Dancing for an escape [Archive]

passion

01-28-2004, 08:38 PM

In previous topics, the use of dancing to reach a nirvana was discussed.

I'm curious to find out about the use of dancing as an escape.

There are times, where I use my dancing to try to reach a higher level, but then there are times, where I feel it's necessary for myself to go dancing to escape current stresses or problems or situations, what-have-you.

Is this a good thing or a bad thing? And does anyone else use it for that purpose?

virginiadancegirl

01-28-2004, 08:48 PM

Just tonight, I was ready to get out ot dance just to forget about what a terrible day I had at work

...there are many different reasons to want to dance....and how can any of them be wrong??

Spitfire

01-28-2004, 08:55 PM

Oh, as far as I'm concerned this is in part what dancing, any kind of dancing is about; letting go of your concerns and entering that turning, twirling, gliding fifth dimensional world known as dance. :cheers:

SDsalsaguy

01-28-2004, 11:06 PM

Absolutely! I find that the nights when I'm just dragging, feel beat up by life, and like I don't have the wherewithal to go dancing are the nights when I need it the most…specifically for that escape that it can then provide.

salsachinita

01-29-2004, 07:34 AM

I do it all the time! Really needed to do it tonight as well, but DF kept me sane :wink: instead!

dragon3085

01-29-2004, 07:59 AM

vey

01-29-2004, 04:04 PM

Great topic, Passion!

I think dancing can definitely provide an escape, especially if one has unresolvable hardships in their everyday life...

But since the universe presently spares me from those, I've noticed that dancing changed my whole outlook on life: it puts all my problems and worries in perspective (as long as I can dance how bad can it be?). Since I've strated dancing, I finally learnt how to "live in the moment" and enjoy it. So it's not that I'm escaping my everyday life into dancing rather than dancing transformed my everyday life.
( I even noticed that my personalty changes I'm getting less shy, more patient with people, etc, in dancing and outside of it....)

Spitfire

01-29-2004, 04:11 PM

Dancing is my definition of Shangri-La. 8)

pygmalion

01-30-2004, 09:41 AM

Having recently gone through a holiday family tradegy I can without hesitation that dancing provides an escape. Even if only for keeping you from thinking about things for 5 minutes- it has a huge effect.

Hugs, dragon3085.

I have also used dancing as an escape. That's what motivated me to start dancing in the first place, after a decade of thinking about it. My personal situation was bad on many levels, so I finally turned to dance -- to do something good for myself. And it makes me feel good. Things are much, much better for me now, but even so, no matter what happens, if I'm feeling low or not-so-low, dancing helps me escape into that space where I can be the real me. Does that make sense? No facade, no propriety, no restraints. Just me, my partner and the music. 8)

passion

01-30-2004, 11:06 AM

So it's not that I'm escaping my everyday life into dancing rather than dancing transformed my everyday life.

Thanks vey!

I can relate with you on that. When I'm not using it as an escape, it does seem to creep into my everyday life. I'm relate to other people better and I'm more in touch physically and emotionally and tune in to people better. In the past I was extremely shy, not able to start up conversations, whereas now, I am able to do that. And also as far as the human-touch. I used to have trouble giving or receiving hugs; physical contact with others was probably also giving into my shyness. Now I've come to accept it more as a natural part of life and become comfortable with that.

I think salsa or any from of partner-dance can help change a person into someone better, or at least make them more well-rounded person.

dancing helps me escape into that space where I can be the real me

It does make sense. With dance, you can let everything go, all your troubles, all your worries, all the stigmas, prejudices, negative thoughts and feeling. With all of that gone, your "real" being will come out. That is when you truely shine as a whole. People that understand the processes that occur, can then see the real you. You're allowing the true nature of your being to be released and let out. That is freeing in itself and I believe that it can help cleanse your mind and your soul.

One other thought about using dance as an escape. In, general when some people move or change positions in their life, some people claim that to be running away from their problems and not solving the issues at hand. If dance is used strictly as an escape consistently, could that be problematic? Whatever we're escaping from, will be pushed aside constantly. And thoughts regarding that situation will not be thought of and dealt with. Even if the problems we escape are gone for those few hours of dancing bliss, they will still be there, and we can choose to deal with them or not. What happens to those, who choose to keep escaping on a day-to-day basis? Could this be damaging to those people? Do those people even realize it?

vey

01-30-2004, 03:25 PM

And also as far as the human-touch. I used to have trouble giving or receiving hugs; physical contact with others was probably also giving into my shyness. Now I've come to accept it more as a natural part of life and become comfortable with that.

