I Danced

I love dancing. I didn't grow up in dance classes; in fact I didn't take a dance class until I was a sophomore in high school. Even with my lack of prior experience my teacher complimented my talent- which surprised me, but was very encouraging. When I was in college in Colorado I started taking classes at a local studio and even received the opportunity to attend a dance, acting, and singing workshop in New York after interviewing with a reputable talent scout that has worked with the likes of Reese Witherspoon and Johnathan Taylor Thomas.

After receiving my associates degree in Colorado I moved out of state to continue my education in Las Vegas, and unfortunately was unable to continue taking dance classes. I did however get the opportunity to dance in the Hill Cumorah Pageant for two consecutive summers, and received a great dance role each time; one year I was even the first dancer to be cast in a role. Just before finishing my bachelors degree I joined a Polynesian dance group that a few of my friends were in and was loving the different styles I was learning. Twice I competed in my church's version of SYTYCD and was on the winning team both years.

Again, I ended up moving out of state when I finished my degree- this time in pursuit of a job, and dancing fell by the wayside. I'm not sure what it is about California, but ever since living here I have been very shy about dancing. Church dances are awkward, clubs are scary and require no talent whatsoever, and once while attending a bridal shower/bachelorette party I gladly hugged the wall while the other attendees boogied their little hearts out. It feels like dancing is an embarrassing thing to do; most of the time I'm embarrassed just watching others dance.

The last few months have been challenging for me in several aspects of my life, and this last week was no exception with not being able to attend my aerial classes (they keep me sane!), and when my car died on the way to work on Thursday. Challenges aside I am attending the California YSA conference this weekend, and last night's opening activity was an 80's night complete with a dance. I arrived after making an appearance at a friend's wedding reception and walked around the building checking out the different activities with a stick of cotton candy in my hand.

Maybe it was the pent up energy from not exercising all week, or a need to release stress from all the craziness, but I soon found myself belting out a motown hit into a microphone in the karaoke room, and then - I danced. it wasn't even the weird, hesitant "is-someone-judging-me?" kind of dance, it was the full out, arms in the air, side ponytail doing the helicopter, "I-don't-care-if-anyone-else-is-in-the-room" kind of dance. It. was. awesome.

I danced.