The story is about a Malaysian woman who signed up for a dance class to feel joy and confidence but instead found the pace and instructor crushing her self-esteem.
Azura had always wanted to learn how to dance. She wasn’t looking to become a professional or even impress anyone. She just thought it would be fun to move to the beat, learn a few steps, and feel the joy of dancing without a care in the world.
So, when she came across an ad for a dance class that promised a “community-driven” vibe, where beginners could learn at their own pace, she was sold. The ad made it sound so simple – no pressure, no expectations, just a group of people coming together to have fun and learn together.
Azura thought, This is perfect for me.
She wasn’t expecting to be a star dancer by the end of the course, but she was excited to give it a go. She signed up, feeling hopeful, and maybe even a little bit proud of herself for stepping out of her comfort zone.
The Reality Check
When Azura walked into that first class, her heart was racing with excitement. But then… she froze.
The studio was packed with people, and to her surprise, most of them were children. And not just any kids, they were really good. They were so coordinated, effortlessly picking up moves that Azura hadn’t even seen before. She wasn’t jealous, though. In fact, she admired their skill. But it did make her feel a little… out of place.
What really threw her off was that, as the class went on, she realized she was the only one who had signed up as a complete beginner.
It seemed like nearly everyone in the room had some level of dancing experience. Adults, kids, everyone.
The moves? They were picking them up with ease. Azura, on the other hand, was struggling to keep up. But, she told herself, It’s okay. I’m here to learn.
So, she kept trying. She knew it was going to take time. But that’s when the instructor walked in.
The Instructor Who Wasn’t What She Expected
Azura was expecting someone warm and encouraging, someone who would understand that she was a beginner and would guide her step by step. Instead, the instructor came across as… well, tough.
He was blunt. He wasn’t really patient. And when people stumbled over the steps, he didn’t hesitate to call them out.
“Come on, you’re too slow. Pick it up!” he snapped, and Azura could feel her stomach tighten.
At first, she thought it was just his teaching style. Maybe he was trying to motivate the class, get everyone to push harder. But the more it went on, the more Azura felt singled out. Whenever she struggled to catch a move, the instructor would zero in on her. “You’re not trying hard enough!” he’d say. He was brutal.
Azura wasn’t trying to be lazy. As a matter of fact, she was trying really hard. But the more she tried, the more frustrated she felt.
And it wasn’t just the instructor. Everyone around her seemed so effortless, so confident.
She felt like an outsider, like she was the only one who wasn’t meant to be there.
She thought she had signed up for a class where beginners could feel welcome. Instead, she felt like she was being pushed to be something she wasn’t yet, and it wasn’t fun anymore.
The Unexpected Pressure
When Azura signed up for the class, she was told there wouldn’t be any pressure. But a few classes in, Azura discovered that there was going to be a showcase at the end of the course. Everyone had to perform in front of an audience.
Wait. What?
Now, performing wasn’t the issue. In fact, Azura had no problem with the idea of showing what she had learned. But the sudden realization that she was expected to perform, when she still felt like a complete beginner, was overwhelming.
It wasn’t just about learning anymore. It was about performing well enough to be good enough to showcase.
Azura started feeling like the fun, relaxed class she signed up for had morphed into something else entirely. Now, she wasn’t just trying to learn how to dance. She was trying to meet an unspoken standard.
And the worst part? The more she tried to keep up with the class, the more the pressure mounted.
The Final Straw
The tipping point came when the instructor started calling people out more frequently. “What’s wrong with you?” he’d ask. “Why are you so slow?”
Azura was trying. She really was. But with every misstep, every time she couldn’t catch up to the moves, it felt like the weight of everyone’s expectations was crushing her.
And when the instructor would single her out again, her heart sank.
She wasn’t ready for the intense atmosphere. She wasn’t prepared to perform at a high level in front of everyone. What was supposed to be a fun class had become a test of her worth and she wasn’t passing.
The Realization
Azura didn’t return to the class after that day. She decided it wasn’t worth it. Not because she couldn’t learn how to dance but because the experience wasn’t what she thought it would be. What started as a hopeful journey to try something new had left her feeling worse than when she started.
It wasn’t about the dancing. It wasn’t about the showcase. It was about the pressure to be perfect and to perform. The ad had promised a relaxed, no-stress environment, but that’s not what she got. Instead, it felt like an environment where only the best could thrive, and Azura wasn’t there yet.
Looking back, Azura isn’t sure she’d sign up for that particular dance class again. But she’s not giving up on dancing entirely. She’s just learned that not every experience will be what you expect.
Some things are meant to challenge you, others are meant to let you enjoy the journey. And if you find yourself in a space that doesn’t let you enjoy the process, it’s okay to walk away.
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