Dancing, in general, is something I’ve always refused to take seriously because it’s “not a real sport” or “it’s a girls sport”. I’ve always loved to dance, but that’s not something I’m used to saying out loud because it’s an oddity. A few days ago I decided to not let a stereotype decide what I like, so I manned up and dropped in to a dance class. I had never danced in front of anyone in my life and everything I knew up until that point was self taught. I was terrified.
The first thing I tried was ballet at the Ballet School of Colombo, mistakenly taking it for something easy. The appearance that ballet is an innocent pastime is entirely false. I struggled brutally. I have never respected real dancers more in my life. It was enjoyable, but agonizing and took more flexibility than I could muster. It was wonderful, but repetitive, slow and not what I was looking for so I didn’t go back.
However, a few days ago I went to a studio called ‘The Dance Lab’. It specializes in different types of dance. The class I took was called ‘Lyrical Dance’ or what most people know as ‘Contemporary Dance.’ I don’t think I’ve ever been so much in my element in my life. Other than hitting a punching bag no sport has ever satisfied me to the same extent. As embarrassing as it is to admit that, it’s true.
All in all, unlike what most people think, dance is more than just some elegant show. It takes hard work, which I’m beginning to learn, and more strength than any school sport you’ll ever come across (as much as I love those, too). Dancers are tough and sadly, forced to have thick skin.
In my experience (experience being the two sessions I’ve attended), dancing is like having an extension of yourself that you can pretend to be. It involves a lot of self-awareness. Knowing your body, your limits, how your muscles and ligaments move together to make art. How you can express something so real to you through the simple things and movements. Dancing is an art form and I won’t let anyone say otherwise.
I plan to take more classes at The Dance Lab. For example, Latin dancing, which would be fitting for my heritage. Most dancing, especially Latin, involves significant collaboration with other people, synchronization and a level of comfort with another person. It’s similar to taking two colors of paint, and blending them to make one. It’s complicated and impossible unless done perfectly right.
Anyways, I’m sure I will learn much more. I’m excited too. Thrilled actually. Part of me wished I started sooner, but better later than never. My biggest takeaway is that not all sports involve balls. Dancing may be different, but it is awesome nonetheless.
Published by