I'm glad you've mentioned that, Passion. I had the same issue... In fact, I started learning salsa because I loved the music, and only then I've discovered how significant is the "human touch" aspect (physically and metaphorically).
There's something about the whole idea of spending 3-4 minutes, often with a perfect stranger, and sharing your essence with him, that brings tears to my eyes. And it is not necesserily a sensual experience (although it often is), sometimes it's just that, human.

If dance is used strictly as an escape consistently, could that be problematic? Whatever we're escaping from, will be pushed aside constantly. And thoughts regarding that situation will not be thought of and dealt with. Even if the problems we escape are gone for those few hours of dancing bliss, they will still be there, and we can choose to deal with them or not. What happens to those, who choose to keep escaping on a day-to-day basis? Could this be damaging to those people? Do those people even realize it?
I do share your concerns, Passion, I've even started a thread in order to figure out how to get through a work-day without dance-related distractions (see "How a non-professional dancer can keep his life balanced?"). I do not have an answer to it yet, it's still fells quite new to me, I'm trying to "feel" it through...

Sagitta

01-31-2004, 10:38 AM

Dancing as an escape? An interesting idea, but not for me. I view it slightly differently. Why do you love someone? You don't love someone to escape from the world. It's the same for dance for me. Once the music and the body are one it's all there for anyone to see. At work I need help out all library patrons with my "service friendly" mask if I am having an awful day, but when dancing it is time when I cannot do so. It's like being with your best friend, only better. It's like being with your lover. :)

Dancegal

01-31-2004, 11:08 AM

It's like being with your best friend, only better. It's like being with your lover. :)

:banana: :banana: :banana: :shock: :lol: :D :D :twisted: :P :wink: (using my imagination :D )

passion

01-31-2004, 09:51 PM

It's like being with your best friend, only better. It's like being with your lover. :)

Very interesting way of looking at it. I've not really thought about in that aspect before.

I've danced basically my entire life. Dance is a very essential part of my being, therefore dance plays many roles in my life. Only until recently have I seen how salsa has expanded my life as a whole.

So escaping, reaching a higher level spiritually, and coming home to what feels right and fits best are all a part of dancing for me.

What about this? When you have a bad day, a yearning for a hug or comfort from some you love to relieve your stress is an escape. It's releasing those stresses. In viewing dance as an equivalent to a best friend/lover, can't that equate to an escape as well?

Sagitta

01-31-2004, 10:28 PM

You have a bad day so you use dancing to relieve that stress, sure. But used in this context dancing is part of your world, just like the person you love. We might say that dancing is part of what we find good in life, just as a positive relationship is, and it helps us deal with what sometimes is not so pleasant.

Can dancing become an escape from life? Sure? Just as a relationship turn sour!! To me using dancing as an "escape" and "to relieve stress" are different. The latter is healthy, while the former is not. The line between the two is drawn differently for you and for me. I can only speak from the perspective of where my dancing line is drawn. [shrug]

dancin_feet

02-03-2004, 11:31 PM

Dancing is my fun, my release from the day's pressures. I used to be a basket case of stress before I rediscovered my dancing.

At the moment I do 4 classes a week, and usually the studio social party and group rehearsals for a performance on Saturday afternoon. Am having to cut back a bit due to financial restraints, but if money was not an option, I would be dancing for a living! Teaching, performing, mentoring, I'm just soooooo addicted! 8)

Xtreme Salsa

02-04-2004, 10:28 AM

Yea dancing does help you get away for a while

pygmalion

02-06-2004, 10:35 AM

Am having to cut back a bit due to financial restraints, but if money was not an option, I would be dancing for a living! Teaching, performing, mentoring, I'm just soooooo addicted! 8)

Amen to this, dancin_feet. I've often wondered how I can make dancing pay enough so I can do it all the time. I haven't come up with anything yet. :cry:

Have you considered teaching dance part time at a local studio? Studios often have good teacher training programs, and that will get you a bunch of hours of "free" dance lessons. I've chosen not to go that route, because, at least for now, competition rules in the US would make me "go pro" if I was teaching, and I wouldn't stand a chance as a pro competitor. But the rules may be different in Australia. Just a thought.

dr daffy

02-06-2004, 12:28 PM

As usual, i'm late in replying :oops:

But, i agree with the use of dancing as an escape. If you're really into dancing, normally you just feel yourself being taken away into a whole different world when you dance. at least, that happens to me. I'm very into dance and i use it to escape personal problems, stresses in my life, and issues that just need escaping from. Like, when i have too much homework and i get extremely stressed out, i take a little break and do some stretching and some light dancing and it allows me to "escape" in a way.

