How old were you when you started?

wonderwoman

wonderwoman

Well-Known Member
Last night an instructor asked me if I had a dancing background prior to the few months I've been learning ballroom. I said no. He asked if I had a musical background (I played clarinet in high school but never considered it a talent) and says he can tell because I have a good sense of rhythm and cha cha (which we were dancing) tends to be difficult for a beginner.

Until recently I was never sure if I would ever be any good at this, though I knew I enjoyed it very much and would do it forever even if I was never any good. But I've lately realized "Wow, I may actually have a real talent and a passion that I never discovered until I was almost 24 years old!" I told this instructor last night, I think most people are afraid to try to dance and so many are missing out on a wonderful thing.

And this makes me wonder: How old were you all when you started? Don't feel obliged to share your current age if you don't want. Also if you want to, share your thoughts on why you think you waited so long.
 
41.

As for why the wait... Dance was generally a traumatic thing for me most of my life...I craved it from very young, but I couldn't feel what to do and was horribly self-conscious. Dance was always a struggle...as were many aspects of life.

When I sorted out much that I struggled with on other levels, seems like dance emerged as a potential vehicle of joy and enjoyment.

And so it has become for me, and is becoming...I can't imagine life without it now.
 
37. Ballroom lessons were not available to me until I moved to the city. When we moved, my husband discovered something I wrote in 8th grade called "List of things to do before I die" and on that list was competitive ballroom dancing (I used to watch ballroom on PBS when I was young and dreamed of doing that someday). Upon discovering the list, he signed us up for group lessons and I haven't stopped since. He has. LOL
 
I took my first lesson at 29. I didn't know about partner dancing until then. Prior to that if someone said dancing, I thought of ballet.

Recently, my instructor told me I had zero talent for dancing, but that I'm really a hardworker. I can see that my hardwork is paying off as I'm surpassing people who are more gifted.
 
Yep Gorme. Some of us have no natural talent, but we can put in the effort and do well anyway. Not as well as some of peoplel I know who have the natural talent AND put in the work. but they jus tmake me sick. ;)
 
Gorme said:
I took my first lesson at 29. I didn't know about partner dancing until then. Prior to that if someone said dancing, I thought of ballet.

Recently, my instructor told me I had zero talent for dancing, but that I'm really a hardworker. I can see that my hardwork is paying off as I'm surpassing people who are more gifted.
Click to expand...
Lemme pick my jaw up off the floor. I can't believe an instructor told you that. lol

But it has been my fear, that my own was holding this opinion back from me, but I have recently realized... Hey, I'm a dancer! :)
 
28. I did do character and jazz in high school, in an effort to help my auditions in theater. Could sing, could act...blew it on the dance portion every time.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Dance Ads

Advertise on Dance Forums Reach dancers, teachers, studios, event organizers, and dance-friendly brands. View ad options
Back
Top