You might look like a fool, but so will everyone else.

-jump around at a concert, to learn how to let loose in a crowd

-initially, find someone to dance with. its always easier with someone else

-practice a false sense of confidence. the best dancers are always the ones who look like they know they can dance (even if they cant)

That said, if anyone feels too shy to try classes, I recommend we form a group so we can all feel stupid and scared and have fun together. ^_^

Frankly, I think that rhythm is a lost battle anyway. Caucasian folks from most parts of the USA are deeply challenged there.

i can’t dance at all; sort of end up napoleon-dynamiting it up with the flailing and such.

but people do a lot of things to get over stage fright (which is what i’m going to say you have)–eating bananas, having a good luck charm, rituals… taking a shot or two (there are opera singers who swear by this). i think maybe the point is realizing that there’s no real way to make a mistake. unfortunately easier said than done, i suppose.

And I often look back on that night at Penn 12 as the drunkest I ever was in D.C.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a little liquid courage here and there. But Phillip has a good point: just what makes you so self conscious?

I totally relate to the tall, skinny and awkward when dancing problem. When you are half a foot taller and have some sharp corners, it can be a little intimidating. I think for me it is usually when I want to dance and my friends aren’t up to it that a drink is helpful. However, I think my lanky dancing skills when sober are definitely better than my piss drunk dancing skills any day of the week.

Personally, if it’s just grinding at Apex/Cobalt/Town with friends then I don’t need much liquid courage to do that (though actually approaching someone requires a helluva lot, but that’s a whole ‘nother post).

If it’s Black Cat, I’m happy to dance my ass off (on stage, even, if it’s in the back room), but I get more comfortable as the night goes on, perhaps because I’m losing my inhibitions, perhaps because I’m just getting more comfortable, perhaps because I’m forced to keep up with the ridiculous dancing of some of the other Black Catters.

@Philip: I obviously can’t speak for Zack, but I know that for me it’s all about lack of confidence. And I’d imagine that’s why most people drink socially, so that they feel more comfortable, be it talking with friends, talking to new people, dancing or whatever.

My flip answer (or is it?): stop drinking. Then, if you ever want to dance, you’ll have to do it while sober. You’ll build up a tolerance for dancing-while-sober. Trust me: sober dancing is the only type I ever do, and it’s very fun. You notice more of the appalled looks you’re getting as you bust your latest move. (Or is this only me?)

More seriously: what’s the root cause of why you can only enjoy dancing when drunk? Are you self-conscious about your dancing ability? Do you feel awkward around the groups of strangers who crowd most dance venues? Are there any other things you feel like you cannot do unless you’re drunk?

maybe in both cases it’s a case of taking things too seriously or being too self-conscious? i don’t know buti’m not really sure if there’s any way to get over it besides loosening the grip you have on your brain a bit and diving in…

And making out with your bf by the speakers at the Black Cat is always acceptable behavior. Encouraged, even. If you are gonna knee him on the balls on a regular basis, he might as well get good make out sessions to balance it out.