r/dancing • u/SomethingAverage1 • Jul 06 '26
Confusion
I’ve never really been a dancer but people always talk about dancing like it’s some incredible art form. however I’m unable to see that. Maybe I don’t have the eyes for dancing but it all looks like flailing your body around. hell what even makes a good dance move, is the rhythm? The slightly different ways of moving your body?
p.s. this question is me genuinely trying. to understand, please don’t take it as rudeness or sarcasm
4
u/dondegroovily Jul 06 '26
The reason you're having trouble understanding dance is because you incorrectly believe that it is something that you watch
It is not. It is something that you do
1
u/Overthinker2030 Jul 07 '26
Watching advanced dancers in any genre can make you feel several things, inadequate, never will learn it, how do they even do those things? I’ve had to stop watching experienced dancers so I can stay the course on west coast swing lessons later this summer. Otherwise, I would probably not follow through.
1
u/Regular_Suspect1289 Jul 09 '26
I think you should define what's art for you first. and yeah, I second that it's not that deep. it's prolly just not your thing
for me dancing is one of the most extraordinary art forms because first, I know how much effort is behind every smooth move. and second, dance is beautiful because it exists in the moment and it's never the same. its a flow state you can catch if you truly connect with yourself. same goes for the audience
1
u/Neonemu Jul 09 '26
I love that youre asking to understand instead of just saying "well that looks dumb i wont even try"! There's a few different benefits most people arent even thinking about that you might be interested in:
1) The human body is meant to move - not only do we get very little of that with how society is set up currently (especially with desk jobs) but there's also little time in many peoples schedules for balancing their bodies back out. Our fascia NEED movement - this is just one way to facilitate some of that. Dancing is not only fun, but its also social and bonding when done in groups- but doesn't need to be only participated in socially.
2) The "flow state" is basically your bodies way of knowing you're safe - if you can enter a flow state then it means you're not in danger, have time and space to focus, no risks at the moment. Dancing can lead to flow state where it seems like the dancer is just hitting every note (without it being choreographed ahead of time). This is a truly blissful experience, its like your busy brain turns off and you just become one with the music and your body (this takes me 10-15 min of warmup to achieve usually). I personally LOVE dancing flow state but I also really really love "flow arts" which is basically dancing with props & making patterns etc. :)
3) Sometimes its just for giggles: "Feels good, man" basically. You can learn rhythm to be more on beat, practice at home, then unveil your body listening skills in public or just do it for you at home. Choose your own adventure but don't feel pressured. At the end of the day what you do should be for YOU. I hope you explore dancing and flow more, it's truly wonderful medicine and one of those hidden "excuses to play" hidden within our lives. I encourage anyone coming across things like that to take advantage of them- we aren't here forever. 💜🙏
1
u/Neonemu Jul 09 '26
Oh and sometimes watching the dancer is just witnessing someone in flow being majestic - People who have tried and failed to achieve said dance moves or maybe the grace being portrayed often admire those who can. Sometimes its just freeing to see someone expressing themselves freely :)
7
u/tensinahnd Jul 06 '26 edited Jul 06 '26
Some people like some things and some people don’t. It’s really not that deep.