Perspective on Dancing

Many guys are intimidated by the idea of dancing. They are even more intimidated by the thought of dancing with a woman in a way which requires knowing dance steps. There are many valid reasons for men to feel this way:

- A man has to know the dance step.

- A man has to know what dance step he wants to do next.

- A man then has to lead the woman in the current dance step and properly prepare her for the next one.

- A man has to be aware of where he and his woman are on the floor so they are not getting in the way of other dancers.

That is a lot! It takes a while for a man just beginning to dance to get comfortable with all of the above.

Therefore, to keep guys from getting discouraged, I often tell a story told to me by a professional dancer who was also the father of one of my high school friends. It will remind you of what the main purpose of dancing is.

Many years ago, Joe and a couple of his professional dance pals were at a dance club in New York City. They were watching the couples dancing around the floor and critiquing each of them in turn.

Joe’s two companions had special disgust for one couple and for the guy in particular.

“He can’t dance at all,” they said. “He is off rhythm, he only knows 3 steps and is as graceful as a brick! Why is he even here? He makes everyone else look bad.”

Joe listened to his fellow dancers and then turned to them and said, “You’re wrong. He’s the best dancer here.”

The two other guys looked at him dumbfounded.

“How can you say that?” they demanded. “Can’t you see how bad a dancer he is?”

“You’re not looking at his lady. Look at her. She is having the time of her life out there. No woman is smiling more than her. He is the best dancer.”

Keep this perspective, men, and you will come to enjoy dancing more than you ever thought you could.