Dancing with the Stars

Admission - I like celebrities, of the non-professional dancing sort, who dance. Not Dancing with the Stars dancers, but the singers and stage actresses that dig a little deeper and give something unexpected.

Mya, the cute as a button R&B (but I think she's pop) singer, was recently interviewed in Vibe Vixen. Although she doesn't come to top of mind for me for her music, she holds high esteem with me for her kickin' dance moves. I friggin' love watching her dance. Whenever she's on TV or in a magazine, I remember being in high school trying to keep up with her videos. Memories, dancing around in my bedroom!

I know it's probably totally blasphemous to say, but as a dance beginner, I really actually look up to celebrities (singers, theatrical performers) more so than professional dancers. I remember the extent of Beyonce's dance repertoire in the 90s (shake hips side to side, then knee bounces) to the full on, all out performer she's become. It borders athleticism in high heels. That's pretty inspiring. It's like RuPaul's Drag Race without LipSync for your Life (my favorite segment).

I like to see performers who are so hungry to excel that they become something else entirely. It's like you watch them change from this regular person to a superstar. Their energy and passion just sets them on fire when they have a moment to just dance. Hit the mute button and watch them go! It's incredible. I love the lines of professional ballet dancers, but I also love the fire in those who learned groove on another level at an older age and came to love dance as adults.

Don't confuse things, I do admire the Balanchine beauties of ballet, but I guess I don't feel quite as inspired by them as I probably would have as a younger woman. Well, as an 11 year old when my body probably looked more like theirs. I feel I should clear up why ballet is appealing to me despite that.

I love being a ballet beginner. I love that I feel more grounded because of it, and when I go to other dance classes, I feel like anything is possible because I'm laying a foundation in ballet. Strength, balance, and a chance to just slow it all down and go back to absolute basics helps me build the comfort to move forward to more daring moves. Knowing I can go back to the barre makes me feel okay with mistakes -- it reminds me that I'll always be learning and there's a home to go back to where I can build myself up again -- that's wonderful.  With that said, I'm hoping to take jazz and modern classes more and more.

I sad to report that I haven't ordered a best supporting actress (brassiere) yet, but I'll get around to it. Don't you just hate when life speeds up and, then bam, you're wondering if you have any clean tights for dance class?!?!