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How to Overcome a Fear of Dancing

Your fear of dancing might go beyond choosing to lean against the wall at a party watching others dance and have a great time. In fact, the name for this fear is chorophobia, which describes an intense and irrational dread of dancing, especially in front of others. For you, dancing might be associated with some other traumatic experience, or you might simply be embarrassed by your lack of natural grace. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to overcome this fear so that you can finally enjoy being on the dance floor.

Instructions

    • 1

      Identify the root of your fear of dancing by thinking back over your childhood or adolescence. You might recall a single traumatic occasion that causes your aversion to dancing, or you might find that you learned this fear from others, such as your parents or siblings.

    • 2

      Address what you have discovered to be the root of the problem, either by talking with a therapist or someone you trust. You'll need to disassociate yourself with that past event, so that your emotions do not paralyze you. Therapy in this case may or may not include hypnosis.

    • 3

      Use gradual exposure techniques to ease your way onto the dance floor little by little. For example, you might start off watching a dance-themed film, after which you might agree to watch a live dance performance. Then, when you're ready, you can take a private dance lesson or join a children's introductory dance class where you fit in comfortably. These steps will help build up your self-esteem, giving you the confidence to dance without fear.

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