Today I did something that required a great deal of courage and took a dance class. Sounds innocent enough, but it’s taken me over THREE years to do this. I finally faced my fears and it was the most fun I’ve had working out in – YEARS!
Why the hesitation? I’d never consider myself a trained dancer. Sure I took lessons for a few years when I was five but we lived in a very small town and access to classes was limiting. In high school I made the dance team, was on my college dance team and then taught aerobics for 12 years.
Somewhere between working too much and having two kids, I lost my dancing mojo. The thought of taking a real dance class filled with pas de bourrees, chasses and pirouettes is highly intimidating. Maybe the thought of looking like a complete klutz was too much to bear considering these once came so naturally.
My daughters both take dance lessons at the same studio and every week I look at the schedule thinking, this week I’ll go. But I never do and it all has to do with fear.
Sunday while watching the live stream of EMeredith spoke about the fun dance classes she had taken around the city recently. Meredith promotes playing more and going beyond traditional exercise. That’s when I decided to try a least one workout a week that pushes me out of my comfort zone.
I met my goal for the week and it felt amazing. I may not be able to walk tomorrow, but for one full hour I thought of nothing else except following the instructor. Yes, there were many times when I couldn’t keep up or remember what move came next, but I never once thought about work or the huge to-do list waiting for me. I just danced.
Today made me remember how much dancing makes me feel alive. I may not be the best but it’s something I adore. And guess what? You’re never too old to just dance.
What are you doing this week for fun?
