Coming back after a dance hiatus

[pygmalion]

For those of you who, because of burnout or other reasons, have left dance for a time, what did you experience when you came back to dance? Was it difficult? What were the issues? Is it just like riding a bike? Or was there a learning curve coming back? Why did you come back?

[HothouseSalsero]

I tore some cartilage in my right knee a couple years ago, and it took a while to get a diagnosis, and then to have surgery. I didn't dance for half a year, maybe more. (There were a couple times shortly after the injury when I tried dancing again to see if it had healed itself, but inevitably I would get enough pain afterwards to keep me worried.) I had taken private lessons in salsa dancing (along with lots of group lessons, etc.) over the two years prior to the injury.

I was extremely depressed right after the injury, when I didn't know what it was, since I was afraid I might never be able to dance again.

When I went back to dancing, I found that I hadn't lost as much as I had feared. Even my teacher, who had been talking optimistically about my getting back to dancing, said that I hadn't lost very much, not as much as she had expected anyway. The biggest frustration was that combinations I partially had at the end of the summer before the injury occurred, were pretty much hopelessly lost.

I did have the probably of overdoing things initially. I jumped back into dancing with both feet. I took a couple workshops in Colombian folkloric dancing (cumbia and vallenato respectively), and they did me in. But when I talked to the doctor about the pain I was having, he said it was nothing serious and that I just needed to take it easier (and do my strengthening exercises).

This was a relatively minor injury, though, and I was only out for half a year, so it wasn't that big a deal.

[pygmalion]

Thanks for sharing your experience, HothouseSalsero. :D

[peachexploration]

Well, I'm still on my hiatus so to speak and loving it. :D I must say that I am also ready to go back but I made a promise to myself to take the vacation. But surely, Salsa is calling back home! :P :P

[Vince A]

For those of you who, because of burnout or other reasons, have left dance for a time, what did you experience when you came back to dance? Was it difficult? What were the issues? Is it just like riding a bike? Or was there a learning curve coming back? Why did you come back?
Experiences and was it difficult:
Out of shape . . .
Out of breath . . .
Sore as hell the next day after trying to get some privates in . . .

The issues were that my attitude needed changing:
Yes, like riding a bike, albeit riding one over a gravel road! Definitely a
re-learning curve . . .

Why am I attempting a comeback? I don't know yet . . . peer pressure? . . . really miss it? . . . no longer in the limelight??? . . . no one remembers my name at competitions anymore??? My wife competes and I need to stay "up" on her dance abilities?
None of the above! It's just a part of what makes me "me."

[pygmalion]

We really need a hug emoticon. I wonder if such a thing exists. Anyway, hugs, Vince. You can do it. 8)

[brujo]

We really need a hug emoticon. I wonder if such a thing exists. Anyway, hugs, Vince. You can do it. 8)

Forget the hugs, who has morphine?

[Mambo1_2]

I just went thru that a week ago. I hadnt danced for two weeks straight. I was a little rusty at first but it came back fast.

[SDsalsaguy]

What's really funny/disconcerting to me is when I have been away from dancing for a while and not only do I forget how to do certain moves but actually forget that I know them! :shock:

I'll be back in a club, just enjoying watching some of the people on the floor and all of a suden it's like "hey, wait a minute! I used to do that all the time!" when I didn't even remember that I'd known it just five minutes before! :lol:

[pygmalion]

I just went thru that a week ago. I hadnt danced for two weeks straight. I was a little rusty at first but it came back fast.

Hi Mambo1_2! Welcome to the forums! :D

[KevinL]

I'll be back in a club, just enjoying watching some of the people on the floor and all of a suden it's like "hey, wait a minute! I used to do that all the time!" when I didn't even remember that I'd known it just five minutes before! :lol:

The same thing happened to me a couple of weeks ago! I used to Lindy a lot, then took several months off to focus on ballroom. I went to my first swing dance in months, and did great. I kept doing the same things, but my partners all liked what I was doing. Then I would notice someone else lead something. "I know how to do that!", and then I would lead it as well.

If it was only that easy to learn the first time, everyone in the world would be dancing!

Kevin

[Vince A]

We really need a hug emoticon. I wonder if such a thing exists. Anyway, hugs, Vince. You can do it. 8)

Forget the hugs, who has morphine?

A bottle of Crown Royal will work too . . . :wink:

[Spitfire]

In another three weeks I'll be having surgery which is going to keep me off of the dance floor for at least two weeks. If what a friend of mine told me who recently had the same kind of operation is an indication I may not think much about dancing in light of the recovery process.

What is a bit of a disappointment is that USABDA will have their next workshop that weekend that I otherwise would certainly try to attend.

[Sagitta]

In another three weeks I'll be having surgery which is going to keep me off of the dance floor for at least two weeks. If what a friend of mine told me who recently had the same kind of operation is an indication I may not think much about dancing in light of the recovery process.

Well, we'll be here to help you get back in there as soon as you can. :) :wink: And after that?!?

What is a bit of a disappointment is that USABDA will have their next workshop that weekend that I otherwise would certainly try to attend.

