Overcoming Shyness

Last fall, my student Roberto was in tears the day before the after-school club was to give its debut performance at a school assembly. While he had been doing fine in the dance classes, he was too shy to get up in front of the whole school and perform. He sat out that morning and watched while the rest of the school cheered for his club-mates as they performed their swing, tango, and merengue routines.

Four months later, the dance club was performing again - this time in a friendly, casual dance competition format. I took Roberto aside and asked him if he would like to participate. Without hesitation, he said yes. On the day of the event, Roberto showed up dressed to the nines and ready to go. On the dance floor, he smiled at his partner and nailed the swing dance routine with confidence. He and his partner made it into the final round and walked out that afternoon with awards in hand and grins on their faces. They hadn't finished in first place, but they most certainly had won.