Just thought i'd share :)

Redheadedmermaid

02-08-2004, 01:04 AM

Although I say it is an escape, the fact is I'm in the moment and more alive than at other times of the day. Where as I spend most of my day thinking about what has been or what I have to do, when I am following I am truly with that person within that moment.

(When I've not been burning the salsa-candle at both ends) I find it energises me.

I started salsa to fill a hole left by the loss of two people who were very close to me and also to escape the stress of the sitaution I found myself in. It used up excess adrenalin. I realised that dance is my passion and I'm more alive than ever before.

Recently I had another extremely stressful sitatuation, and went off to a dance class that evening. I realised after an hour and a half I had not thought about my problem for the whole time. I felt light and energised and *******ed. I was ready to deal with life again. Is it any wonder we become salsa addicts?

dancin_feet

02-09-2004, 06:09 PM

Have you considered teaching dance part time at a local studio? Studios often have good teacher training programs, and that will get you a bunch of hours of "free" dance lessons. I've chosen not to go that route, because, at least for now, competition rules in the US would make me "go pro" if I was teaching, and I wouldn't stand a chance as a pro competitor. But the rules may be different in Australia. Just a thought.

The studio I go to is actually setting up a course in dance instructor theory that can be used for any type of instructing. They use other studios (jazz, tap, ballet, ballroom, etc) for the practical side to complete the course. Unfortunately it is not possible to do it part time as yet. In the meantime I may be able to upgrade my program I'm on at the moment to extend to learning school figures as well as the boy's part (practical side). Would like to get an exam or two under my belt before I start down this path, though. Something definitely for the future! :D

pygmalion

02-09-2004, 06:17 PM

Excellent. Let me know how it goes. As you can probably tell from the ISTD thread, I'm thinking about the same thing. I did the bronze exam for the follow. I think bronze exam for leader is next, followed by silver for follow, then lead, followed by teacher exam for bronze. That sounds like a good 2.5 to 3 year plan. ... I think. :? :?: :lol:

Sagitta

02-09-2004, 08:37 PM

That's what I'm doing actually. Learning both parts -- lead and follow - but no exams, yet, for me. I know quite a few for swing...started teaching a friend cha cha. It actually helps me become a better dancer. :)

pygmalion

02-10-2004, 07:00 AM

The exams are really just documentation of the things you already know. So the goals I'm setting are in terms of things I want to know, and the exams will be icing on the cake. From what I hear, the teacher exams are extremely tough, so I'll actually be preparing for them throughout. I'll just take them in a few years from now. :? :D

mhgroove

02-22-2004, 09:06 PM

First of all...hello to everyone! I'm new to these forums. I'm a mortgage loan officer for Wells Fargo and it's very competitive environment and dancing salsa for me is not necessarily an escape but a release from the pressures for everyday life. When I'm dancing I'm not thinking about escape from the world but going into a deeper place inside of myself and also learning the rhythm of my partner. Since I've become a salsa dancer, I have learned to be more self-aware of my actions and attuned to other people as well. I believe dancing is one of few activities where people can be totally authentic and truly joyful.

pygmalion

02-23-2004, 09:41 AM

That's cool, mhgroove. Glad you've got something to help you get to that deep place inside yourself. 8)

mhgroove

02-23-2004, 06:57 PM

Thank you Pygmalion..I appreciate the kind words. Dancing just relaxes me and makes me smile. I do forget about work and my home life for those few hours at the nightclub. However, it's not an escape..but release from my everyday life like I wrote earlier in my earlier post. Great topic!

SDsalsaguy

02-23-2004, 08:46 PM

it's not an escape..but release from my everyday life
I really like this formulation mhgroove! :D

While I do, at times, view dancing as an escape -- such as when my grandmother was passing on, or after my accident last Monday -- most of the time it really is about being my physical, emotional, and, at times, spiritual steam valve. Release indeed!

passion

02-25-2004, 08:20 PM

after my accident last

I'm sorry to hear that you were in an accident, I hope you are ok?

