The first thing to know about my dance class is that it takes place in a church basement, so it’s not in a studio lined with mirrors. Whew!
There were only two other women in the class, and both are older than me, and neither has much dance experience. So that was also helpful. Except for the part where I couldn’t hide in the back row, because there was no back row!
We learned how to spot, which is basically finding a place to fix your gaze on both walls you’ll be facing when you turn or pivot. You feel a little frivolous spotting on the Stations of the Cross.
Even doing the warmup felt good. It’s been too long since I’ve exercised, as I’ve been babying my knee for most of October and November. I enjoyed the effort and feeling the stretches, but boy, do I need to get back to doing Pilates! My core muscles need it!
So, we warmed up, learned 6 or 7 basic steps, then practiced doing them across the floor. Then we learned a combination. Yeah. I should have put “learned” in quotes. Usually I learn by doing, but in this case I’m not sure how best to approach it. I need to figure out how to put it all together. I don’t know yet if it’s through counting off or through saying the steps to myself; I didn’t have time to figure that out. I’m hoping my daughter can help me practice. 
We did our floor practice to Secrets by One Republic, and that worked out well. When we finally danced the combination to music, the tempo was about twice as fast as we were expecting, so that made it worse — but we all laughed at ourselves. I don’t know the name of that song, but I want to find out so I can practice to it!
I had a couple of brief moments tonight where I really felt like I was dancing, and they were glorious. I remember that feeling from when I took a few ballroom dancing lessons once. Most of the time, though, I just prayed I didn’t look too stupid. I also need to figure out how to get my brain out of the way and tell the naysayers in my head to shut up and sit down. But overall, I don’t think I did too badly.
And I had fun. And I’m glad I went. And I’m going to go again. The End.
This is probably what I looked like.
Good luck! You know if we were neighbors I would totally go with you. Focusing on the stations of the cross seems a bit surreal.
Oh, Terry, that would be SO FUN if we could take the class together. OMG, we’d probably get kicked out for having *too* much fun!
Sounds like fun! Where are you taking it? I haven’t danced since I was in 6th grade, and I definitely miss it every now and then.
Go to BuffaloDanceCenter.com. She offers jazz and tap so far, but I’m not sure if any of her locations would be close to where you live?
how fun! i have also been taking a adult dance class. irish dance at patrick’s new school, clann na cara. it’s just pay as you go so i don’t need to feel guilty about not going if i don’t feel like it. also thinking about adult ice skating.
col
Col, you are amazing! You do all of these cool things on top of going back to school and raising two kids! When do you graduate?
Fantastic to hear how much you enjoyed the class! As for how you will learn, that’s a personal thing… your daughter can certainly help, but she may think one way while you another. I don’t count, but ‘quick’s n slow’s’ are my cup of tea… my ex was all about the angles, and I always picture the entire pattern as a shape. You will find your best means of learning and recalling. After a while you may even notice that your methods change over time, and with more experience.
Two cool things here… The first is that you did it! The second is that you have something to let your daughter teach and guide YOU! (Great communication tool for the upcoming teen years!) I should probably say a third, that being exercise too!
Congrats of starting the next cool thing for yourself!
Thanks! I think one of the reasons M didn’t roll her eyes and get embarrassed that I’m taking this class, is that she’s so interested in the fact that you dance, also.