Broadening My Dance Horizons

Leaving the Old Behind

After running into a woman I know from dancing while doing my weekly foraging, I realized, while I’ve broadened my horizons dance-wise lately, traveling further, and to different venues, I’d developed a self-defeating mindset when it came to a few local venues. Thankfully, I listened to what she had to say, and am giving a couple I’d ruled out a chance. If my first experience is any indication, the experiment is well on it’s way to being successful…and getting me out dancing more often again.

Though the crowd was smaller even than usual, I saw people I knew who greeted me with what I actually felt was genuine, heartfelt happiness to see me. They don’t need to be close friends (of which, for now, I have very few). They simply lack any undercurrent or hidden agenda behind their welcoming hugs. It’s hard to explain in words, but it felt lighter to me.

I also realized I’d gotten into a huge rut when it came to who and how I learn new dances. I’d gotten so used to a single instructor, I was finding it difficult to learn from others which is a tremendous liability when I go to things like WWLA in August. It’s well past time I started adapting to whatever teaching style an instructor might have instead of expecting them all to teach a certain way if I’m going to learn. For someone who works hard to be open-minded and inclusive, I haven’t been dancing the dance for several years.

So Many Instructors, So Little Time!

The truth is, every instructor has something to offer me, if I give them half a chance. If nothing else, I was limiting myself to what that single instructor chose to teach, and missing out on a lot of dances I’ve seen, and want to learn. While I can pull up YouTube and learn anything I want, it’s easier, and more fun to do it with a group. I’ve already committed to a new instructor on Thursday nights, and continue to follow another from place to place. It’s time to open my heart, mind, and dancing feet to all the opportunities; some of which have been there for years, and others which are newer, and more inclined to teach dances that are coming out of the conventions.

While I’ve been quick to tell newer dancers to broaden their horizons by experiencing a variety of instructors, I have not been practicing what I preach…and it shows in my struggles to adapt to a different style of teaching! It makes me want to look in the mirror and say: “Do you even listen to yourself? The advice you give is as good for you as it is for anyone else! Pay attention, woman!”

It appears the reason I’m in a rut at all is self-inflicted. I got so comfortable going to the same place, doing the same thing every week, I failed to notice when it was as comfortable as tight-fitting jeans after an all-you-can-eat pasta night. I’m beginning to realize the Universe was more than happy to show me the error of my ways, and how distinctly uncomfortable my world had become in the last couple of years, forcing me to move my tuchus out of there.

Embracing the Big, Wide World

Maybe it left me in limbo for a little while, and in some areas of my life, I still am. But when it comes to my dancing, as my mind is opening, as is my world, and my choices of opportunities to dance even more. (As I type this, my body is whining because I’ve already danced one night, did a fairly brutal hour of circuit training today, continue to walk my 3 miles daily, and have a rather tough lesson to look forward to tonight.) I know as I open my mind and heart to new opportunities in one area of my life, it’ll be easier to open it in other areas as well.

I’ve always believed things happen for a reason. Blowing up my entire social life last year might have seemed like an overreaction from the outside looking in. It might have left me with some pretty lonely months. Yet deep inside, I knew there was a reason my eyes were opened to the fact I wasn’t supported as I’d believed for years. The time simply came when the best thing for me was to go off on my own again for awhile, with no particular affiliation. When the time is right, I’ll end up exactly where I’m supposed to, with people who can give and receive support with love and joy in their hearts.

Until then, I’m OK going it alone…yet, these days, I’m rarely alone. I usually have a couple of ladies riding along when I go dancing, and one has already reserved her spot in my “taxi” for the next cruise. Maybe I’m not developing the close friendships I crave, but I’m making real friends, and that’s a huge step in the right direction.

Grateful for New People, Places, and Things

My gratitudes today are:

1. I’m grateful for new beginnings.
2. I’m grateful for broader horizons.
3. I’m grateful for jettisoning what didn’t work for me.
4. I’m grateful for opportunities heading my way once I got out of my own way.
5. I’m grateful for a smoother flow of words again.

About the Author

Sheri Conaway is a Holistic Ghostwriter, and an advocate for cats and mental health. Sheri believes in the Laws of Attraction, but only if you are a participant rather than just an observer. Her mission is to Make Vulnerable Beautiful. In her spare time, she’s also an accountant with extensive experience in Government Contracting.