Get footloose
By Stephanie Lovett,
Jayplay writer
How to look like you have a clue on the dance floor
How to look like you have a clue on the dance floor
You probably wouldn't know it to look at them, but Lawrence is filled with people who have chorophobia. You may even be one of them. Chorophobics are wallflowers, bathroom lurkers and table holders. Chorophobia is the persistent fear of dancing. It keeps perfectly normal people from trying to dance and usually causes feelings of anxiety and isolation. "I don't want to display my uncoordinated self in front of others," says Brad Youse, Topeka senior.
others, says Brad Voleu. But there's no need to suffer. Everyone can dance, even if we feel stupid doing it.
Attitude
Attitude To feel comfortable on the dance floor, skill may be preferred but attitude is a requirement. Dancers and instructors alike agree that the way you approach a dancing situation is key. Do whatever it
takes to get in a positive frame of mind. Very few people just don't have any rhythm, says Bridget Janner, dance instructor for Camelot Ballroom II, 1117 Massachusetts St. Janner recommends thinking of dancing as exercise. And if it will loosen you up, have a drink. Watch
Watch
Press Appropriately
Don't set yourself up for failure. Janner
You don't have to be unique. Cathy Jarzemkoski, former dancer and KU spirit squad and dance team coordinator, suggests paying attention to what others are doing. If you watch MTV, BET or VH1, take notice of the dancers in music videos for ideas. And though you'll probably feel ridiculous doing it, you can always watch yourself in a mirror sometime.
Dress Appropriately
emphasizes wearing leather-soled shoes that won't slip. You'll be able to move better and you'll look more relaxed. Also wear comfortable clothes that won't make you look even more awkward when you dance.
Move
Move Don't just stand around nodding your head or flapping your arms. Move your feet. "Keep it simple, keep it stupid," Jarzemkoski says. She suggests following the beat of the music and moving your feet from side to side. Avoid overdone or complicated movement and keep your knees bent. Don't do hip-hop right away because it requires more coordination. Jarzemkoski also says women shouldn't try to be too sexy or sultry until they are very comfortable dancers.
Practice
Practice The only way to feel truly comfortable dancing is to do it often enough that you don't feel inexperienced. Dance with your friends at a gathering that is small enough to ensure your comfort, but large enough that you don't feel like everyone is looking at you. Women are more likely to dance in groups, so guys may want to practice in front of a mirror.
Despite this advice, many people still fear dancing. But it may help to think of it the way Charley Forsythe, Anthony sophomore, does: "You can wiggle around like you don't care or you can hide in the bathroom." And given those options, dancing really has to be preferable.
Damage control
How to make a clean getaway from from a lovesick friend
So you're out at the bars with your guy friend Sam. It's been a whole summer vacation since you've hit the town in Lawrence and better yet, you're on the prowl. Just when you make eye contact with that cute sandy-blonde across the way, your friend Sam unveils something horridly awkward. He's secretly loved you since
you first met in the cereal line at the dining hall freshman year. You flash a regretful grin, but admit you were just crushing on the mysterious smile across the way. The next thing you know, Sam feels a bit queasy. Before you can make way toward your hottie, Sam is losing his fried pickle nachos supreme in your handbag!
Oh that's just great, now what? Ditch your dishonest Sam and hit the nearest powder room — you mustn't miss this chance with Noah Wyle look-alike over there. Forget the line, most single chicas would understand. Turn that bag inside out and empty your bag o' lime green chunks in the trash. Forget about the nail file and lipstick, you can
replace those easier than a once-a-semester conversation with sexy J. Doe from across the bar. Rinse and wipe. Revert to original form and line the inside with a paper towel for the rest of the evening. Don't forget to wipe off your ID you'll need it when you and handsome hit up the next bar together.
—Megan Claus
Five minute fix
Do your new apartment's refrigerator smell a little funky? Take everything out of it and wipe the entire inside with a mixture of water and baking soda. Then soak a paper towel in vanilla extract and leave it in the refrigerator overnight. The next day your refrigerator should smell fresh.
Source: ServiceMagic Inc. Home Improvement Guides
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