To many, the only difference between introverts and extroverts is where they get their energy. Extroverts are energised by social interaction and drained by time spent alone, while introverts are the opposite. Being one or the other does in no way mean you will or will not have a wonderful experience of dance or a successful dance career. Many might assume that for dancers to be successful, they have to be extroverts who feed off attention, and that introverts don’t enjoy being in the spotlight.
However, dance is so much more than being in the spotlight. Dance is an important means of self-expression for shy people, and a way to escape the every day, the every day where these introverted feelings might takeover completely. It is not surprising that many introverts are drawn to dancing. Dance tells stories, and introverts are usually more comfortable using physical expression to communicate, making them greater dancers in the studio or artists onstage.
Dance is also very individual to everyone, and a chance to work on something personal to you. Classes can be the ideal environment for quiet spaces, as there is no pressure to speak up, just to soak up the information. Everyone is there to listen to the teacher, to learn and to practice – moreover introverts are generally very observant, picking up on subtleties of body language, which lends itself so well to the enjoyment and success of dance.
An introverted dancer can use these attributes to focus entirely on the choreographer without being distracted by other dancers around them. This can also help them bring more to their performance, working on this quietly rather than making themselves the centre of attention. To this end, introverted dancers have no problem with practicing alone in the studio, and will work and work until they accomplish what they set out to do.