I feel for you, my friend. So often it happens that there is something that we must do, not necessarily pleasant, and it results in us missing out on something that we enjoy! Living in the moment, finding something in everything I do - not thinking about what else this moment could be - works for me every time. :)

[Spitfire]

In another three weeks I'll be having surgery which is going to keep me off of the dance floor for at least two weeks. If what a friend of mine told me who recently had the same kind of operation is an indication I may not think much about dancing in light of the recovery process.

Well, we'll be here to help you get back in there as soon as you can. :) :wink: And after that?!?

What is a bit of a disappointment is that USABDA will have their next workshop that weekend that I otherwise would certainly try to attend.

I feel for you, my friend. So often it happens that there is something that we must do, not necessarily pleasant, and it results in us missing out on something that we enjoy! Living in the moment, finding something in everything I do - not thinking about what else this moment could be - works for me every time. :)

Fortunately USABDA holds workshops here every three months and its dances in between; a very nice arraingement they have here. :D

As I say I may not think much about dancing or other activity while in recovery, but will be itching to get out on the floor when I'm healed and back into shape. Certainly appreciate the thoughts. :D

[tasche]

Can ten years be counted as a hiatus. If so then I'll post my observations regarding learning ballroom as a teen and relearning as an adult and the physical and emotional differences

Tash

[peachexploration]

Oh that's a serious hiatus. :D Was it hard getting back into the groove Tash?

[tasche]

yes and no

My body ached of course as to be expect but it also remembered moves I didn't even know I knew. I'm certainly surprised both at how much I remember and also how much certain techinques have changed ( they probably haven't actually changed but the way a 13-15 yo body is different to an adults)

I ahve an edge over adult begginers in that I know that I can do it and all I need to do is focus and give myself time

One thing I had to get over very quickly as an adult that wasn't an issue as a youth is ego and feelings of embarassment getting things wrong. Part of this was due to members of my group class being critical and quick to point out mistakes. But then I realised hey I can get things wrong its ok bc I am capable of getting it right =D

I'll probably come back to this post and update my reiniatiation (sp?) experiences.

Though one last thing coming back it seems easier to do some of the harder moves that some of the basics. I guess that means I didn' spend enough time on them in the first place

Tash

[salsachinita]

Here's mine to share.

I had been completely away from the salsa scene between '96-'99, then made limited appearances '99-'01. My hiatus lasted five years, largely due to relationship issues. Prior to that time, I was a regular social dancer who didn't really take a whole lot of classes. I DID do a bit of show for a little while ('92?), with the studio that trained me, but I left soon after that.

Most of my dancing I've learnt from the clubs/street with people who lead me. I also had an excellent mentor who became a large part of my life (but also contributed to my absence).

I didn't officially return to the salsa scene until the start of 2002. It was a real struggle to re-establish my own identity after being assocciated with my ex (who is well known & respected) for so long. I hardly knew anyone, and all the ones I knew, I've had to clarify that I was no longer with my ex (therefore OK to dance with me.....!) :shock:

The other thing was that people didn't dance like we used to any more :shock: . There were fancy things being done on the floor even us showbiz ones didn't know about. All of a suddent there were a new breed of dancers out there who are NOT interested to dance with anyone, other than the ones that dance like themselves. I could go to a salsa night and NEVER get a dance (which would have been un-heard of, before my hiatus) :cry: !

So I made an effort to ask for dances. I re-connected with the few from the old days. I hung with my musician bros (who had been there all along) instead of going to dancers clubs. I started going to R&B/latin clubs.

Once my confidence was back, I concertrated on picking up/absorbing all the new moves at the clubs, made friends with all the new dancers/teachers/event organisers/club owners etc.

All the efforts paid off. The rest is history. I am here once again, and I am here to STAY :P !

[salsachinita]

One thing I had to get over very quickly as an adult that wasn't an issue as a youth is ego and feelings of embarassment getting things wrong.

This is very true. One of the hardest thing to cope was the ego/pride issue. I got a lot of strange looks when I make mistakes, if the guys knew how long I've been dancing :oops: !

Took me a long time to finally get back to group classes....I did pick up a few things, but got bored pretty soon.

I was also very surprised at how much I remembered/forgot. It was not too difficult for me to get back into it, because I have been playing salsa music all the time :D 8) !

[tasche]

it is kinda of embarrasing when you can do an advanced move but mess up a basic. Almost like that scene in Strictly Ballroom when Fran crashes into scott when shes trying to confince him to dance with her

Also I trained previous in NZ so have had some adjustment to the way things are done over here

[Swing Kitten]

where are you now tashe?

[tasche]

Sunny California!

[pygmalion]

Wow! salsachinita and tasche. Thanks to both of you for sharing your experiences. :notworth: I bet there are some guests out there watching who will be really encouraged by you both -- your experiences and your genuineness. Thank you so much. 8) :D

[golddancer]

I have been away for several reasons... injury and money.

One of the most frustrating this is that you lose your physical conditioning so easily.

Two-- your friends have learned new steps while you have been gone and your ability to read the leads is rusty.

