How to dance without alcohol

[TemporarilyshyAF]

I have always been very shy about both singing and dancing unless drink is involved. I don't mean making a fool if myself drunk, just a couple of glasses as social lubricant. I can chat and joke and everything perfectly well without booze so it isn't overall shyness, just this.

I have recently stopped drinking for health reasons. May or may not be permanent. I don't massively miss it apart from this inability to dance totally sober. Just dancefloor stuff, nothing elaborate.

I really enjoy dancing and would like to be able to do it but feel so self conscious sober whereas it is a fun, creative, social and even sometimes sexy thing after a couple of drinks. I'm not bothered about being any good, I just want to break the ice and know what to do with myself again in that situation!

Any ideas please? Practical tips especially as 'just do it and pretend nobody is watching' won't help. I genuinely freeze up trying to dance publicly and can't think how to get started.

I'm t-total and love dancing! I just think that everyone around me is drunk, so nobody cares, and you draw less attention to yourself if you look and act confidently vs dancing awkwardly. Start with smaller moves and then build your confidence as you get into it. And defo on a busy dancefloor not near the edges until you're more confident.

Oh and I used to find holding a (non-alcoholic) drink helped me as it meant one arm was already busy so I worked around that as a starting point!

Just remember that everyone else is under the influence, so they will think you look great.

This is really interesting as I have never ever danced sober, I'm absolutely shite at it. But I can definitely get involved after a few.

Get a really swishy dress.

You put your left foot in....

'With your brain'. Lyuba SCD

I’ve had some of my best nights out since being teetotal. I really do understand, because I felt like you at first, but once you get on a dance floor and lose yourself in the music, it’s even better sober!

No falling over, no imagining you look amazing and then dying at the videos/photos the next day, you look fresher and feel better, and you remember it all!

Think about all the fun you had dancing when you were little. You didn’t need booze to have fun then!

I'd suggest going dancing, where there is a lesson and a social dance afterwards. You'll find most people don't drink. You'll learn some moves, and get used to dancing sober. Then dancing in a club etc, you'll have new confidence.

It has to be the right environment for me now that I am teetotal. Like... the stars have to align!

So either right people or right music or if I'm very lucky a combination of both!

I can't dance on every night out, and that's ok. I've got better at leaving early and not feeling like I have to stay to the end of things. The people who are drinking tend not to care so much beyond a certain point.

My best friend used to say that she never danced when drunk in case people would think that she’s just too drunk.

Be inspired!

This is really reassuring! It may not be as easy to get going but it's still in there!

Practice at home when you are alone