My daughter, Tara, has always loved to dance. When she was young I enrolled her in as many dance classes as I possibly could. She loved it! The classes coincided with the school year. At the end of the term the students/dancers would put on this 2 day production in this an auditorium. It was a big deal.
At the ripe age of 40 I became a Brave Girl, I got the courage to ask the dance instructor if I could take classes. She said, "Yes". I was exhilarated!!!!!! The only problem was she didn't teach adult classes. So the class she enrolled me in was a group of 14 year olds. YIKES! Imagine twelve 14 year olds and one 40 year old. (it makes me smile to think back at this time) At first it was awkward because I didn't have pimples on my face or wear braces on my teeth and the leotards revealed areas of my body that I had worked very hard to disguise. The positions and speed my body had to transition in the routines was definitely not for an out of shape 40 year old. Then there was the issue of training my brain to remember the dance routine. Whew!
There were many times that I felt I had bitten off more than I could chew but I kept on going. My daughter and several girls from my class spent many hours working with me after class. Their words of encouragement kept me going. Then the day arrived for us to perform on stage. I was beyond excited! The curtain raises and all my fears came hurling right in front of me. I chose to put on the biggest smile I could muster and just dance. I was in the moment! You may be wondering if I messed up the routine? You bet I did. I messed it up big time . There was one point that the class went left and I went right. But I kept on smiling. I don't think anyone noticed. What they probably noticed was a 40 year old woman who looked liked she was having a good time.
Todays post is an assignment from an e-course I am taking called How To Build a Blog You Truly Love.
I love this! I danced growing up, and have always felt like now, at 31, I'd seem silly and graceless in a dance class. Maybe not so much ...
ReplyDeleteI loved the way the way you wrote. And yes stepping out of the comfort zone is so important.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous story! Love this! You brave, talented, courageous soul!
ReplyDeleteThis made me smile! I turned 40 this year and I think it is such a wonderful age. I find more and more I am saying to myself, "why the hell not?" whereas before I had a million and one reasons not to try new things. Thanks for sharing...this story (and the photo) made my day!
ReplyDeleteBravo brave you!!!
ReplyDeleteGrinning and glad
over this beautiful share:)
Like a shot of B-12 to my soul.
twirling thanks,
Jennifer
"dance like no one is watching" I don't remember where i heard this quote but it was in my head reading this post. You are amazing.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for putting yourself out there! I don't dance when anyone is watching, but I should. Hmm, maybe I will!
ReplyDeleteOh my word! I love this so much! How many women would just shut down their dream upon learning that there were no adult classes? So cool that you danced anyway - really inspiring!
ReplyDeleteGreat job! I'm so proud of you and we've only just met! I love how it's sort of backwards... usually young ones feel out of place in an older person world. That you suppressed your fear is just wonderful!
ReplyDeleteHow brilliant and brave you are! Well done, so inspiring x
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love that you did this!! So inspring! You truly are a BRAVE girl!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this! You rocked taking a risk big time!! What an inspiration you are:)
ReplyDeleteYou are brave! I am so inspired that you didn't let anything get in the way of your dream and I also love the way the teenagers embraced your participation! You set a great example for them and many others with your courage!
ReplyDelete(as I write this I am looking right at the saying on the back of the card that you included with the "Do Not Bend" stickers you so generously shared with me-I tacked it up on my bulletin board)
You are so brave and wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute story! Definitely made me smile! You win the brave award!!
ReplyDeleteDeAnne-Thanks for visting me. I love knowing you smiled!
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