Without intending for it to be, she felt like it was her little secret, this separate world she belonged to and the range of emotions and experiences that came with it. Sure, she told her friends, coworkers and even strangers that she was a ballroom dancer, but on nights like this one, she felt that no matter how much she tried to explain in words, no one could begin to comprehend the world she inhabited here, nor how much it all meant to her.~
My last blog post was all about seeking out the real and tangible and engaging with the people around us. What better way to do this than through ballroom dancing?
Being a ballroom dancer on the social
scene for 13 years, I am passionate about the far-reaching benefits of dance.
First off, it’s great exercise for your mind and your body, toning your core
muscles and strengthening your arms, legs and feet. They even say ballroom
dancing prevents Alzheimer’s disease because you are actively engaging both
sides of your brain. Also, it teaches communication through body language and
the complementarity of leading and following. I strongly believe ballroom dance
is capable of enriching your relationships, and the ballroom community is a
welcoming place where respect, understanding and etiquette are fostered.
This December, I am graduating from
Valley Social Ballroom Dance Teacher’s College after completing a year of study
in the DVIDA Bronze Level American Smooth and Rhythm dances. My goal is to
spread the joy of ballroom dancing to all ages and use it to enrich people's relationships.
I hope to start teaching in the area, pursuing venues to teach lessons, while especially welcoming young adults into this fun and
dynamic community.
Meanwhile, my home is becoming my personal practice studio,
complete with a large mirror on one wall and a large, hardwood floor in my
living room. Gracing the wall is a poster commemorating the Savoy Ballroom, "Home of
Happy Feet," where many ballroom dances evolved.
If you are looking for an opportunity to enrich your
relationships, have fun and learn a new skill, ballroom dancing might be the
answer! I encourage you to get out and try it.
“It’s the heart afraid of breaking
that never learns to dance.” - Anonymous
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