If I Knew Then ...

[pygmalion]

Boy! I'm really getting philosophical this weekend! :lol: :D

In a moment of reflection, I started thinking about the person I am today versus the person I used to be before I started dancing. In many ways, I've changed dramatically. In others, I've discovered things about myself that have always been true. And in other ways, I'm exactly the same. I'll share my experiences later in this thread.

But for now, question: How has dancing changed you, or what has it taught you about yourself? :)

[SwinginBoo]

Dancing has helped me a lot with confidence. Before I started dancing I had MAJOR self-esteem issues. When I started dancing it was like I was reborn. I found something that I love, is so much fun, and that I'm actually GOOD at. I suppose I had been good at things before, but moderately so. I still struggle with some aspects of me self-esteem but I am much more confident in myself as a person than I have ever been.

[MadamSamba]

Here, here SwinginBoo!!! Before taking up dancing I wouldn't say boo at a party. I'd sit in a corner and be a right sour puss and heaven help anybody who tried to get me up on the dancefloor. Now, the moment I hear music I'm swaying away and desperately looking for someone to rope in with me!!! My friends call me a dancing hussie ("she'll dance with anyone!" they say) :)

I've got heaps more self-confidence and I dress differently. Seriously, many of the clothes I've bought since taking up dancing have little frills and angled hems and tiny little things that I'd never imagined finding attractive in the past. Shoes are much more important to me (and I notice other people's shoes more too) and my ankes are now strong enough to wear heels, something that wasn't possible before. So, my wardrobe has changed.

My posture has improved out of sight and, inside me, I feel as though I have more gracefullness. I'm sure nobody else can see it, but I just feel like I do things differently, from bending down to pick up a piece of paper to spinning around when someone calls my name! :) Dancing has changed my life, my body, my taste and the way I think and I'll always be grateful for it.

[pygmalion]

One thing I've learned about myself since I started dancing, has been true all my life. I just didn't know it. I love being in the spotlight. I mean, love it. But my family socialized me to be quiet and unassuming. So when I started dancing, this whole facet of my personality came to the fore, and I felt whole in a way I hadn't before. Even when I played violin and performed for an audience often, I was always part of a group.

I'm finding that I love being solo in the spolight. It makes me come alive. What fun! :D

[SwinginBoo]

That is so ME! I was painfully shy and quiet growing up. Then all of a sudden people are watching me dance and smiling. It's like I'm a totally different person when I'm on the dance floor.

[borikensalsero]

How has dancing changed me? It made realize that the only way to do things was everyone's way... It brought out the passionate side I'd never displayed but always possesed... It turned my world into UTOPIA... It has pointed my life in all directions to which all make me smile for at least dancing will be there to share my ups and downs. God, my lady actually tells me to stop dancing when I talk to her and to stop doing partner work while standing in line at the grocery store. :D

[ShyDancer]

Just thought I would bring up thi sold post and say............

Before taking up dancing I wouldn't say boo at a party. I'd sit in a corner and be a right sour puss and heaven help anybody who tried to get me up on the dancefloor. Now, the moment I hear music I'm swaying away and desperately looking for someone to rope in with me!!! My friends call me a dancing hussie ("she'll dance with anyone!" they say) :)

I've got heaps more self-confidence and I dress differently. Seriously, many of the clothes I've bought since taking up dancing have little frills and angled hems and tiny little things that I'd never imagined finding attractive in the past. Shoes are much more important to me (and I notice other people's shoes more too) and my ankes are now strong enough to wear heels, something that wasn't possible before. So, my wardrobe has changed.

My posture has improved out of sight and, inside me, I feel as though I have more gracefullness. I'm sure nobody else can see it, but I just feel like I do things differently, from bending down to pick up a piece of paper to spinning around when someone calls my name! :) Dancing has changed my life, my body, my taste and the way I think and I'll always be grateful for it.

ME TOO!!! Everything MS just said! I dont think I could have put it any better myself. :D

[Sagitta]

Dancing allows me to creatively express myself in a way that I couldn't before I started dancing. :)

[dr daffy]

That is so ME! I was painfully shy and quiet growing up. Then all of a sudden people are watching me dance and smiling. It's like I'm a totally different person when I'm on the dance floor.

i'm exactly like that... i used to be sooo shy and quiet and when i started dancing, i became less shy and i'm like a completely different person on stage. now people can't shut me up :P

[Phil Owl]

My story here:

www.geocities.com/theowlwatches/owldances.html

[MacMoto]

One thing I've learned about myself since I started dancing, has been true all my life. I just didn't know it. I love being in the spotlight. I mean, love it. But my family socialized me to be quiet and unassuming. So when I started dancing, this whole facet of my personality came to the fore, and I felt whole in a way I hadn't before.

You've got me thinking Jenn, and it's suddenly all come back....

I wrote before about the non-dancing me who's a shy, quiet introvert and my outgoing salsera alter ego. Now that I've thought about it, I realise that I was just like this salsera when I was very young, up until about the age of 10. I was a social, confident and self-assertive child, who would happily walk up and talk to complete strangers. Then lots of things happened, and I became what I am -- wary of hurting people and getting hurt. Dancing brings back what I once was and have since lost and, as you say Jenn, makes me whole. I've always thought that one huge benefit of dancing has been the feeling of getting my youth back, but it seems it goes further than I have been aware.

[pygmalion]

You made me cry, MacMoto. In a good way. Hugs. 8)

[MacMoto]

:friend:

[salsachinita]

Dancing brings back what I once was and have since lost and makes me whole. I've always thought that one huge benefit of dancing has been the feeling of getting my youth back, but it seems it goes further than I have been aware.

:notworth: Bravo....sista!

[squirrel]

Dancing has completely changed my life... I have always been very extrovert...but had major self-esteem issues (partly cured now...) and didn't care much about the way I looked...

It also changed me from the literature-freak... into the Salsa freak that I am now...! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: