Ballroom Dancing

I got sent these old SUU and high school ballroom dance pics recently on Facebook. Been at least 13 years! It got me missing my ballroom days...so....




I took Jared ballroom dancing last night! I wish he loved it as much as I do. He is a good sport about getting ready, driving the 45 min. to get there and even putting a pleasant face on.

We arrived at Fat Cat Ballroom dancing, which I had been researching on line. It was a perfect setting for us: only $5 for two lessons (each dance changes per weekend), and then a dance party after wards. Last night we learned the Tango.

Switching up partners in a large circle is how it takes place. That way you have the opportunity to meet new people, learn from better dancers, and even help out those who are beginning.

I had so many flashbacks to my BYU ballroom dancing workshops as a youth. This is exactly what I did for years! Words like, "rotate, find a new partner, the next heat up, tracking, promenade, posture, leading, and break" were like music to my heart. I have missed dancing immensely. Without a partner, all of my ballroom dancing moves seem to just go to waste! It's like knowing how to play a sport, but not being able to b/c of an injury. Your desires are there, you love the motions and music, but can't do anything alone.

I don't think I was ever really good at dancing; I lacked the flexibility, money, and body to really draw a crowd. But, I sure did put forth my best effort with a big smile, lots of practice, and heart. Just looking at my old pictures reminds me of how insecure I felt compared to other girls and how I always wished to be selected for the solos, front spot, or partner routines. I usually had to ask the boys to compete with me, and only the ones that were left over from the other "better girl dancers." We would practice a few times a week, but didn't have a lot to back us up (expensive costumes or paid choreography from a professional). I never placed bronze, silver or gold in any event...ever. But, I sure did try! I remember feeling that excitement whenever we would approach the dance floor, under the big flood lights of the auditorium, trying desperately to smile and impress the judges while dancing to the Jitterbug on the loud speakers. If we made it past 1 or 2 heats, that was always an accomplishment. I never really thought we'd go far, I just always dreamed of it.

Those were the days. It's hard to move on sometimes! It's hard to not realize your dreams of something you used to do and love... Anyone who ever wanted to be a professional singer, writer, athlete or performer can relate.

Jared did a great job leading me and learning along the way. I kept asking him why he wasn't smiling from ear to ear (like I was), and he kept saying, "look around. No guy is smiling b/c he is trying to remember the next move." It was true! Us ladies have the easy part: we just follow.

After learning the Tango, I chit chatted with a few of the instructors there and felt like I was coming home. I danced 6 + years from high school to college. We were only 1.5 hours into the night, but Jared was ready to leave and catch a movie! No way!

I convinced him to stay for a bit longer as we danced to a variety of ballroom music. The cha-cha, waltz, hustle (we sat out for that one), samba, and salsa were a few. I was even asked to dance the Foxtrot by a stranger and I was thrilled! I felt like I was floating on air as he whisked me away around the dance floor. I felt like a princess in a fairytale as we were in sync together. I was surprised at how easily the dance moves came back to me, considering it has been YEARS since I danced a real foxtrot.

Oh how I would LOVE to do real lessons, competitions or be on a performing team. I was telling Jared that perhaps when the boys are older and out of the house, it is something that we could do. (He kept telling me that I wouldn't commit him to doing something 30 years from now. But, I just argued that it was a dream of mine...and could really be fantastic! What else can we do in between missions and grand kids, but dance!)

Whether the guy be sweaty, tall, old, hairy, fat, bald, handsome, short, or smelly...if he can DANCE and lead...I want to be his partner! I loved moving my hips once again, thinking about the right posture and training I had had from college and keeping my head aligned to his. I miss it already.

I compare it a lot to why I teach aerobics. Although they are very different, I still can satisfy the craving of "performing" when I am in front of a class. Between the sweating, the upbeat music, mirrors and stage presence, there is a lot that goes into being an aerobic instructor. The satisfaction you feel after finishing up a great class is very rewarding, although nothing can compare with those crazy costume changes, stage make up, cute partners and butterflies that comes with ballroom dancing in front of a crowd.

This might be why I have THREE BOYS. I have THREE future partners! You bet I am going to teach them how to dance! Climb up onto my toes boys and I will lead you through the moves. If your papa doesn't enjoy the ballroom stuff, maybe you will? I can't wait 'til you are a bit older an and a bit taller. Will you dance with your mama?

So...maybe this is something we could do every 3 months? I would LOVE to go out dancing regularly, but unfortunately, as much as Jared is a great dancer...he doesn't share the ballroom itch like I do. I will take him anyway. It is a great way to connect as a couple and share something different together.

Now I just need to convince Jared that I need dancing heels!