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July 08, 2008

That Dancin' Feeling

Last night, I finally gave in to one of my innermost desires.

Now, I know what you're thinking. But I'm talking about returning to my childhood love: Dance class.

I'll admit I was a little nervous as I walked through the studio's front door and introduced myself to "Miss Debbie," the instructor for the adult jazz class. But once we got out on the floor, it all came back to me. Battement. Pas de bourree. A little shudder went through me as I flashed back to the written dance term tests we used to take in ballet school.

Once I settled into the rhythm of the class -- and forgot to think about looking like a dork in front of the other participants -- I had a blast. But I'd forgotten how much concentration dance requires. Remembering the combinations I'd learned only seconds before required laser-like focus. And even when I could remember what I was supposed to do, my body wasn't always ready to cooperate. Still, all that remembering has to be good for the mental fitness, right?

I'd also forgotten how much stretching dance entails. Cardio and weight training have built up my strength, but I was sorely -- and I do mean sorely -- reminded of how I've neglected stretching during the past year. Let's just say I hit the ibuprofen hard as soon as I got home.

Mostly, what I took away from last night was the reminder of what it feels like to move my body just for the sake of having fun. No calories to watch as the clock ticks down on my workout. No plates to stack or lifting notes to keep. Just me, a mirror and the music.

Pure bliss. And I'll be there again next week.

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Comments

I so excited for you & had that same AH HA! moment when I grab my old dusty hula hoop outta the garage.

I so wanna get me a pogo stick for the same reason.

M.

I so excited for you & had that same AH HA! moment when I grab my old dusty hula hoop outta the garage.

I so wanna get me a pogo stick for the same reason.

M.

That sounds like such a great time! I love dancing. Really need to do it more often.

It was a lot of fun...though I sure was sore the next morning! Those muscles haven't been stretched in a while.

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