“Awkward body.” Clumsy, uncoordinated, self-conscious in movement. For years, dancing in public was my ultimate fear. The thought of being watched, judged, ridiculed for my lack of grace was paralyzing. Then, one day, fueled by a particularly catchy song and a dare from a friend, I did something completely out of character. I danced in public.
It wasn’t in a club or on a stage. It was in a park, in broad daylight, with people walking by. And it was terrifying. Initially. But as the music took over, something shifted. The self-consciousness started to fade. The fear of judgment melted away. And I just…moved. Awkwardly, enthusiastically, and completely unapologetically.
The world didn’t end. No one pointed and laughed. In fact, some people even smiled, nodded, or even joined in. Dancing in public with my “awkward body” was liberating. It was a realization that movement is for everyone, regardless of skill level or perceived grace. It was about prioritizing joy over perfection, freedom over fear, and simply letting go and having fun. My “awkward body” stopped being a source of embarrassment and became, surprisingly, a source of liberation. Dance like nobody’s watching, even when they are. Your body is meant to move. Embrace the awkwardness and let the joy take over.