Stepping out

I'm gearing up for the December spotlight at my local dance studio.  Back in June you may remember my spotlight dances were samba, waltz and rumba.
 
This time, I asked A (my teacher) about doing ballroom tango – a dance I have difficulty with and make a fuss about each time he introduces a new tango sequence or revisits steps he has tried to unsuccessfully teach me.

On rare occasions when I’m in sync with the universe and "getting it" I decide, after all, I do like tango. Following a ballroom tango lesson that went well, I uncharacteristically suggested to A that I should try a tango routine for my upcoming spotlight.
 
He didn’t protest.  A loves tango.

The character of each ballroom dance comes primarily from the music. In the case of tango, I find that its character and my character don't really get along. No chemistry. Until now, I have accepted that tango is not one of my favorites. I'm challenged by the quick switches of direction, sharp head flicks and staccato movements – and especially the required physical power, fierceness and dramatic flair. And tango music doesn't have catchy hooks that grab me.

As recently as a month ago, if asked, I would flat out say NO to performing ballroom tango. Now, I'm willing to try.  I'm psychologically more open, more disposed to stepping out of character, away from fixed notions of myself, and to forget what I like and dislike, as well as what I am good at and not good at.  Instead of saying I can't, I'm now saying I will.

Stepping out of character builds character. If you are hesitant about trying something you have said NO to – like changing jobs, reaching out to friends, trying new activities, taking a stand or pulling up stakes and moving to a new city – maybe this is the time.

Taking on a new challenge doesn't mean you are going to win – or that you will be a great success. Watching videos of my June dance routines was demoralizing. There was a significant discrepancy between how hard I worked, what I felt on the dance floor, and what the videos showed.

Still, I'm convinced good things will come from what is shaping up to be a difficult choreography. I'll let you know.

Here's to stepping out,
Coach Minda
#dance, #ballroom, #tango