Does anyone else out there have a phobia of dancing in public?
@shaggin (72240)
United States
January 29, 2008 10:16pm CST
I have the worst phobia of dancing in public. When I was young I wouldnt go to school dances because I was so phobic of dancing in front of people. I dont think I ever did dance in front of someone until I had to dance with my husband to practice slow dancing for our wedding. LOL neither of us had ever danced before so we didnt even know how. I was so nervous about my reception because of the fact that I had to dance with people it was the scariest thought. I had to have a few drinks before doing it and even then it was still really really hard for me. Slow dancing is bad but dancing like to fast "cool" music is just unbearable. When someone tries to get me to dance like that I literally get such anxiety that I feel like I'm going to throw up. I think if someone really was to make me somehow I either would throw up or faint. I know its so weird. I feel like such a freak. Does anyone know what this phobia is called? Anyone else out there have the same phobia? How does it effect you?
2 people like this
10 responses
@Qaeyious (2357)
• United States
24 Feb 08
I have a co-worker who said her sister is making her teach her nephew how to dance. Others gave their views on dancing, and I gave mine - I don't see any recreational value to dancing. As exercise it can be effective, but I don't find it fun and relaxing.
The way I put it, "I never could get the concept of dancing for recreation - if I'm moving, I want to be going somewhere."
I took a ballroom dancing course in college out of curiosity, and I probably still can do a waltz adequately, but I can't do it for fun. I rather go to the theatre, or opera - attend a symphony orchestra performance, even a movie. I find nothing enjoyable about dancing, in public or private.
1 person likes this
@shaggin (72240)
• United States
11 Mar 23
Gosh yeah dancing in public sure isn’t fun to me at all. I really don’t hardly ever dance in my home either.
@dangaroo (234)
•
30 Jan 08
Most men have that I think - I used to and generally need around 6/7 pints to get into the swing of things! I don't have a problem if it is with people I know. I imagine a trip to Africa would sort out any dancing phobias. They love a dance there! On other occasions, I've just took a long hard breath and been the first on the dance floor... after that I'm unstoppable lol.
@Zelmarq (12607)
• Cebu City, Philippines
30 Jan 08
Lucky for me coz I was never afraid of dancing infront of many people. Last christmas I joined a christmas dance contest and the moves were really hard but we were able to succeed with it finishing second place. Since i was small I have the opportunity of dancing and i was well exposed to that area even now that im already 31 years old.
@ryzach (1544)
• United States
30 Jan 08
No I do not have any fear of dancing in public. I am an okay dancer, I just do not worry about it and move to the music how I feel to do so because I love music so much. I used to have friends that would make fun of how people danced, i thought this was wrong because every one is an individual and has their own way. Besides how boring would that be if we all did everything the same. I say just be yourself and if you enjoy dancing just do it and have a good time. I cannot know how you feel because I have not experience this but I sincerely hope everything works out for you. Best of Luck!!!!!!
1 person likes this
@jhl930 (3601)
• United States
30 Jan 08
I don't know exactly what that phobia is called, I have danced infront of other people and it doesnt bother me....mind you thats slow dancing with a girl...if i had to fast dance infront of anyone with or without a girl...I don't know so much about that lol I think its more a fear of people making fun and laughing at you, I don't know exactly but I do know where you are coming from because I do have a few phobia's lol I'm just happy that you got over it intime for your wedding!!!!
1 person likes this
@leeesa (884)
• United States
30 Jan 08
I'm the same way. I will suffer through slow dancing, but anything beyond that causes severe anxiety! I will goof around at home with my 6jyear old daughter, but that is just for fun. I am too critical of myself and if I can't do it perfectly, then I won't do it at all. The thought of people watching me make a fool of myself just mortifies me!
@shaggin (72240)
• United States
21 Sep 10
Thats how I am. Slow dancing is bad enough but to actually dance like to rock music and have to show people my moves gives me horrible anxiety. At 27 I'm starting to get a little bit more comfortable with myself and can dance in front of someone for a few seconds without freaking out lol. I still have a long way to go.
@dreamy1 (3811)
• United States
30 Jan 08
For some reason I just will not dance in front of my family. I'm not a great dancer anyway but I don't know why I refuse to dance in front of them. My family has never seen me dance except for the electric slide which isn't hard and doesn't really require much rhythm.
Now take me to a club with a bunch of my friends and I turn into a dancing fool. I don't know why I'm embarrassed to dance in front of my family bit I can dance in front of my friends easily. Man do I miss those days in the clubs.
1 person likes this
@MAHESH2008 (844)
• India
30 Jan 08
I have this fobia right from my childhood. I have never done any dancing or gone to stage for any programme. even i had never think of doing any such things. I am not a good leader and never have any such confidence to go and dance in public.
@shaggin (72240)
• United States
11 Mar 23
@Mahesh2008 aww I am so sorry to hear you have the same phonia 
@ajhienomoto (131)
• Philippines
30 Jan 08
Hi, shaggin! I did some googling and i was surprised to find out that there actually is a term for this fear and it's called Chorophobia. I'm not sure if I ever had this kind of fear before, but I do remember that when I was young, I, too, didn't enjoy even just the thought of dancing in front of other people. But then it cannot be helped. But then we had to dance in school presentations and what-have-you's! It was inevitable. Haha. I guess as time passed, I realized that there should really be nothing to be afraid of. It's all in the mind, as they always say. I'm not a very good dancer myself, but I dance anyways if I want to. I believe that anyone can dance, but only if they truly want to. So get up on your feet and shake it like you've never shook it before! Haha. Good day!
1 person likes this
@shaggin (72240)
• United States
11 Mar 23
@ajhienomoto in elementary school and high school we had to do some dances it was awful! Thank you for looking up the name of the phobia for me that’s neat to learn the name of it!
