...dancing thru life...

I went on the most amazing adventure today!

Growing up, we didn't have much, but I never would have known. My parents gave us more love in our short growing up years than I think most people receive in a lifetime. I think my upbringing has encouraged me become such a lover and encourager of people as an adult.

Still, one thing that I did miss out on was the opportunity to take dance classes.

After graduating and moving to St. Louis, I found an adult ballet class in town. I loved the class, but within a month, the class was cancelled due to lack of student enrollment. Though they invited me to take private lessons, I just couldn't afford it at the time.

Dancing Thru Life is an all adult dance studio in West County St. Louis. I found them online last summer, but was unable to enroll due to schedule conflicts. I received an email last week with this summer's schedule, and I nervously approached Andy about taking a tap class. He's such a sweet man, he rarely refuses me. Timid, and unsure if I wanted to stretch myself in this direction, I waited until the last minute to sign up.

I arrived extra, extra early this morning, sitting in my car and baking in the hot, St. Louis summer sun as I waited for other classes to finish. I was sweating before I even walked through the doors, maybe from the heat, maybe from my fear.

Ladies of all ages, shapes and sizes filled the tiny waiting area, smiling up at me, and asking me a few polite questions before we crowded into the studio. Laura and I, the only two newbies in a group numbering over 20, managed to find each other. It could have been the deer-in-headlights look in our eyes.

Annie walked right up and introduced herself. Sue told us how much fun we would have, but that it was going to be intense. She talked about the recital and needing to have extra lessons as it got closer. Then, she unexpectedly wrapped me up in a great big momma bear hug. It was an unexpected and completely welcome surprise! (Note to self: Always hug the new person.)

Our teacher, Ms. Christine, was spunky, funny and fast. She is also a fantastic teacher. She was patient with us, while still demanding a high standard. And she had a great knack for making the dance moves understandable to first-timers.

So, I basically smiled the whole time, or laughed at myself and my inability to perform a simple routine. (I learned the steps quickly - trying to remember the order of said steps threw me.) I had such an amazingly fun time! We didn't take ourselves too seriously. We giggled together, counted together, and bonded over flaps and step ball changes.

Did I mention there's a recital at the end of the year? I'm hopeful that this adventure will lead me to my first ever dance recital! I'm laughing just thinking about it.

Next adventure: buying tap shoes!

I think the most encouraging and inspiring aspect of this adventure and this studio in general, is that passion, joy and learning new tricks does not have an age limit. I was the youngest in age, but I'm not sure I was the youngest in spirit.

I'm going to love learning from these ladies!

For more information on Dancing Thru Life, click here.