Three ---It is a catch up game when ever life forces a hiatus on you or when you take a break give yourself time to catch up and
always remember that dancing is suppose to be fun!!! Your attitude will help you more than pressuring yourself to catch up with the pack... think of it as a challenge to follow your partner's lead. :-)

[peachexploration]

Well, I'm still on my hiatus so to speak and loving it. :D I must say that I am also ready to go back but I made a promise to myself to take the vacation. But surely, Salsa is calling back home! :P :P

My HIATUS ends tonight!!! Yippppeeeee!!! :banana: :lol:

[SDsalsaguy]

Well, I'm still on my hiatus so to speak and loving it. :D I must say that I am also ready to go back but I made a promise to myself to take the vacation. But surely, Salsa is calling back home! :P :P

My HIATUS ends tonight!!! Yippppeeeee!!! :banana: :lol:
Welcome back peach!!!!! :cheers:

[peachexploration]

Welcome back peach!!!!! :cheers:

Thanks SD! I can't wait. :D

[Spitfire]

Well, I'm still on my hiatus so to speak and loving it. :D I must say that I am also ready to go back but I made a promise to myself to take the vacation. But surely, Salsa is calling back home! :P :P

My HIATUS ends tonight!!! Yippppeeeee!!! :banana: :lol:

I'll bet it will be even more fun now Peach; :) mine will begin this week for a couple - call it medical LOA.

I like your avatar; really cool! 8)

[peachexploration]

I like your avatar; really cool! 8)

Thanks Spitfire. My avatar definitely demonstrates how excited I was to get back to dancing. :lol: I'm just getting back from class. I had sooo much fun!!! Lot of energy in the class. I think we all had Salsa fever tonight! I hope you get back dancing soon Spitfire. Don't stay away too long. :)

[bee_kisses]

For me it is hard to always dance... There really is any good room in my house to dance, so I always try to stay enrolled in school or at a local theatre. But when I leave dancing for a while (like over the summer) I really regret it. I love to dance, and I only want to get better, but I am now motivated enough to keep at it. I find it easier to keep going when I am enrolled with other people. and the "comming back" experience is awful. *Tip* Never try this at home.....

[golddancer]

I like your avatar; really cool! 8)

Thanks Spitfire. My avatar definitely demonstrates how excited I was to get back to dancing. :lol: I'm just getting back from class. I had sooo much fun!!! Lot of energy in the class. I think we all had Salsa fever tonight! I hope you get back dancing soon Spitfire. Don't stay away too long. :)

I love your avatar too. Where did you get it?

I am going back to Cumbia class on Wed. I went to my first dance since november on this past Friday night and it was fun. Was also my dance instructors birthday on Sunday so we celebrated Friday night. :-)

[pygmalion]

I'm glad you're back golddancer! Enjoy.

[peachexploration]

I love your avatar too. Where did you get it?

I am going back to Cumbia class on Wed. I went to my first dance since november on this past Friday night and it was fun. Was also my dance instructors birthday on Sunday so we celebrated Friday night. :-)

Thanks Golddancer! Was surfing like a nut one day and didn't save any of the links. :cry: Have fun at class this week. :D

[pygmalion]

Hey peachexploration. I was all set to do salsa class last night, but had a somewhat ego-busting experience at lindy class. I wanted to be there for your comeback! :cry:

[peachexploration]

Hey peachexploration. I was all set to do salsa class last night, but had a somewhat ego-busting experience at lindy class. I wanted to be there for your comeback! :cry:

Hey Dudette! I thought you may not be there because I saw in another thread that you were going to a Lindy class. :D

[pygmalion]

I was planning to do both, but got bummed by lindy. Next week, maybe? I'm doing a waltz class on Monday nights, so I may miss the party, but I can do Sunday night classes for sure.

[LauraB]

I had a long hiatus, about two and a half years. My background is all in ballet and jazz (and tap, modern, dunham). My knees gave out on me in college, where I was majoring in ballet and jazz, so I had to quit. I did months and months of physical therapy before finally admitting that I wasn't able to dance anymore. Then, a couple years later, I saw an ad in the paper for ballroom teachers. Dance background required, ballroom experience not necessary--will train. Since I wouldn't have to do leaps and jumps, and repetitious plies, I figured I'd give it a try. It took me a few weeks to get back in shape, and get my flexibility back. Since I was starting a new style of dance altogether, what I knew from my past didn't apply. Even though I hadn't taken a ballet class in years, I couldn't keep from turning out my legs. I had tons of habits to break, but I suppose it was easier for me to learn ballroom because I know different styles and it's easy for me to pick up steps. Okay, I'm rambling now.

-Laura

[pygmalion]

I could use all sorts of cliches here, LauraB, about doors opening and closing and such. But that's too easy. Let me just say that I'm glad you found a place in ballroom dance. :)

It must have been really hard, going through the injuries, and the physical therapy and other stuff I probably can't even imagine. And also hard, letting go of the ballerina ideal. Wow. A dancer's life can be so hard. :cry: :x

I'm glad you found a new home. :D 8)

[LauraB]

Thank you, that's exactly how I feel--I'm so lucky to have found this. You wouldn't believe the depression I went through when I couldn't dance. I love ballroom more than ballet now, and I never would have found it if I hadn't been injured. Things happen for a reason...