GO WITH THE FLOW

As I was walking to class I realized that this is the last class in the studio. This is it! I took some deep breaths to try to ease my anxiety. Antonio and I are warming up with Rhythm dances today. We start to warm up a lively East Coast Swing. When moving on to Rumba I felt relaxed- there was this one step I always get wrong that I absolutely killed today! (Yes!)  The Cha-Cha felt amazing- I am starting to connect and feel empowered through Cha-Cha.

We do the routine and I feel like it’s close to perfect! I am so happy and I am getting encouragement from Antonio. I was able to let go and fully experience my character, and then Antonio said it – Kamaria let’s change directions. Inside I am screaming “NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!  What do you mean change direction!!!?” But what I said was “sure I’ll have to get used to it” with a smile. (Ha- Ha) In reality I realized to be a better dancer I have to get used to changing directions and to being uncomfortable.  Sebastian is coming to watch which adds to the pressure. We did the routine a second time and it didn’t have that same perfect feel - I felt awkward. Even in my feelings of awkwardness I was encouraged by both Sebastian and Antonio. We performed it again and I felt completely detached and I was disheartened for- some reason changing direction threw me off. Within about ten minutes I had gone from elation to a hollow disappointment.

At the end of class Antonio told me to not let my past control the future. When I make a mistake to keep moving and make the rest better. If I continue to focus on what is wrong I can move into a downward spiral. I have to focus on what is going on in that moment. I laughed because once again the statement about dance had a double philosophical meeting. In my mind I was thinking about the anthem from Frozen “Let It Go”. I have to let go of this rehearsal but what I did learn today was to expect the unexpected and not be afraid of change. I can get single minded, focused, and inflexible, and it terrifies me to step outside of what know. To be great, however I will have to learn to think on my feet.  I’m going to spend my next rehearsal time by myself in different directions so I don’t get thrown off in the new space. My next coaching session is Thursday at GPB! Wow!!! Now is the time to move beyond the steps and go with flow!

By: Kamaria George (04/26/2016)