I realised that dance is my passion and I'm more alive than ever before.

That is one thing that I truely love to see: people realizing what dance does for you and what a passion it can truely become.

To me, dance is so important. It's a huge part of my life. I want to share it with everyone I know. And the people that know me, know where dance stands.

Keep that passion alive! :D

SDsalsaguy

02-25-2004, 09:45 PM

after my accident last
I'm sorry to hear that you were in an accident, I hope you are ok?
Much better than my car at least! :lol: (Seriously though, thanks for the concern.)

Sabor

03-02-2004, 05:43 AM

but then there are times, where I feel it's necessary for myself to go dancing to escape current stresses or problems or situations, what-have-you.

Is this a good thing or a bad thing? And does anyone else use it for that purpose?

aaah.. nothing in dance or around it can be a 'bad thing' .. so surely it must be a good thing! :wink:

actually, for me, it is the most beautiful thing, by far, it is so many things, it is a necessity and a natural urge, a gift of communicating w/ another/others without words, it is how one rises over human pettinness and fragility to a state of an art medium, it is how beautiful u know u can be every moment in life, and where/when your soul comes out for a breather.. it is a time for passions to connect.. it is it is it is.. one can go on for ages!

Oh if i could dance my life away.. i know i would :)

bordertangoman

03-02-2004, 06:06 AM

......... I used to be a basket case of stress before I rediscovered my dancing......

I'm still a basket case but dancing unlocks the creative side of me.
Sometimes I just listen to a piece of music and my body knows exactly how it wants to move even with a partner.

SDsalsaguy

03-02-2004, 11:19 AM

aaah.. nothing in dance or around it can be a 'bad thing' .. so surely it must be a good thing! :wink:

actually, for me, it is the most beautiful thing, by far, it is so many things, it is a necessity and a natural urge, a gift of communicating w/ another/others without words, it is how one rises over human pettinness and fragility to a state of an art medium, it is how beautiful u know u can be every moment in life, and where/when your soul comes out for a breather.. it is a time for passions to connect.. it is it is it is.. one can go on for ages!

Oh if i could dance my life away.. i know i would :)
Looks like Boriken may have some competition for DF poet laureate for 2004! :lol:

WEPA!

borikensalsero

03-02-2004, 12:52 PM

salsachinita

03-02-2004, 11:59 PM

it is a necessity and a natural urge, a gift of communicating w/ another/others without words, it is how one rises over human pettinness and fragility to a state of an art medium, it is how beautiful u know u can be every moment in life, and where/when your soul comes out for a breather.. it is a time for passions to connect.. :)

:notworth: Please put me down on your dance card.......!

Sabor

03-03-2004, 03:56 AM

aah mucho mucho gracias salsachinita, boriken and SD.. yes, i love poetry and i write sometimes when inspired.. maybe i will post one about 'lady salsa' sometime to share a little of my perception on it :P .. yes, she is a lady to me.. as ravishing as a lady can only be.. loving me for nothing.. for free.. for me.. no matter how imperfect i was, are and will be! :D

tsb

03-03-2004, 04:49 AM

I'm curious to find out about the use of dancing as an escape.

There are times, where I use my dancing to try to reach a higher level, but then there are times, where I feel it's necessary for myself to go dancing to escape current stresses or problems or situations, what-have-you.

Is this a good thing or a bad thing? And does anyone else use it for that purpose?

short answers: 1) yes 2)yes/no

long answer: 1) dancing has definite health benefits, both physical (decreasing the effects of stress) and mental (analogous to exercising one's mind like a muscle). stress is any event that prompts the old 'fight or flight' response. nowadays, when we feel stress we generally don't physically fight or run which would burn off the build up of energy sources in the blood in the form of fatty acids which if not utilized converts to cholesterol by the body as well as increased glucose level which happens by breaking down muscle protein into amino acids to stimulate the secretion of glucose. cortisol (the hormone that signals the body to release the fatty acids & increased levels of glucose into the bloodstream) also disrupts glucose adsorption by the hippocampus - which impairs memory function - you retain the memory of the stress but not WHY, leaving one with the vague sense of anxiety, which can initiate a loop of continual stress. stress also prompts the body to shut down digestion, reproduction, growth and immune systems (which are irrelevant if you are about to be eaten by a tiger) so stress can decrease your resistance to illness, affect your appetite & weight, etc.

