After pouring through tapes of dance recitals I decided to go back to the studio and join the Young Adults class.
Watching the tapes (technically watching them on the computer, but I just haven’t acquired the phrase “dance DVD” yet) made me kind of sad. For the first time it really hit me that that part of my life was over. And not just that it was over, but that it was something that I couldn’t get back. I had grown up and it was no longer an option. Not only that, but since there are about 3 dances of the bunch that I can actually remember, I was kind of in awe at what I used to be able to do, so then I was kind of depressed that I’ve more than likely lost those skills. I’m not much of person to reminisce about the good ol’ days, so that made it a little more difficult do deal with. I was in an unfamiliar territory. I went through about a week of a mid-mid-life crisis, then decided to register for this year.
I had always intended on joining the YA class. The first year they started it was my last year in performing lines. I didn’t want to join it right away, being more than happy to be through with dance for the time being. It was a time in my life where I was looking forward to freedom. No more dance, no more school, no one to answer to or tell me what to do, no responsibilities because I was an adult…. Ahhhh, adulthood through the eyes of a teenager. Anyway, I digress.
Like I said, I had always intended on dancing again. But when it would cross my mind was at such inconvenient times. December, when it was a little too late. Or June, when I had plenty of time to put it off and forget about it. But this time was different. It was August, and I was in the midst of a mid-mid-life crisis, and they have a website. Everything seemed to be falling into place. Not to mention I had accepted and let go of some of the bitterness I had carried around for awhile. Perhaps I’ll get into that in a later blog, but not now. It’s funny what growing up will do to a person.
My first class is tonight, and I have to admit that I’m a little bit nervous. I looked at the class photo online from last year. I recognized a couple people who are a couple years younger than me, but I don’t actually know them. For the most part everyone looked so young. The class is for 18-30 year olds, but I’m hoping I’m not the oldest one. I’m also hoping that I’m not the only one who’s taken a few years off (8 to be exact). Tammy and Debbie (sisters/owners/my old teachers) said the class was fun and laid back, so hopefully that means there will be no burpies.
A few of the instructors there now are people I danced with. The YA instructor is Laurie, who I danced with and who is also another sister. I was hoping Debbie would be teaching it because I had her most of the time and it would be more… I don’t know… normal, I guess. If it was someone I didn’t know I probably wouldn’t have signed up, because it would have just been too strange. So hopefully all goes well, I’m not the oldest, I know someone and I don’t completely suck. I’ll have to practice a bit to get my flexibility back. Actually I was never as flexible as I wanted to be, so my goal is to be better in that department. Again, I digress.
Anyway, on one hand I know what to expect, and on the other I don’t. The YA class is a bit different concept than the classes I was in before. Hopefully we’ll get to go to a competition or two!! I keep thinking about how much everything changed in the eight years I was there, and now it’s eight years later, so I wonder how much has changed. But I’ve been told it’s fun and not to worry, so that’s what I’m trying to do.
And what do I wear?? I can’t be out of style, ya know!! For now I’ve got some stiff new tap shoes, my old ballet slippers and some leotards that, surprisingly, still fit!! :D
Congratulations if you made it to the end of this post, and thanks for being interested, I guess… ;)