Learning to Dance

The Chassé, Jazz walk, and Pivot step are some of the moves I am learning in my Beginning Jazz class. There is something truly satisfying about having complete control of your body and knowing it like never before. Making your hand movement flow from your shoulder in one single fluid motion while at the same time your hips are rotating with the fluid movement of your legs and feet. It is difficult to achieve, especially if you're untrained like myself, but when at moments you realize that you finally got it, it is remarkable. 


I love to dance. However, the first dance that I have ever participated in was an ECD (English Contry Dance) practice several years ago. I was overwhelmed and I never danced in the actual dance. The following year I overcame my fear and danced at an ECD. I had a wonderful time depite all the roockie mistakes and over all bewilderment. Since that first introduction to dance I have wanted to learn how to move my body to the beat of music and put my whole self into the dance. I have danced Contra and have done decently (if I did it more often I would probably improve). But the opportunity to learn a style like Jazz was something I could not pass up. College has offered me this great opportunity and I can only hope that I can continue to dance after I graduate. 


My teacher talks of the "inner tiger" that needs to come out while dancing and at times I have felt mine. Maybe by the end of the semester I'll be roaring...or at least have something beyond purring.