2) i know some people who use dance to a means to try and satisfy some pretty deep emotional needs. i suppose we all do at some level, but not like this. one acquaintance readily admits she pursues argentine tango as a means of seeking 'emotional intimacy'. in combination with her behavior off the dance floor, it kinda creeps me out the way it would if i met someone who buys a dog just to watch it kill stray cats.

MacMoto

04-14-2004, 08:12 AM

Revisiting this old thread as I've just realised that's what I'm doing -- using dancing as an escape.

When I have had a good dance, I'm euphoric. Even with an average dance, I feel good. Dance with a complete beginner and I still have fun and, importantly, I feel good about myself. There aren't many things in life that make you feel so happy so instantly. No wonder we talk about a dance "fix". It works just like other addictive substances (narcotics, nicotine, alcohol, chocolate :lol:...); you take it and all the negative feelings you have been having is gone. Instantly. It doesn't get rid of the sources of those negative feelings or solve the problems for you, but it makes you feel better while the fix is working. So you keep going back looking for more...

Problem is, dancing has also been a source of stress and negative feelings for me. When I screw up a dance, I feel deflated. After a bad dance night, I end up fretting for days until I get a good fix. When I can't go to a salsa night for whatever reason when I know it's going to be a good one, I sulk and feel sorry for myself. And of course, my dancing is a cause of considerable strain at home... And what do I do? I go out dancing to get away from these (and other) negative feelings! I'm reminded of the tippler in "The Little Prince" who drinks in order to forget that he is ashamed of drinking... Why do I do this? Is it love and passion, or is it an addiction? :?

** I know dancing has also done wonderful things to my life as I wrote in the benefits of dancing (http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=3174) thread, but I'm just in one of those moods (again) today... :( **

Sabor

04-14-2004, 08:25 AM

to put it a little differently, i can say..

Salsa mi corazon
my love, outlet for my passion
with you i find what's lost, what i remain to lose
losing time, opportunity and concious ability to choose
day in day out, through the motions trying not to bruise
yet you provide that quality in my life
the much appreciated quality needed to lessen the strife
the quality of art, sense of power and many a fantasy
the adgility, the connection, the illusive practise of ecstasy

You make me feel alive, instead of a constant routine to survive
you pull up my soul to a level high above my head
wasn't for you, it would there remain, at knee level instead
how could i ever express my gratitude, for its a life long debt
after realizing how long without you i ate, worked, played and slept
i am truelly lucky, truelly blessed
the talent is with me, within me, easily expressed
but for you, none of this dream would have been
You are of the rarest beauties my heart has ever seen...

etchuck

04-14-2004, 09:07 AM

When I have had a good dance, I'm euphoric. Even with an average dance, I feel good. Dance with a complete beginner and I still have fun and, importantly, I feel good about myself. There aren't many things in life that make you feel so happy so instantly. No wonder we talk about a dance "fix". It works just like other addictive substances (narcotics, nicotine, alcohol, chocolate :lol:...); you take it and all the negative feelings you have been having is gone. Instantly. It doesn't get rid of the sources of those negative feelings or solve the problems for you, but it makes you feel better while the fix is working. So you keep going back looking for more...

Problem is, dancing has also been a source of stress and negative feelings for me. When I screw up a dance, I feel deflated. After a bad dance night, I end up fretting for days until I get a good fix. When I can't go to a salsa night for whatever reason when I know it's going to be a good one, I sulk and feel sorry for myself. And of course, my dancing is a cause of considerable strain at home... And what do I do? I go out dancing to get away from these (and other) negative feelings! I'm reminded of the tippler in "The Little Prince" who drinks in order to forget that he is ashamed of drinking... Why do I do this? Is it love and passion, or is it an addiction? :?

I can't write poetry like Sabor can. So here goes.

Dancing is one of many escapes for me, but in general my escape from life centers a bit around either music in general or sports. Dancing combines the two in a eclectic yet intellectual way (noting the fact I dance so many different things and I'm still not sure if I can't tackle more).

Is it an addiction or a passion, I guess you can answer it for yourself in how much you do enjoy it when you get that dancing buzz. Certainly it's nice to be able to set aside your problems and come back to them with a fresher outlook. That's at least one reason why I like focusing on my ballroom rather than just sticking to "just" swing or "just" salsa. Even if there are many variations of those dances that I can pick up and learn. But in life, it's nice to know that you don't carry burdens from work or home or other aspects of life forever. It may even be therapeutic.

