Dare to Dance

In this project, I explored how beginner dancers often struggle with insecurity and fear of failure in group classes. Through interviews with dancers, teachers, and a psychologist, as well as classroom observations, I identified key barriers such as performance anxiety, comparison with others, and the impact of a fixed mindset. Using iterative and quick-and-dirty prototyping, I tested different ways to create a safer and more motivating learning environment.

The outcome was an interactive mirror system that integrates abstract projections into the dance studio mirror. At the beginning of a class, these visuals soften the confrontational nature of the mirror, helping dancers to focus less on mistakes and more on enjoying movement. As participants become more confident and comfortable with the choreography, the projections fade and the clear mirror gradually reappears. This creates a phased learning experience that supports dancers in shifting from self-consciousness to self-expression, making the process of learning to dance more enjoyable and empowering.