Dance: How to get Out of Your Head and Into Your Body

Photo: Adriano and Samantha social dancing at their Novaera social in Montreal

Dance is a sport and an art, a hobby and a profession, a psychological and a physical skill, a way to ground yourself within and a way to connect to others. It's hard not to overthink things during any activity, but it's especially difficult when you've got so many things to think about during partner dancing - the music, your partner, your space, the potential people watching you, not wanting to slip and fall... we barely have mental space for our own body awareness and enjoying the moment! It can all be overwhelming, but overcoming this can lead to that magical feeling when you are in the flow state. Pure joy, experiencing the moment, living in the present. Truly connecting and feeling you and your partner in the music. We've all felt this flow feeling, usually when you are doing something you love. But how do we get out of our head and into our bodies?

First we have to understand what it is to reside in your head. Often this is coming from a place of wanting to work hard and ending up over-thinking, over-worrying, over-controlling, over-correcting and over-squeezing. But this is not where your dancing should live. Notice how the best dancers (or athletes, artists, etc.) make it look so easy? They trust their bodies to work within its boundaries using the strength, flexibility and skills we have endowed it with. Yes, we must use our mind to develop good movement, but this is done by focusing and building awareness over your body. Not by trying to control it. 

We often focus on executing, copying movements that look good on someone else. but we forget to feel. Try to have these things in mind the next time you go social dancing or training. 

• Focus on the feelings, the sensations of your body
• Gain awareness first of your feet (and its connection to the ground, the thing that grounds us all) and then the center of the body (because connected movement comes from the center out, especially in latin dancing), before the extremities (wrists, hands, fingers)
• If something feels uncomfortable, as yourself why. Discomfort often comes from movement not coming from the center - it is disconnected. Never force your body to move as others, we are all different, and it will only lead to injury
• Feel things first, analyze it later.
• Alternate between using the mirror and not using it
• Take things slow. Your mind can focus on one thing at a time only. If you are feeling overwhelmed, connect first with your feet (feeling the ground) and work your way up (center of the body) and away (surroundings, partner, music) from there
• Play! Let go, treat the dance floor as your playground, and have fun!

These are easier said than done, but as a dancer myself, using these tips I have had incredibly connected dances, despite negative external circumstances (i.e. super hot room, super crowded, feet hurt, unfamiliar music...). So, if you're feeling stuck, seeing no results despite the time and energy you've put into working those sweet skills, try thinking less and feeling more. 

And, as always, comfortable shoes are incredibly important to avoid injury and feel that connection to the floor, from which all movement comes from. Check out I Love Dance Shoes collections to browse our many options. Feel free to contact us at info@ilovedanceshoes.com or 1–866–520–6218 to further inquire and find the best options for you!

Bersy - an afro-salsa legend you might catch at an international festival who has mastered the art of being in the body and having fun