Renee
Current Profession: Recovering Executive In the Process of Becoming... :)
Age: 55
Started dancing at 52
Every year during the holidays, I use some down time to ponder the year ahead, crafting goals, new habits, and experiences I want to have. Part of that process is to ask myself, "what would I do if I were unafraid?" The answer to that has led me in some interesting directions in the past. But what showed up for me on that day in 2019 would blow up most of everything about my life that had me feeling stuck and unfulfilled. It was a simple idea that packed a heck of a punch: I would learn to dance.
When I drove past Dance 101, the wheels of intention were still spinning and I immediately understood the concept of how Dance 101 might apply to any person wishing to learn. I was thrilled to discover that it was an adults only studio, which really appealed to me because I wanted a place to just let go and enjoy music without being self-conscious or having annoyingly great young dancers making me feel even more foolish!
Walking into that first class, an All Levels dance fitness format, was exciting. I had done aerobics in the 80's and 90's - I would be able to figure it out, right? Wrong, I was immediately overwhelmed, off balance, uncomfortable in my sluggish and overweight body, horrified by the image looking back at me from the mirror. I managed to hang on until the end of the class, and might not have come back were it not for the amazing Dance 101 instructor who made an immediate impression on me that gave me courage to consider coming back. And come back I have, completing hundreds of classes to date, with tremendous enthusiasm and the knowledge that I am a dancer and will be pursuing this for the rest of my life. I am transformed.
Simply put, Dance 101 and its instructors have changed the arc of my life, my passions, my friendships, and how I see myself. I am empowered now in a way that I was not before. I am more confident, more emotionally available, have created better boundaries and see myself as a work in progress who will always be striving to nail that turn, move powerfully and gracefully as a result of all that I have learned and will continue to learn. The studio is my happy place. Something about the sweat, and the joy, and the emotive power of the music makes this place very special, and the benefits extend far beyond its walls.
There’s something here for EVERYONE. No previous dance experience? No problem. Former dancer? Come share your skill. Struggling in some area of your life (as we all are)? Come dance it out, lose yourself, and then find yourself over time. The best version of you is waiting for you at the 101.
