Dance

dance
/dans/

Verb Move rhythmically to music, typically following a set sequence of steps: "their cheeks were pressed together as they danced".

Noun A series of movements that match the speed and rhythm of a piece of music.

Synonyms verb.   hop - leap noun.   dancing - hop

That's the proper definition of dance. But they never mentioned how hazardous it is to your health! Ever since i started learning this dance called Zouk Lambada, i've been bruised, stepped upon, elbowed, kicked and bumped all over, not to mention the sores my muscles gets after a long dance workout.

But i've also learnt to hold my frame, feel more confident, picked up (some slight) gracefulness, perform stunts, execute dance moves and not wash my hands right after a dance session (yes, i am slightly OCD. I do still think about germs at times but it doesn't bother me that much anymore).

Picture from http://www.heritageinstitute.com/ .

Thing is, when i dance, my mind is like a clean slate. Dancing wipes out all the problems i'm facing out there in the world and forces me to concentrate on the problems in my very own "World of Dance". I'm not sure how to explain it. It's like, when i'm dancing, the only problem i can focus on is getting the steps and body movement right. And when i DO get it right, i feel ecstatic! Because i have never, ever thought that i could be the kind of person that dances. And here i am. Dancing at least once a week.

Plus, i'm participating in a showcase routine competition that's going to be held during Zouk SEA, which is in about 3 weeks time? I would never dream of participating, but my partner coaxed, cajoled, pleaded and asked me so nicely that i had to give in. Little did i know what lay in store for me when i finally said 'yes'.

Been practising for about a month now. Just finished the entire choreography 2 days ago (which is actually quite slow), so we have to polish up on the moves for the weeks to come. Kinda nervous and yet excited at the same time because i've never did this before! This is something so OUT of my comfort zone that i can't imagine ever being well at it (and that is quite hard for me, as i'm a perfectionist who likes to get everything right).

Not only that, i think i might potentially cripple my partner if i'm not careful. I've injured him so many times, it's a wonder he's still willing to go through this with me. I can't imagine the patience one must have to put up with my pessimistic attitude and clumsiness! Really gotta thank him for seeing this through with me so far...

Dance is something new in my life that might never make sense to me. I may always see it as something impossible for me to be good at, but that doesn't mean i don't enjoy trying to do it.

Here's to hoping that my interest towards dance never wanes,
Jwen.