The dance floor does not ask for your CV.

Leave performance at home

Your first thought may be: “I cannot remember how.” Acknowledge it without turning it into a reason to stay seated all evening. Listening, moving a little and watching are already ways of taking part.

You do not need an impressive story about your ability. “I am starting again” is enough of an introduction.

You can enjoy yourself before you feel good at it.

An invitation is not an obligation

You can accept a dance, decline it or stop whenever you want. The same is true for someone you invite. A no does not call for persistence and should not become a judgement about the person.

If you do not know the steps, saying so can make things easier. If you prefer dancing on your own, you do not need to explain that choice.

Choose what makes you want to stay

Volume, space, music and atmosphere matter more than finding a supposedly perfect venue. You can change places or leave if you do not feel comfortable.

You can come back another time. One evening does not have to contain every dance you missed: it can contain just the first one you feel like doing now.