DWise1

04-14-2004, 10:30 AM

I've also gone through a family tragedy followed by a subsequent year and a half deteriorating situation at home. I can't even find the energy and motivation to engage in any of my old interests. If not for dance (Lindy, learned mainly during this time), I don't know how I could have made it this far. Nothing else is able to lift my spirits back up to near normal (well, something else could, but that's a different story). Along with the positive effects of social dancing, it just help a bruised psyche so much to associate with women who actually seem happy to see me.

Yes, I've often thought that I'm using dancing as an escape, but I think that, like with most outlets, the danger comes from over-use or abuse of that outlet. If we were to think of an escape as a vacation from our problems, we can see that we need those little vacations to get away, to relax, and to recuperate before jumping back into the fray. It's when we take a permanent or semi-permanent vacation, or use that vacation for other counter-productive or even destructive purposes that it becomes a problem.

Just my veinte centavos.

DancePoet

04-14-2004, 11:14 AM

Using dance as an escape or stress relief is certainly fine. It helps one escape from the everyday stresses of life.

When Friday rolls around, I can not wait to make the pilgrimage to a local dance studio for a social dance. All my cares are washed away through letting the feelings that flow from dance openly show themselves.

I get the same and similar feelings from other activitees that I enjoy like reading, writing, flyfishing, golfing, hiking, singing, and behaving in a loving manner towards others and the natural world around us. All of these can rise to a level of joy above escape, including dance. Yet escape from the rest of our day to day experiences is important, too.

Going off on a tangent... Passion: What's the story behind your avatar? Who is in the picture and where does this come from?

delamusica

04-14-2004, 01:56 PM

Dance is like an abusive lover, like a drug - giving the highest highs and the lowest lows. One good dance, and you're on top of the world. One night dancing, and all the negativity from the rest of your life can fall away. What, in fact, is more cathartic than letting your stresses leak out of your pores with the sweat on the dance floor?

Of course, you have an off night, and you're deflated - or you can't go out and feel the music surround you, and you can't stop yearning for it . . .

We are such slaves to our addiction - and yet what a fine, dramatic addiction it is!

D-spot

04-14-2004, 04:46 PM

After a hards day of instructing beginners (or working on the house, or sitting at a desk) I love to get out and dance, really dance with an ccomplished dancer. Being able to spend a little less effort just to get a little movement, being able to use all the moves I want when the music tells me, being able to play with my partner without worrying (well too much) if she can cope or not. Any dance is good for that (although my favourite for total release has to be quickstep, sorry salsa lovers, at least salsa is on the list to give release, just aint in the top 5). It's great when I don't have to work at it as much, jsut let it flow, from deep within the bones, gives me such a high. Get it more than once or twice a night and I am soaring at cloudbase gazing down on the world. Can take hours to come down to earth again.
I still feel I can get higher, a lot higher. Not in terms of my dance ability but in terms of release. Had it occassionally in martial arts and paragliding. Perhaps my dancing needs to become more of an extreme activity.
D-spot
(dancing fool)

johnnywalker

04-14-2004, 06:12 PM

Wow...dancing my way through this thread I can really see that most people get very passionate about what dancing does for them. Great topic Passion.
I too have always viewed dance as a means of escape from the everyday. I love the liberation of spirit, the freedom of locomotion and, coupled with those who feel the same way as I, the sheer enjoyment of like minded company.

squirrel

04-15-2004, 01:51 AM

:)) YES, OH YES! always... but sometimes it is not such a good idea...
or let's say that it's good to use dancing to relieve stress or 'escape' for a couple of hours, but not as a way to escape reality, to deny you have problems or try and solve such problems through dancing... or even worse, find refuge (mostly emotional) in dancing...
I used to have the problems above, when my life was not fullfilling enough on any plan and i found refuge in dancing and it turned out so bad I almost had to quit dancing (I even did so for 3 months - what a complete nightmare)...
So, yes to stress relief NO NO NO to refuge!

SDsalsaguy

04-15-2004, 02:01 AM

Great point squirrel :!:

squirrel

04-15-2004, 02:16 AM

thanks SD... you know, sometimes, when one learns the hard way, one should share one's experience with others, so that everybody becomes aware of the 'deadfalls' they might encounter...
i had to learn it the hard way... and trust me it was not a very pretty picture! so why not share with others? maybe they can avoid what happened to me! of course, i don't really believe people learn from other people's experiences... one just has to live it to understand it!