths, weaknesses, and physical attributes. This doesn’t mean you cannot admire other dancers, but rather that you should learn the difference between admiration and creating unrealistic expectations for yourself. Instead of striving to look like someone else, focus on embracing your own body and its capabilities. Yes, this can be harder than learning the actual dancing. But the more you learn to work with your body, the more you will be surprised how far it can take you.

Rest is an integral part of any fitness regimen, including dancing. As you increase your practice frequency and the complexity level of your dancing, your body will need time to recover. Overworking can lead to injuries and burnout, hampering your progress. Make it a point to include rest days in your schedule. Then stick to the schedule, even if you feel like practicing. Use the time to relax, stretch, or engage in gentle activities that promote recovery. My personal favorite is watching dance videos on youtube (while plumped down on the couch, like a lump). It allows me to still enjoy dance, but lets my body recover.

Let people see your enthusiasm. Personally, I have received a ton of completely free dance instruction as a young dancer simply because teachers could see how enthusiastic I was about learning. I practiced everything I learned in every single class, and came back to the next class ready to show the results and learn more. Most teachers will find a way to let you learn (for free or at a very low cost), if they see that you are willing to put in the time and effort.