Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Dancing for my Life....

Hi there! Welcome to "Ballroom Dancing: Changing My Life One Step at a Time" come in sit a spell and allow me to tell you about something that is world famous, (thanks "Dancing with the Stars") and yet, something you too can be a part of. Ballroom/Latin Dancing is one of the greatest things I have ever done. I've changed my perspective, lost weight, and found what it means to be truly happy in life....

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I know, it’s funny, it's cheezy, please continue to laugh, keep the smile when you’re done and allow me to tell you my story:

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June 21st 2006 I walked through the dance studio door with nothing more than five lessons that were an unexplained gift from a co-worker, and a HUGE fear over what was about to happen. As I waited for some random instructor to come forward and find me for my lesson, the fear just grew; there was a whirlwind of activity around me…people introducing themselves, really good dancers on the floor, music going strong…. All I could think was that I had to make it through the five lessons and I didn’t have to come back… ever. No one wanted to see a girl in the worst shape of her life and aprox 160lbs overweight shake her grove thing in any way….this girl herself didn’t want to shake her groove thing for anyone to see either!

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Well that was about 70 or so lessons ago. Somewhere in there between learning the difference between a Rumba and a Waltz I realized I had found the key to unlock the cage of 160lbs I had surrounded myself with, I learned that while people may not want to see this girl attempt to dance, I was going to do it anyway because I loved it. I made a vow with myself that I was going to try and get as good as I could possibly get at this dance thing, and the one way to truly help myself do that was to continue the weight loss that was beginning to happen just because of my lessons. So far I’ve dropped aprox 80lbs, completely changed my relationship with food, and exercise….I’ve even quit smoking…twice...

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I’m just about half way to my goal as far as the numbers on the scale go, and one thing is certain…no matter what the future brings…I’m not going to stop dancing. Ballroom dance has been the inspiration for every change I’ve made in my life over the last year, and I’m convinced that ballroom is the reason those changes have stuck.

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If you, dear reader, take nothing else away from this blog, take this… there is NO REASON why you can't dance. (Trust me, if I can handle it, you can give it a try) Ladies, you'll feel like a star, and gents, no gal that can resist a guy that's willing to try dancing. You don’t have to commit to 5 lessons like I did, every studio has a “guest lesson” go on… give it a go. I have some links on the right to help you find a wonderful studio in your area. Too many people avoid things that can help them, or make their lives better. Don’t do that to yourself.

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I will continue to bring you all the trials and tribulations of trying to keep my East and West Coast Swing straight from my Salsa, from my Fox Trot and let you know how the numbers on the scale look. I’ll get pictures of lessons, and you can laugh along with me (or even at me) when I just can’t get an arm right, or do anything that involves turning to the left.

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If you have questions, if you have an opinion, if there is something here you want me to elaborate on… let me know... post a comment, send me an e-mail.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Kitty,
I think I found the email?? The difference in your before and now pics is amazing! You are a very beautiful girl, you will be an abslute knock out when you reach your goal weight. I would love to find a good dance studio near where I live. I looked a little a while back but didn't see anything that pulled me in yet. You may just be that push I need! Thank you!

Anonymous said...

hiya,
well i'm an Aussie girl who started ballroom about one year ago now..and i LOVE it! when i chanced upon your blog, it was great to read that dancing has the same reaction for you! i was abit nervous when i started because i didn't know anyone, but everyone was really nice and i've made some great friends :)
it's so good to see that others get the same thrill out of dancing as i do!
so keep encouraging others-i have no regrets! (except perhaps not starting earlier!)
Ellie

Yuriko said...

Ballroom dancing is so fun, I don't know why more people don't do it! I'm glad I found your blog and your post. Good going!

I'm hoping to drag my husband into the studio to learn some more -- his initial reaction was "That teacher came onto me, see that?"

Anonymous said...

Good morning,
I just found your blog while googling for information on how to be a better ballroom dancer.

The same thing happened to me. And I love reading your story. I walked into a beginner lesson last June - at the age of 57 - and promptly FELL IN LOVE with ballroom! I started private lessons in September 2010. I had already lost some weight and changed my relationship with food prior to starting dancing but dancing has dramatically increased my self confidence and self esteem. Which is leading me to more weight loss and yes, even quitting smoking.

Hooray for you! Hooray for me!

Regards,
DancingCHA

Unknown said...

Hi "Dancing Cha!" :-)
Thanks so much for stopping by! I do appreciate your comment! You're welcome to comment any time!

Happy Dancing!
Kat