Hard to explain dance problem? Please help, it doesn't have to do with dance moves?

[WHYD03SL0V3HAPP3N-♥-]

See I dance every Tuesday at my local studio. I have no friends and barely talk in the class, and I don't want friends in the class, either. Well, anyways, I always do so bad on the dance at the studio, but then when I practice at home I make everything more big and a lot better. I don't know what to do because I think I'm shy, but no matter what I do, I cannot dance like nobody is watching at dance classes. Any tips? Thanks a whole bunch!! God Bless.

 

[Jaded Ruby]

Well first of all....what kind of dance is it? DO you like your classmates? Do you feel comfortable around them? If you do not....I would try and find a class where you can connect. YOu don't have to be friends with anyone outside of class....but you should know their names and be able to greet them when you see them. You should also notice who is absent and be able to ask about their well-being. Once you feel comfortable TALKING to them, talk to your teacher about your awkward feelings. Getting reassurance from a teacher always helps.
Next you MUST be able to screw up. You MUST give yourself permission to mess something up. We all go through that. Once you are comfortable making an "ass" out of yourself in front of your classmates it will be alot easier to dance like no one's watching. You may here some real inspirational garbage about feeling the dance through the heart...and letting everything else fall away...But it's just that garbage. That comes later....after you are already comfortable making mistakes and being corrected in front of other people. The truth is..EVERYONE dances better at home when no one is watching...but you have to get over the idea you are one level and everyone else is one a different level. The reality is...they have practiced more, they are more comfortable than you are....and they probably have been dancing longer! So what?? You are dancing for YOU! Not for them.....so laugh at yourself. Say out loud "Oh I know I should accent this bigger! I'm going to work on that.." and then practice, practice, practice. Evryone goes through that....but the only way to get past it....is to go THROUGH it. Let the worst happen...they may laugh, then you can laugh too. As a group the dancers should empathize with your struggles and you may find it will bring you closer to those girls...they may even share stories of how it was difficult to master certain things for them, or how they learned this or that.
The main thing is dance is for fun, and for the love of dance...If you are worrying about being "perfect" or not making a single mistake...you will never reach and take chances that will eventually make you a stronger dancer. Good luck!