I’ve been dancing at A Social Affair for a year and a half now. I’ve been encouraged, coached and cajoled out of my comfort zone by everyone at the studio, but mostly and more specifically by my instructor and coach, Selah. When I started, I had no idea where and how far this little fluke of a retirement activity plan would go. I get good positive feedback from everyone, students and instructors alike, who tell me how far I’ve come. It’s good to hear, but I don’t let it go to my head. I mean, the place is surrounded with mirrors and I’m not completely blind. Recently I concluded that as far as my dance skills were concerned, I had probably peaked and would stay at this level. Which was fine with me. It’s not that I don’t want to get better. I just figured at my age and with my broken old body some things were going to be but of my reach.
And then I got handed an epiphany, an “Aha!” moment. Mr. Tim Mason, an internationally famous ballroom dancer and judge. (I had met his delightful wife Michele Mason as she was the judge at one of my previous showcases). The day after the showcase we each got to sit with the judge, Part of Tim’s critique involved a thing called articulation. In the moment, I remembered my instructor mentioning that to me some time ago, but you only absorb the lesson when you’re ready to hear it. In the million things I must remember this concept kind of took a backseat. But it was like he handed me a key to unlock a new level of dance physiology. I watched my my Cha-cha routine and noticed how I didn’t do this. The toe lead is there but I just kind of slid my feet as if I was dancing Tango and did not articulate my ankles. So simple. I was happy with my performance. Still am. But it is now glaringly obvious to me, so I consulted three of the wonderful coaches of the studio and they immediately went to work with me.
This seemingly simple change is the key to Latin dance. And it is not fucking easy! But the good news is that it will push me to another level. Gets me excited about the possibilities. Makes it all new again. Again, I have no illusions or desires to become a dance professional, but I do want to get better at it. At least as far is this broken body with fake parts will go.
So, the lesson and the point of this post? It started out simply enough. I was gonna just write “Eureka!” on a Facebook post and make a humorous comparison between me and a gorilla dancing with boxing gloves on his feet. Then my writer’s ego took over and I went deeper (which actually means wordier) and am dragging you all with me! There are several lessons. Most obvious, it’s never over. Often just the slightest adjustment will catapult you to another level. So never settle.
Second, join a tribe that exudes positive energy. People that have your best interest at heart. I get that I pay some of these people, but they all go above and beyond. Their love for dance and commitment to their students makes the money a fair exchange. More to the point I have developed lifelong friendships as a result. Kinda what happened at my martial arts academy. And my fellow students are my biggest cheerleaders. We all are for each other. Ensure your tribe genuinely knows your journey and its purpose. Tap into their knowledge and encouragement. They all have something to offer.
Lastly seek out the joy in your life. Whatever brings it. Find that thing that you can strive to improve at and people who can guide you to it. There is one certainty in life. It’s very brief. Fill your time with the things that bring you joy. It is truly what brings the spice.
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