Monday, September 5, 2011

I'm going to dance, dance, dance, dance, dance!

From about ages three to seventeen, I was a very serious ballet dancer. I wanted to be a professional ballerina, and danced for about forty hours a week throughout my teens. However, dance in that atmosphere creates criticism and pressure. I quit because it was too much, and have stayed away since.

However, since I moved to Minneapolis, I joined the YWCA, and have enjoyed most of my membership so far through dance classes. I cannot say what exactly drew me back into it. I guess I feel since I moved about 2000 miles from my previous home, I am already out of my comfort zone. Why not give it another shot? Well, my passion burns strong. I LOVE my classes. They are fun, great exercise, and pressure-free. One thing I always remained anxious of was when the instructor walked up to me, and corrected or criticized my dancing. Here, the instructor takes the class with us, and I do everything to my own standards and comfort. It makes the experience for me. I am even trying a new-to-me kind, Zumba, tomorrow evening. 

All this dancing reminds me of my favorite dance movie, Flashdance. It's a GREAT movie, if you have not seen it yet. It features a predictable love story, but the choreography, costumes, and music always bring me right to a 1980s dance studio. 


And yes, I have invested in some dancer-ish clothes from American Apparel. Now that I dance again, I have no problem looking like Jennifer Beals. 

4 comments:

Shybiker said...

I'm glad, Francy, that you found your way back to dance -- and on happy terms.

I know how you feel -- I have the same relationship with baseball. In Little League, I was screamed at by middle-aged men living vicariously (and inappropriately) through children and those experiences sapped the joy out of the game for me. But there's nothing inherently wrong with baseball; in fact, it's fun. I'm now returning to the activity without the screaming and competition, just enjoying its movements and fun. Good for you!

Artman2112 said...

that's awesome Francy! Kudos to you for rekindling your passion for dance! tho much of modern dance leaves me cold, i certainly enjoy the old muscials with Fred, Ginger, Gene, Cyd, Ann Miller etc etc and very much appreciate the art of dancing. have you ever seen "The Red Shoes"? if not i'm sure you would enjoy it, a most beautiful film about a dancer.

Megan said...

I've wanted to try Zumba for a while! It looks really fun and seems like a great workout. You'll have to let me know how it goes for you :)

emma wallace said...

How fun! I hope you'll do an outfit post!