I Feel Like a Baby Giraffe
The description said that Zumba is like dance/exercise. I envisioned my mom’s old “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” tapes (she was a Richard Simmons fan, too.) I assumed (wrongly) there would be repetitive moves that I could get the hang of quickly.
It is not like that at all.
Zumba, at least this Zumba, is complex and fast, and every night I feel like a newborn giraffe trying to figure out its legs for the first time. I’m zigging left when everyone else is zagging right. The other women, the long-timers, have timing; they sing the songs, and their moves are nearly perfectly choreographed, moving as one.
But it doesn’t matter. I don’t feel intimidated, which is odd, so I’ve been asking myself why.
Probably because the teacher set expectations, on the first night when I walked in, she immediately noticed my new face and came up to welcome me. She said something like, “Don’t worry about getting anything right tonight. See if you like the vibe. Many of these ladies have been with me for a decade, so they anticipate what I’m going to do before I do it. It might take you a few months to get it, but that’s totally okay. We are happy to have you!”
Idea to Adapt: Set Expectations
When new members are attending an event, set expectations. In your expectation setting, you might note things like: It might take a few meetings before you get comfortable with the agenda. You’ll meet people, but it usually takes a little time to form relationships. I remember when I came to my first event, it was awkward, and we’re thrilled you are here!
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Kelly, my new Zumba teacher, is super fun. She sets an upbeat tone. She sings, she claps, she kids around with everyone. And everyone seems also to be having a good time, even though the pace is grueling. Everyone also seems nicer than normal.
Next to me is another Amanda who has been taking Zumba from Kelly for years. A few times, she’s seen me struggle with a move, and she takes a moment to show me how to do it. Before and after classes, long-time students shared with me that even though they’ve been going for years, they still get tripped up. The group exudes a welcoming and encouraging vibe.
Idea to Adapt: Set a Positive Tone
When you, the leader, set a positive tone, others notice and behave similarly. Soon, it will not just be you welcoming newcomers; others will be doing it too. To set a positive tone, you might have to amp up a few dials of your personality. I’m pretty sure that Kelly isn’t as bouncy, loud, and smiley all day as she is in Zumba. She’s on the stage, and you are too when you are hosting an event.
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I’ve completed about five classes, and Kelly is still checking in with me. After class three, she walked up after class and said, “See! Already you are getting it!” Last night, she nodded at me when I managed to get some complicated footing correct.
Idea to Adapt: Check in Often
I’m not sure how long I’ll be on Kelly’s newcomer list, but she’s right to keep it up because newcomers feel new for longer than we expect. Think of all the big and small check-ins you can do with newer members and attendees. Smiles, nods, eye-to-eye contact, and saying, " It is great to see you again” — can all go a long way toward making someone feel more at home.
Set expectations and a positive tone, and check in often. Which strategy are you going to try at your next event?
