Let’s be real, being the only girl in the room (or the youngest) can leave you feeling out of place and intimidated. But what if we told you that you could change that? What if instead of feeling out of place, you use it as an opportunity to have the upper hand? Being the only girl or being the youngest doesn’t make you “weird.” It actually gives you the power. And if you play your cards right, you can gain confidence and respect that will benefit you in the future.
Feeling Out of Place? You are not Alone.
It is normal to feel nervous in a situation like this. It might feel like everyone is looking at you or talking about you. You might feel like you need to prove yourself, and you might be nervous to ask questions. Whether you are a freshman in high school, at a college, or the only girl in a room full of male company hip-hop dancers, it can feel like you are in the spotlight.
How to Handle It
Let your Talent, not your Age or Gender, Speak For You
You are so talented and full of energy! Let that speak for you. You are an incredible dancer who deserves to be in the room, so carry that confidence with you. Every time you are going full-out for a dance, control your movements to keep them sharp and take any critiques you get. This will show growth and maturity regardless of your age or gender, and this will make people take you seriously. You don’t need to fit the “standards” of being younger. Rise to the level of the people surrounding you because you are more than capable.
Use the Opportunity to Your Advantage
It is an amazing opportunity to be surrounded by people with more or different experiences than you. Ask questions, take notes, and just soak in the experience. Watch their movement and technique, how they apply corrections, and the confidence that they have. This could be a life-changing experience!
Use Your Voice When Necessary
Your voice matters as much as anyone else in the room, regardless of your age or gender. If you have a question, raise your hand and ask it. If you need clarification on a correction, ask for it. Speaking up for yourself shows that you are mature and came there to learn.
Dive into What Makes You Different
Being “the only” in the room gives you an immediate chance to stand out. This will help you to leave an impact wherever you are. Use this to your advantage!
It’s Okay to Feel Different
Even the most experienced dancers feel out of place sometimes. It is a completely normal and sometimes unavoidable feeling. This doesn’t mean it is a bad thing to be different. Being different gives you an edge over other people, lets you stand out, and gives you a confidence boost that you have something that someone else doesn’t. So keep your head held high, no matter where you are!