It is the middle of September, in southern California, and it is still hot! I am so sick and tired of the heat that I can hardly wait till fall. Summer has never been my favorite season, but since I was diagnosed with leukemia seven months ago, it is even more difficult to tolerate. It seems that my medication, Sprycel, causes me to be even more uncomfortable in the heat than I used to be.

I am so glad that dancing is an inside sport so that I can enjoy it year round; of course that depends upon the air conditioning and fans, in the studios and ballrooms, that I dance in. If it is too hot, my body just goes into a meltdown of sorts, making me feel really sick. Nine more months and I get to move out of southern California and away from this heat.

Fall has always been my favorite time of year, followed closely by Spring. I love the crisp air that Fall brings and the new growth that Spring brings. Winter, in areas that are not too extreme, can also be wonderful. I love cross country skiing and am hoping that the trails of Idaho don’t prove to be too difficult for me to maneuver with my new companion; cancer. When I began dancing, I gave up downhill skiing; I was much too afraid that I might break something and that I would not be able to dance. Cross country skiing has helped to fill that void and has also helped to increase my strength, balance and stamina; all talents that I need while dancing. Ahhh, just the thought of cooler weather and I feel better. Hopefully October will cool down into the 80’s and November in California will hopefully teach the 60’s or 70’s. Until then, I will be thinking cool thoughts!

The Gift

Yes, Christmas is right around the corner. I even saw a purple Christmas Tree decorated for Halloween. The poor tree had a witches hat on it’s tree top and a graveyard below it’s branches. A little twisted in my opinion, but it got me thinking about the greatest gift that I have ever received. (of course, the gift that I am talking about, falls in line after the obvious blessings: God, family, health, freedom, etc.)

It is a gift that I gave to myself. One that I like to share with others. It is the gift of dance. For those of you that already have it, you know exactly what I am talking about. Dancers’, do you realize that when you dance with a beginner, or someone that has less experienced than you, you are sharing your gift with them. Your encouragement and patience will brighten their day. For those of you that have never danced, I implore you to give it a try. It will be frustrating at first, but hang in there, you cannot imagine how dance will change your life.

It doesn’t matter how difficult my day was, how many times “Murphy” followed me around and tripped me up or how many things still on my list that still need attending to, all it takes to brighten my day, are the words, “You want to go dancing?”. As soon as the music begins, and my body starts to move, all of the stress and frustrations of the day are completely forgotten. You see, dancing brings peace and joy to your soul. It will lift you up and make your heart sing!

So, if you are home with the kids all day, or maybe tending to an ill or aging loved one, or just simply overwhelmed with life in general, I challenge you to get out there and dance! Take a few hours a week, just for you.

There are many places that offer free dance lessons. Group lessons are available at local recreation centers and dance studios. If you feel intimidated by those options, or just find that you need the reinforcement from your classes, please check out our website: www.learntoballroomdanceonline.com It is our desire to bring the joy of dancing to everyone that can walk and fog a mirror!

I will be offering gift certificates for the holidays. Stay tuned and Happy Dancing!

Frame

Tonight was a a true test in my ability to follow. The most difficult
skill I have finally been able to master. You see, one of my favorite
dancers has a elbow injury to his left arm. And as a true dancer, I
know that you will understand, you can only stay away from dancing
for so long. This is where my ability to follow, with him just
leading with his right hand comes in to play. If done correctly, a
leader is able to lead a follower around the dance floor with just
that connection. To my amazement, I passed the test!

To create that “connection” with your partner in the closed ballroom
position, it is important for the lower part of the follower’s left
shoulder blade to “match the resistance” into the leader’s right
hand. The follower can accomplish this by pulling her left shoulder
back and down, pressing into the leader’s hand. If the follower
does not match the resistance, the leader finds it much more
difficult to lead. Without any connection with the shoulder blade,
dancing would be nearly impossible.

“Matching the resistance”, is also known as The Law of Opposition.
It tells us that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. A
push meets with a push. A pull meets with a pull. In dance, the
resistance is NOT actually pushing or pulling. It is a matching
“reaction” to the “action” of the lead. The natural tendency to
“yield” to a “lead” rather than to match the natural resistance is
a real problem for many dancers.

Once you have master this connection, you will be able to dance
beautifully with anyone that has mastered the art of leading.

Please share your experiences with our other members in our blog
discussion area:
www.learntoballroomdanceonline.com

Happy Dancing,

Michele@learntoballr