Darling, don’t ever be too shy to dance your heart out.
—Audrey Hepburn
I can’t tell you how many dancers I’ve talked to who claim to be introverted, like me. Luckily, partner dancing is a great social pursuit for introverts! As Jenny Levina says in her article about the topic, “introverts have genuine advantages in partner dancing.” She cites examples like good sensitivity which, she says, “makes you naturally responsive to subtle cues,” and how an introvert’s strong observational skills are helpful in learning from others.
Growing up, I was painfully shy and socially awkward, with a penchant for blushing so brightly people couldn’t help but comment on it. Thus making me blush all the more. When I first began teaching dance, around 2000, friends would deliberately ask insinuating questions (they later told me) just to see how flushed and red my face would get.
So one of the things that really appealed to me about partner dancing was I didn’t have to talk much. Clever repartee was never my strong suit, nor were initiating conversations or keeping them going, once started. In classes and on the dance floor I could find common ground through laughter, common purpose, and the experience of healthy physical intimacy. At last! I’d found a hobby that, if I played my cards right, no one need know I was a dork.
I’ve gotten more social over the years and can now shine for longer periods as an extrovert before hiding out to nurture my deeply introverted side. My social circle would likely be very small if it weren’t for dance, and I’m so grateful for our Puget Sound dance communities filled with introverts, extroverts, and everyone in between.
Feel the ease and joy of non-verbal communication by taking a class or going out dancing. There are some great opportunities listed online at the Dance Calendar.
See you on the dance floor —Sean Donovan