5 steps to start building confidence through dance
Every day at Madhouse, we see women walk out of class feeling more confident than when they walked in. Dancing is an outlet for self-expression and a powerful confidence-building tool. If you’ve been wondering how to build confidence or how to feel empowered as a woman, dance might be the missing piece.
Here are five steps to help you start your dance journey and begin boosting your self-esteem through movement:
1. Start Where You Are
We get it. Dance can be extremely vulnerable and intimidating, especially if you have no experience. Madhouse exists because our founder struggled to find an inclusive space for beginners, so she decided to create it herself. She had no dance experience, but she wanted a space where “non-dancers” could have fun and get a great workout. If that’s not “starting where you are,” we don’t know what is!
Our classes are designed for beginners, so you don’t need any dance experience. We celebrate you exactly as you are. If you’re looking for ways to feel more confident, our classes are a great place to start.
2. Take Up Space
In a world that traditionally tells women to be smaller, quieter, and shrink themselves, we strive to be the antithesis. Throughout class, we encourage you to take up space and be unapologetically you. The loud, the bold, the sensual, the messy, the fierce—let all of those parts shine.
Even if you think you’re not a “good” dancer, you deserve the space to move and groove freely. Learning how to be more confident often starts by allowing yourself to be fully seen and heard.
3. Accept and (Eventually) Celebrate Your Sexuality
This can be hard to do. Modern societal standards have labeled most things related to sexuality as taboo. We often carry shame surrounding this natural aspect of our humanity. In a Madhouse class, we let all of that go. We accept that wanting to feel sexy is a valid desire, and it is nothing to be ashamed of.
Unpacking this can often take serious inner work, so if you experience deep shame or trauma surrounding your sexuality, we recommend seeking professional help. However, if you are willing and able to go there, our Redroom classes are designed to be a safe space for women to explore this side of themselves. Picture red lighting, spicy hip-hop and R&B music, and a class full of supportive women moving with you. In these classes, you’re dancing for no one but yourself.
So much of gaining self-confidence comes from reconnecting with your body and your voice.
4. Practice Affirmations
Our inner voice is tremendously powerful. Affirmations are a powerful way to rewire your subconscious mind and boost your confidence. They might even give you the bravery to try your first dance class! Start with a mix of mental and physical traits. For example: I am beautiful, I am powerful, I am confident, I am strong.
Even if it feels untrue, the more you repeat them, the more it sinks into the depths of your mind and becomes reality. In class, we encourage you to admire yourself, appreciate your body, and acknowledge your beauty both inside and out. Each class is full of affirmations from the instructor, and hearing these can be a great way to strengthen your mindset and overcome self-doubt.
5. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone & Find Your Community
People are often uncomfortable starting their dance journey alone. You might try to recruit a friend to take class together, but don’t let waiting for a friend hold you back from trying something new. If you show up to a dance class with an open heart and mind, you will find your people.
Women in the studio are kind, supportive, and nonjudgmental, and they will quickly become your hype squad. We can’t even tell you how many friendships and book clubs have been formed from Madhouse classes.
If you're looking to be confident in yourself, stepping out of your comfort zone is the first step. We’re here for you whenever you’re ready.