This was inspired by an initial curiosity for Latin dancing—from learning in Ecuador with a teacher who was only fluent in Spanish, to returning to Australia and re-learning along with many others who were unfamiliar with dancing.
There were many trials when ‘finding my own feet’ (pardon the pun) within the very different world of dancing, which were way more than I’d anticipated. One particular challenge was that dancing led me to take a more in-depth look within myself.
A striking metaphor for many things in life, especially your relationship with yourself—the below poem was born while reflecting upon a 15-month healing journey through dance—from self-consciousness, uncertainty, and anxiety, to a state of liberation and personal acceptance, awareness, and self-love.
This voyage is ready to take any one of you—who feel ready—to explore life and yourself on a deeper level— from fear into freedom in a fun and forever meaningful way.
SHE DANCED
She wanted to dance
She tried to move
And to learn
How to live
And to love…
And so, she attempted some moves
It was all so foreign
In a foreign language
In a faraway place
Fantasy time …
She showed her new friends
The steps she was making
Her hips, she was shaking
Her body was aching
Her new friends laughing
What was she thinking?
It was not so natural, stomach sinking
Yet, she persisted
She persisted with dancing
This time, in her own country
Another set of new friends
A new set of dance moves …
This time there were others
all learning to move too
Our hands constantly sweaty
Gripping tightly, to not lose
The contact point for turning
Did we pull off that move?!
Laughing with her
Stepping on toes
Out of time
Too few men
All of us were persisting with dancing
Lessons, teachers, rivalries, smiles
Shoes, outfits, late nights, and long drives
Big steps, little steps
Turning steps and twirling
Dizziness, sore feet
My stomach’s still churning!
My whole body is hurting …
But, she desired to dance
More men of all sizes
Tall, small
Large, round
Hands that reached up
Some would stray down.
Teach me, show me
Let’s try that move again!
Come closer
Move away
Please give me my space!
Lead me
Don’t push me
Or force me into my place.
I’ll move with you
Softly, gently, and sweetly
If you show me the way…
Then we’ll dance like all fury
If fiery energy gives over to us today.
We don’t know each other
I don’t know your name
But I’ll dance with you tonight
If you will just treat me right.
And so, she danced
She lived
She loved
And she laughed
She persisted …
Her efforts paid off
And so, she took flight
Like a bird set free
A bird healed of its plight
She was gracious and graceful
But not always right
Yet dancing was much like
a metaphor for her life
She learnt much in this time
This journey of dance life
And lived for each moment
From day to night
Not always perfect
But neither is life!
She knew what was missing
And helped make it right
She would dance where life took her
Engaged in the movement of her life
Refining the moves
Of twisting and turning
Her hands less sweaty
Her stomach’s stopped churning
And so, she lived
She laughed and learned …
And so, she danced
As much as her sweet heart had yearned …
She danced.
