Ms. Cappuccino Between the ages of 10 and 14, I went to Russian dancing school. It was the most hilarious and formative experience.
My stringent dance teacher, Luda, would get mad at us for getting out of breath after rehearsing a number for hours. "You all need to quit smoking!"
"We're ten."
"Yeah, that's even more reason to quit."
She was off her rocker sometimes (she all thought we should go pro), but dancing school taught me a lot about hard work, poise, and grace. It was nice to move through space and be aware of your body before anything else.
I ended up running track in high school, and a lot of the things I learned in dancing school transferred over. I teach now, and am really comfortable performing before a big group of people.
Things got busy in college, so I could not pursue track or dance any longer. We had a physical education requirement though, and in my junior year, I ended up taking yoga. It was heaven.
I had missed stretching, moving, reaching, and relaxing so much. I kind of forgot the balance between the mind and the body, and how much I needed it when college was so intense.
What do you guys do to keep a balance been the active and reflective life? Did you/do you take dance lessons or play a sport? Do you think this helps you in other things?
Comments (12)
I did ballet for 11 years and quit this year right before my exam. Ballet/dancing is definitely helpful in other things but it can be awful for self-esteem/body image etc.
I did ballet when I was a child, but I quit because I lost the drive for it...plus I was gaining a lot of weight because of meds I was on.
lol your Russian Dance Teacher is awesome!
Nowadays I rollerskate and I'm refreshing on fencing...it really helps reiterate balance for me. After fencing, I tend to indulge in some meditation and relaxation.
It helps me clear my head, think without getting lost in my emotions or getting stressed, and it fills my exercise need as well as holds some spiritual significance for me at the same time.
I don't know how it happens, but somehow it's easier to find balance when I can spend some time exercising.
And I do miss it when life moves me away from it, even if this means a job that gives me more than plenty exercise.
It's just somehow more...I don't know...
Meaningful?
A healthy life is a life where you can enjoy things that're good for you, I say.
I did ballet as a child, but quit when I did other extracurriculars. I do yoga now and, like you, I love it! It's such a great way to get physical exercise that really calms the body as well.
I did gymnastics when I was a kid, but that became difficult when I grew up to be 5'8". I love doing anything outside and I do a stability ball workout at home, but yoga was never my thing.
The Russians are known for being intense.
Try having a Russian cello instructor.
I agree that there is definitely a huge relationship between mind and body that is often overlooked! As a society, we have gotten away from many physical things. We really need to make more time for them!
I've been dancing for 16 years...since I was five. So I really don't know a life other than being healthy and constantly moving. Since ballet has now become my career, I love being able to dance all day everyday and I adore the feeling I have after dancing for six hours straight. Every experience I have had from dancing will affect everything I chose to do later in life. There is an infinite amount of discipline needed to survive in the ballet world...when it comes to not missing a single day of work, what I really should eat to have enough energy to get through the day or how much sleep to get. Almost every decision I make affects my ability to perform well. However, its all about balance and I still believe that everyone needs to let loose once in a while (to not completely go insane :P)
lots and lots of pilates.
I play basketball,soccer,and i run cross country.
If we lost in basketball or soccer i'd be pissed that would go along with every other sport activity i'd do.
But cross country has taught me that i cant always win.
Thats sometimes winning for you is getting 21st place with your best time yet.
I've always envied graceful people. I'm big, clumsy and doofy. I'm almost certain its something you're born with, not something you can learn.. trust me. I've tried.