| There’s nothing wrong with fear; the only mistake is to let it stop you in your tracks. —Twyla Tharp |
The headline “Suddenly Everyone Is Scared to Dance at Concerts and Clubs” (Wall Street Journal, Dec.31, 2025) — with the subtitle “More young partygoers are worrying about looking goofy on camera, prompting some artists to wonder if social media is killing dance” — caught my eye today. I didn’t deign to subscribe in order to read the article, as the evident hyperbole (“Everyone” is scared? Suddenly?) made it appear to be clickbait.
The video accompanying the article is of actor Austin Butler moving somewhat awkwardly at a Bad Bunny concert. Butler explained to Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show that he was actually high on an edible at the time and perceived himself as needing to “hide” and not dance, while at the same time being driven to move by the wonderful music. At a loss, he crossed his arms and swayed. He may look goofy, but luckily he doesn’t seem cowed at becoming a meme.
When the question of having the courage to dance arises, I always think of the Henry David Thoreau quote: “A man sits as many risks as he runs.” Meaning, to me, are we going to feel vulnerable, or make fools of ourselves at some point, if we dance? Yes, of course we will, and I have. Are we any less foolish, though, if we lock down our movement out of fear?
This willingness to risk is something I’ve always admired in others, and tried to emulate. Often it’s those most unguarded that I find to be the greatest inspirations. Haters who’d mock us for dancing are, in my view, the real fools, and we mustn’t let them dissuade us. Courage, then, and in the words of Lord Byron, “On with the dance! let joy be unconfin’d.”
I support you aspiring to dancing grace while gambling looking dorky (please send video!) at any of the welcoming events listed online at the Dance Calendar.
See you on the dance floor —Sean Donovan