By Tia Cristy
My Private Dancer.
My private dance lesson with Jonathon is at 4:30 pm. I arrive a few minutes early so I can get in the right mindset. As I climb the gorgeous staircase to the main floor of The Blueball Room, I have the chorus of Tina Turner’s ‘Private Dancer’ stuck in my head. I smile as I see Jonathon finishing up another private dance with a stunning lift. Could I ever get to that level of dancing at this point in my life? I unload my stuff onto a chair and take a seat in the other to change out of my rain boots into heels.
Jonathon comes over to greet me as the sweat runs down his face.
“That looked amazing!” I gasp. “Could I ever do that?”
He smiles as he wipes his forehead, “You can get to any level you are determined to. That’s the best thing about dance.” He takes a sigh, and then asks, “You ready for your lesson now?”
I hop up with excitement, unsure of what my lesson is going to be all about.
It turns out my private lesson wasn’t going to be about lifts, it was going to be about perfecting what I’ve already become familiar with. Easy? Not at all.
My lesson starts with going through the basics I’ve worked on so far including tango, foxtrot, cha cha, and swing. Next we move onto frame. I thought I was holding my body properly, until Jonathon places a stick down my back, not allowing me to loose position. I then come to an understanding that my legs are actually long for my petite body, and I must extend them farther than I have been. Jonathon is over six feet, and his stride is long. I must be able to keep up. He teaches me the correct way to push off from my right to left leg. He also shows me where to place my weight with each step and turn. My body quickly begins to feel the heat, causing a healthy sweat and my legs feel the slight burn of a moderate paced jog.
Soon thereafter, the stick is taken away and I am on my own muscle memory. I glide with him across the floor while the owner Roseanna, smiles with approval at my progress. Before I know it my lesson has come to an end, and I am left feeling invigorated with another successful lesson under my belt. After each lesson, it always makes me think of two things, what they go through on Dancing with the Stars and what an incredible way to stay in shape while learning a new craft or hobby. The members of the company that stood by watching my transformation give me wonderful praise as I trot off the dance floor.
What a great gift to give myself. The gift of dance is something you could give yourself or a loved one. Get in touch with The Blueball Room for great package deals for group classes that include a private lesson.
Coming soon a collection of videos on my basic dances. To see them now like TipsfromTia.com on Facebook.
Tia, and TipsfromTia.com is trying to keep you looking good and
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