Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) can significantly affect dancers, particularly in social situations that carry a sense of novelty, according to insights shared by experts. Individuals facing SAD might find activities like attending a new dance class, joining a dance company, or participating in auditions to be particularly challenging. The unfamiliarity of such situations tends to exacerbate anxiety, as explained by Hyde. He suggests that while a dance class with a familiar setting might be manageable, situations involving new elements can heighten this type of anxiety.
In contrast, Neimeyer has discovered that dance has served as a positive outlet for her and has introduced opportunities that, despite being demanding, have contributed to her recovery from SAD. Her experience at Frame has provided a sense of community and belonging, and she has found solace in the structured environment that dance provides. Neimeyer emphasizes the value of dance for individuals with SAD, highlighting its capacity to foster connections. She notes that the structured framework of dance offers guidance on appropriateness and enables individuals to express themselves in acceptable ways.
Although Neimeyer has made progress in managing SAD and has found a supportive dance community at Frame, she acknowledges that certain aspects of being part of a dance company, such as partnering, can still pose challenges. Despite these hurdles, she acknowledges the rewards of breaking through barriers to engage with others in the dance realm.
