Fred Astaire Changed My Life!

Christmas 2008 was definitely memorable. My son surprised me with 3 intro Fred Astaire dance lessons! I was so touched I cried. It’s true. There’s a photo on my dance binder from that Christmas morning. The only dancing I had done aside from booty shaking at the occasional party had been a bit of ballet which ended at age 5. However, after watching DWTS I thought if a deaf woman could get on the floor and give ballroom a shot then so could I.

From my 2nd lesson when Vince showed me Tango and then called Megan over to look at my line I was hooked.

It’s the hardest physical thing I’ve ever done, but also the most rewarding. Besides the sense of accomplishment in learning new steps or maintaining connection with my partner when I cross that threshold into the studio I leave work & the world behind me. For the next 45 minutes I feel no guilt in thinking of nothing but myself and what I am trying to accomplish in that day’s lesson.

Not that I didn’t often sit in one of those chairs before lesson started, my stomach aflutter with anxiety about feeling so exposed on the floor, wondering what had I been thinking to have introduced more stress in my life. However, my thoughts were focused on dancing – not spreadsheets or deadlines or groceries or laundry. And the anxiety eased as I became more comfortable and confident in my dancing.

I had hoped that dancing would prove a diversion from work and provide a break from gym routine. While my co-workers still sometimes ask me to prove that I’m putting in fewer hours I have scaled back on work and use dance as a reason to stake out personal time.

Going to the gym became superfluous. I was feeling better and looking better just dancing. Since starting lessons in January 2009 I have dropped 3 dress sizes. I’ve not been this slender and fit since I was 14. Dancing is great exercise and certainly more interesting than the gym. Besides, on the dance floor you can often wear fabulous outfits while breaking a sweat. I don’t recall pulling out the rhinestones and false eyelashes for trip to the gym.

Dance was never a world in which I pictured myself living. I watched it on telly and attended dance performances, but it was a world I thought for others – not for me. My opinion has changed. I am a dancer and while I have much to learn we are all dancers who cross that threshold for our lessons. We each have different paths we follow, but that need to express ourselves physically to music is why we’re all there.

My sense of accomplishment is due largely to the wonderful instructors with whom I have worked. Those individual investments in my growth have helped me progress quickly. Many thanks to Vince, Steve, Megan, Kelya, Jessica and Irene.

Fred didn’t write it, but he did sing it beautifully:
There may be teardrops to shed
So while there’s moonlight & music & love & romance
Let’s face the music and Dance! Dance!
Let’s face the music and dance

Thank you

Tjomme Rusticus and Ran Wei were wed June 6, 2009 at the Ritz Carlton in Chicago. They danced their beautiful first dance to Enrique Iglesias' Hero. We were lucky to get a sneak peek as they performed for their teachers (Jessica and Steve), the staff and students at a Friday night studio party as their final rehearsal. Congratulations!

We wanted to write you a note of thanks for all the work you did getting our dance in shape for the wedding! The dance was a HUGE hit. I think it surprised a lot of people, especially seeing Paul out there. You gave me a lot of confidence in myself as well and I wanted to thank you. People LOVED the dip!
Thanks so much,
Sarah & Paul