Why? Are you too old, too short, too weak, too fat, too stiff, ungraceful, uncoordinated or simply too scared to even give it a shot?
It's amazing the limitations that we put on ourselves for fear of failing. We are so afraid of not succeeding, so anxious of wasting time, so frightened by the possible outcomes of trying something new, we won't even try. Even if we can gather up enough courage to make it to a class, maybe motivated by a convincing friend or a catchy advertisement offering a free trial, self judgment will most likely put an end to the mere attempt to begin to study the technique of dance.
Although nowadays increasingly popular on the TV set with shows like “Dancing with the Stars” or “So you think you can dance”, dancers are mostly seen on stage where they perform for an audience. It is their profession to master the technique and art of dance and yes those kinds of dancers most likely started dancing at a young age, have great flexibility, obviously are well coordinated and hopefully possess an exquisite artistic sense. But just like you and I, they were not born dancers! They did not step into the studio one day and just knew how to do it! They have trained numerous hours to acquire the dexterity and keep training relentlessly to maintain their physical ability and further develop their technique and artistic flair. It is important to point this out because I think there is a huge misconception about dance being something that you are either good at or it's not for you.
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TIP TOE TIPS
But who is good at it the first time they step into the studio? Nobody. Really it's just like any other sport; take tennis for instance is anyone good at it, I mean really good at it the first time they hold a racket? Well, I guess the question is what is being good at tennis: Being able to return the ball in the court or being on the pro-tour or at least holding some official tennis ranking? Because that is exactly the point about dance, what is being good at it? Who do you compare yourself with? Perhaps the dancers on stage or the dancers in So you think you can dance? Well then no wonder you think you can't dance! Would a first time tennis player compare himself to a professional?
Now here is the catch. Until you step foot into a studio, you don't have any one to compare yourself to except for the pros you have seen at the show, so it is very intimidating. And furthermore when you make it to the studio to take your very first beginner's class you will find yourself in the same classroom as some students who have been taking that class for years. Now how are they in the same class as you then? It's your first class ever! Well because they are not a lot of adult students, they are not a lot of adult classes going on so most likely your local studio only offers beginners or intermediate/advanced and everyone has to find their place in one class or the other. For the true beginner that is the true challenge, there is a huge gap between a beginning level dancer who has been taking class for a few years and one who just step in to their first class. So again do not compare yourself to anyone else in that class or the little judging voice will come right back to hunt you: I am not good at this, I'm too old….shush!
Come on! nothing worth having is that easy, keep at it, set small goals for yourself, monitor your own progress not others, don't get frustrated have fun with it, enjoy the process of learning, you will progress, you will flourish and you too will dance!
You are listening: Johnatha Brooke
JUST LIKE YOU
I just finished reading Come Back: A Mother and Daughter's Journey Through Hell and Back
By Claire Fontaine
This story was great because it was written by both the mother and daughter, and every chapter was from a different perspective. It is a story about an average teenage girl who runs away from home and gets into drugs. Her mother then finds her and sends her to a camp for troubled teens. It talks about the daughter's journey to regaining her life and her mother's journey to not only get her daughter back, but to regain her own life as well. It is a true story and one of the best books I have ever read. It really made me love my mother even more knowing the sacrifices that they make for us.
One CD that never leaves my playlist is Mat Kearney "Nothing Left to Lose" just the way he sings and tells a story through each song makes me feel like he is singing to me. I went to a small venue in Fort Lauderdale to see him in concert. He really connected with the audience and made it seem like he was singing to me and only me. I am sure everyone else felt the same.
I also listen to a lot of different stuff. Hip hop and pop music like Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Lil' Wayne, Janet Jackson, Nelly Furtado, 50cent, and Timberlake when I am on the treadmill. I have downloaded a lot of rare acoustic versions of songs and artists like Enigma, Jeff Buckley, Damien Rice, and even deep forest when I am relaxing with my ipod. Finally, sometimes when cleaning my house on the weekend, I listen to opera. I don't know why, but it motivates me when I'm cleaning.
Andrea Stevens
Seis minutos Manuel Arteaga
Y tu apareces
y ahora tengo lo que no traía hacia ti desvié mi pensamiento
Siento la urgencia en ti por un beso
Tu mirada avisó el consentimiento
despacio tu mano la tomo en la mía
y un beso que nos haga rendir
los dos a un paso de caer
y fundirnos en harmonía
En seis minutos sentí el beso
en seis minutos el temblor hasta los pies
en seis minutos tu mirada se hace infinita
un pedazo de nuestra existencia ...en seis minutos
Despacio y con la misma prisa
nos merecemos uno al otro la historia de amor
que armamos con fuego, detalle a detalle
y en secreto nos dimos un universo
...en seis minutos.
