Dance, dance, dance! 8.16.10

A couple of weeks ago, a trainer suggested I take dancing lessons to shed some pounds. What a great concept, I pondered. I love dancing and I am quite good at it- so I thought.

Fast forward to today. I decided to conquer my fear of being in an intimate setting with strangers and take my first salsa lesson. I drove bravely to the Mambo Room, thinking yea I got this. I am a veteran salsa dancer, from back in the day at the Latin clubs in New York City.

Let’s just say the feet ain’t what they used to be.

First of all, I have been dancing salsa wrong my entire life! The count is 123, 456, repeat 123,456 somehow I thought there was always an 8 count. And to my astonishment, you are supposed to pivot on the 3rd and 6th step. So to start, my footwork was all-wrong.

Next, the instructor reminded everyone to dance on the ball of your feet. Apparently, my movement is that of an elephant, thump thump thump, thump thump thump.  But by the close of the night I was intentional about being light on my feet and made some improvements.  But while I was dancing, I kept looking at my feet to make sure I knew what I was doing and was told to look up at all times. At one point the instructor asked all the women in the room to close their eyes, and let their partner lead. Wow, I am so not used to being lead however, I did reluctantly follow.

I am relieved nonetheless, that I did hold my own. While I am not Jennifer Lopez on the dance floor I do have rhythm. What I could not do with my feet, my hips managed to make up for.  I must admit, it as was fun to be able to try something different and fun. Hopefully, I will be inspired  to go back next Monday.