How do I get over self-consciousness as a dancer?

Question:

How do I get over self-consciousness as a dancer?

I am taking a beginner's level dancer and can't get over the feeling that everyone is criticizing me. I see how other dancers seem to move perfectly and want to be able to move like them, but I'm terribly uncoordinated! I try to just be myself and relax, but get so stressed I forget the moves. What should I do?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: watch and analyze the others and try to copy them. if you wanted to you could practice in front of a mirror alone until you like the way your body looks doing the moves. you could also ask some of the others for advice on how to dance like them or ask your teacher for suggestions on how you personally can improve. nobody is criticizing you, and if they are, who cares what they think. just don't let it get to you and you'll improve so much more then you would if you're too self conscious. hope i helped!! just keep practicing and then you will get it-- when i first started dance i was the same way- but then i kept practicing and i was one of the best ones in my class.. have fun with it Good Luck :D If you want to move like them, then simply try to. Analyze them or simply ask them if they could give you quick lessons. But you shouldn't worry about everyone criticizing you, because dancing is about relaxing and just being yourself. Oh and btw practice, practice, practice! I have been dancing since I was born. I do Irish step dancing, and believe me you get so much criticism, its crazy. What really helped me is to think "I may not get this now, but someday I will". I also practice a lot. The thing with Irish step dancing, you have to pretend that you are better than everybody else or otherwise "fake till you make it". Of course I don't know if that will work with the style of dancing you do. Personally if the advice the people are giving you is rude or mean, don't listen. However you have to keep in mind that you have walk before you run, so don't close out everybody. And remember dancing is supposed to be fun!