Fear of dancing (chorophobia)

Chorophobia is a fear of dancing, which for most people means dancing in front of others. It can turn weddings, parties and nights out into something to dread, especially at the moment the music starts and people head for the floor. Some also feel it at the thought of dance classes or being filmed.

About this phobia

The name comes from the Greek choros, meaning dance, also seen in choreography and chorus. It is uncommon as a stand-alone term and is not widely documented in clinical writing. In many cases it is closely tied to social anxiety and a fear of being judged or laughed at.

What it feels like

• Making excuses to stay seated or leave before the dancing starts
• A rush of heat and self-consciousness if pulled onto the floor
• Worry about being filmed or watched while moving

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Is a fear of dancing really a form of social anxiety?

Often it is. The fear is usually about being watched and judged rather than the movement itself, and many people dance freely when nobody is looking. If the same worry shows up in other social settings, it may be worth looking at the wider pattern.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

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