“Just dance…”

 

Shared by Breanne Smedley

Harder than it sounds.

I’ve never been good at dancing. Or so I’ve told myself.

I think it’s the long limbs, combined with the fact that I suddenly become extremely uncoordinated once music turns on, that makes it hilarious to watch.

So, I don’t do it often.

In fact, I was scheduled to teach a “Dance Conditioning” class at school this year.

A class where I was supposed to teach 40 students how to dance, and perform dances at school assemblies.

The thought of these kids going out in front of the student body and doing some awkward version of the “stanky leg” or a “pop, lock, and hover” (my two signature moves) was both hilarious and frightening.

“I wouldn’t do this class justice,” I told the admin.

For the sake of everyone involved, they switched to it a Fitness Conditioning class. Much more my style.

On Fridays in my Fitness Conditioning classes, we spend the last 10 minutes dancing to “Just Dance.”

Students request songs, and we follow along as a fun way to end the week.

It’s the closest thing to dancing that we do in the class.

Even when there’s something to follow on the screen, and all the lights are off, there are still a few students who stand in the back and do nothing.

Too afraid to so much as shrug a shoulder for fear that someone might see them and judge their movement as a form of dancing.

Then there’s a small group that will go through the motions. Follow along with some of the arm movements, but never get too crazy.

The majority of students do their best to follow the moves. Smiles on their faces, not taking themselves too seriously.

Then, there’s Jorge.

Every week, front and center.

Not only following along. But singing along too.

Adding his own flavor to the moves. Clapping wildly when the song is over and giving high fives to the people next to him.

He is inspiring.

Because when it comes down to it, my hesitation to dancing has nothing to do with skill.

Well, maybe it has a little to do with skill…

But, I think it’s deeper than that.

Dancing is the ultimate form of expression. You are out there, moving in your own way, for everyone to see.

It takes confidence. Self-esteem. Vulnerability.

It’s hard for me to let myself be free to do this.

Thoughts of “what do I look like?” and “what do people think?” flood my mind.

Every week, Jorge shows me that it’s okay.

It’s okay to be vulnerable in this way.

Let loose. Have fun. Don’t care about what people think.

Just dance!

#MindfullyEvolving

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