Seattle's an ideal place for anxious dancers. Here's why

Dance artist and instructor Alethea Alexander feels lucky to live in Seattle — in large part because the city offers so many venues and opportunities to dance.

“There is a wealth of dance that you can access," she said, "Whether you’ve never danced before in your life or you are pursuing dance as a profession."

Alexander teaches dance at UW and Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University, and is the director of training at Dance Church, a free-form and all-levels movement class/dance party.

But if the thought of dancing next to other people makes you anxious, Alexander has a suggestion: Just dip a toe in. Try a class that interests you and see how it feels. She says the rewards are worth pushing through the discomfort.

For her, the biggest reward is that dance is a community space.

"It's a way I know other people," Alexander said. "It's a way I get to be with people in a meaningful relationship, in a way where we can share experience — light, space, sound, time. It's a way for me to feel joy and silliness."

But where should the anxious dancer start? Alexander has advice for that too.

Start by asking yourself a few questions: Do you want to learn dance steps or are you just looking to move? Do you want to be in a space where there are people who share some of your identities? Would you rather be in a room with people you’re likely to know, or would you rather have some anonymity?

No matter how you answer, Seattle has something to offer you.

This story comes from an episode of KUOW's "Meet Me Here" podcast. Listen on the KUOW app or wherever you get podcasts.

Here are some of the places Alexander suggests checking out. All are welcoming to the nervous and first-time dancer.

• Afrodance Seattle
• PNW Afro Dance Camp 2025
• Dance Church Seattle
• Velocity Dance Center
• Drop Zone Dance
• The Beacon Studio
• Salsa Con Todo
• OmCulture
• More links from this episode:
• Cannonball Arts
• Dance Yourself Free