A Brave Thing

Improvisational dancing is a brave thing to do. The feeling of executing steps on the fly is sometimes wonderful, sometimes awkward. It’s very interesting to watch a group of dancers perform improv; the way their body naturally moves is exhibited and their personality shines through. To be honest, I used to be a fearless dancer. I would prance and twirl around my house, literally as if no one was watching. After starting formal lessons, the perfection monster inside me began to take over. Thoughts like: “That’s not turned out!” and “My extension could have been higher!” clouded my mind constantly. I lost the ability to dance improv confidently. Technique was always in the back of my mind, haunting my every step.
However, this morning at class, my teacher gave us the amazing experience to improvisational dance for a while. It’s nerve racking to move freely and solely in front of a whole group of people. All my self-doubt came pouring in the moment the first dancer glided across the floor. I was petrified with fear. The raw uncertainty and vulnerability of it all seemed too much. I couldn’t do it. The next round, my teacher gave us specifications. I felt more comfortable having structure and luckily one of my friends danced by my side. By the third time across, I was confident. Maybe my moves were not always pretty, turned out, or whatever, but they came from within me. Looking back, I had nothing to worry about: I was surrounded by amazing friends and loving teachers. My support group.
The freedom I felt reminded me of why I started dancing in the first place, though. My perfection monster was silenced, perhaps captured by the beauty. In the end, I rediscovered the pure bliss and freedom that allured me to dance in the first place. I can only sum this all up in one cliché quote: “Dance like no one is watching.”

Happy Dancing!
Theresa

Teaching Endeavors

Well, I did it! OK, I had some assistance from my wonderful dance teacher, but still. I had no idea what to expect in a pre-ballet pre-tap class for tiny munchkins. They were soooooo shy around me and I swear that this one little girl was giving me the evil eye the whole time. But, this little blonde girl with wild curls couldn’t stop smiling and even gave me a scarf to hold. Evidently, if you make what you want them to do a game, they will do it. First we were suns, then we morphed into mermaids with hot pink hair, and suddenly we became music boxes. Granted it’s still not a piece of cake to keep the attention of a 4 year-old, even with these tricks. I’m wondering how long it will take the kids to warm up to me. Right now I feel like a horrible routine-ruining giant. I gave all the kids a high-five after class, and that seemed to break the ice tremendously. Not to mention I have to kneel down to reach them, consequently putting me more at their level. I know this makes them feel better; who wouldn’t be slightly disturbed if they had to be constantly looking up to someone who was three times their height? I’m approaching this strategically as well….. One word: stickers. OK, three words: Sparkly snowflake stickers. Is there a better way to showcase my mission of fun, I ask you? Anyway, I’m very excited to see how God will use this opportunity to grow me as a dancer and a person.
Happy Dancing!
Theresa

First Post!

Hey all! I hope you are having a fabulous day. Let me start off by saying that I am by no means a professional ballerina, nor do I plan to become one. Not even close. I started dancing about two and a half years ago with a wonderful school. I am a dedicated student who tries to get her extensions that ¼ of an inch higher than they were last class. I am the tall one who can’t jump to save her life(please don't even mention battu around me). I’m the girl who reads her copies of Pointe magazine from cover to cover. I am the one who will have balancing and pirouette contests with her friends during class. I admit it still takes me about two minutes to tie my pointe shoes, but I have a number of silly little cushions that must be placed in just the right spot or I’ll regret it. I plan to write about my joys, triumphs, and challenges with ballet. Whether they be small or big, I promise to share them here for your enjoyment, and, I hope, your inspiration. Since I have an insane love for ballet and a knack for talking, I have a feeling this combination will work out quite well.
Happy Dancing!
-Theresa