What will everyone think?

W

Wannabee

Well-Known Member
I am brand new to dance forums and brand new to ballroom dancing. I've seen a few threads about this subject before but they haven't quite hit the nail on the head for me. My question is this... To all of you pro-am/am-am/pro-pro competitors, how much of an issue is it when you see someone overweight doing ballroom?

I am significantly overweight (we'll skip the specifics) and I have my very first showcase coming up in Sept. (my pro talked me into it, I feel way too shy and self-concious). Anyway, I'm doing Salsa and I absolutely LOVE dancing during my lessons, at home on my hardwood dining room floor, at our practice parties, etc. but this showcase is kind of freaking me out. Honestly, I'm not terrible at dancing and I took my very first lesson only 2 months ago, so it's not really the dancing part that has me freaking out. It's more the weight/self-concious issues. I have been working on my weight and have lost alot so far, but much more to go. Honestly, I'm a bit too uncomfortable "flirting" with my pro. We enjoy our lessons but that's just dancing, not flirting. Should I just go for it? What if my pro doesn't want me to "flirt" in the Salsa? Maybe that's too gross? Help me??
 
Wannabee, Welcome to Dance Forums! About your issue, this is the right place to ask. Sorry that I myself cannot offer you any advice for these issues myself, except to assure that others here might be able to...
 
Hi Wannabee!!!

Welcome to DF and the world of ballroom dancing! :)

To answer your question, I have seen many many overweight dancers at competitions and studios. Most of them are pro/am, like yourself. I would also like to point out that a lot of them are phenomenal dancers. It is not an uncommon sight in the ballroom world, so do not let it deter you. :) I think doing the showcase (and dancing in general) will do wonderous things for your self-esteem!

As far as the characterization of the dance, i think character is very important! I would follow my instructor's advice on how to characterize your particular salsa showcae - and if he instructs you to be fun and flirty, definitely go for it! it will make the show more fun for your audience. :) If you are unsure how to do it, ask your pro.

hope this helps :)
 
People will respond positively to your confidence, enthusiasm, and energy. I don't think weight has to be an issue unless you make it one by appearing self-conscious and uncomfortable. Whatever attitude or character your pro suggests for the dance, if you do your best to go out there and own it, the audience will be on your side. If you are uncomfortable thinking of it as "flirting" (I might be, too, if it were me), maybe think of it as showing that you are having a good time. You already know you love dancing; think of this as a chance to demonstrate that love to others.

Good luck--performing is so much fun; I really hope you enjoy your moment!
 
If you are confident, it'll show and the performance should be great! I've seen some very large women (not just overweight but obese) that had the right attitude and were great dancers, and no one thought lowly of them at all.

If you're nervous about performing, just go for it and it gets easier with time. Almost everyone has a little stage fright :) The only thing I'd be careful about is making sure to wear a flattering costume, but of course this applies to just anyone, no matter what size or weight they are.
 
A bit off topic, but make sure you test-dance your outfit before the performance. A twirly skirt does wonders to make salsa look great, but invest in black or matching dance pants in case the skirt twirls up a lot! (Actually, I just buy solid black "granny panties" in a comfortable size and wear them as the top layer of my underwear; "real" dance pants can feel like sausage casings.)
 
Thanks for that video Barrefly! That was exactly what I needed to see! She was rockin it... I need to rock it too but easier said than done right? I'm not sure I know how to rock it or have the nerve to dance like nobody's watching when that's kind of the point of a showcase... Starting to panic a little...
 
Your dancing should never be about the approval of others, especially when you're beginning. You obviously enjoy it or you would just not do it.. and this is a hurdle for you, understandably so. Its hard not to compare ourselves with other dancers in various ways. I've always been pretty consistently told I was homely or average looking at best, so that has been my big hurdle, the reason why I have been afraid no one will want to dance with me. If they don't for that reason, I shouldn't want to dance with them. I have mostly found that people do want to dance with me because I'm fun to dance with and that has nothing to do with what I look like.
 
waltzgirl said:
Great video! Notice how much better the heavy girls who are smiling and having fun look compared to the skinny ones with bored stone-faces.
Click to expand...
was going to say the same thing!! She brought so much fun and life onto the floor! Weclome to DF Wannabe hope you enjoy your stay here <3
 
i was at a country western competition (ucwdc) and i was sitting near one of the judges. he turned and pointed out to me an overweight competitor. he said that the important thing was how comfortable the dancer was in their body, not the size of the dancer. the same is true in showcases. wear a costume that is comfortable and fits nicely -- not too tight. make sure to cover things that might accidently reveal themselves (black granny pants). stand and dance proudly -- and HAVE FUN. it will wow everyone, and get you addicted to the experience.

good luck and have fun!!
 
Wannabee said:
Thanks for that video Barrefly! That was exactly what I needed to see! She was rockin it... I need to rock it too but easier said than done right? I'm not sure I know how to rock it or have the nerve to dance like nobody's watching when that's kind of the point of a showcase... Starting to panic a little...
Click to expand...


Remember, the woman in the video has been dancing a lot longer than 2 months. Just do *your* version of comfortable, happy, and enjoying the dance, and you'll be fine!
 
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