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Monday, February 11, 2013

The love of dance.....can be shared by ALL


I've been spending a lot of time in the studio lately preparing for the upcoming competition.
I've mentioned that in one of my styles of dance I am dancing at the silver level, which is a higher level than I've danced before in competition.
I probably don't stand a chance of winning, considering I just started at this level and I'm dancing against very experienced dancers, so my goal is to dance my best and stay focused.

Lia Sophia necklace; everything else 100% thrifted!
I practiced four days last week and this week I will be at the studio on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and maybe Sunday.  I've got one more work/school day this week and a whole lot of homework to get done so that I can stay ahead during comp weekend.  I will be dancing a lot....I compete Thursday afternoon, Thursday evening, Friday morning and afternoon and Saturday morning.  Saturday night is the big glamourous dinner and professional show....and I will be a spectator  for that.

I'm excited!

This past Sunday I arrived for my lesson a bit early.  There was a new couple on the dance floor taking their second lesson from Marcel.  This couple was a bit different from the typical ballroom couple; they were a female same sex couple.  Ballroom dance is so traditionally male-female that it is not common to see same sex couples taking ballroom lessons.  
Although the stigma that has been attached to gays and lesbians has loosed a bit, there is still stigma.
People seem to be generally more accepting, but same sex couples do attract more attention or furtive glances when they are open in public about their relationship, holding hands or dancing.
I think when these two ladies attend their first dance party there will be looks and perhaps comments, but then I believe that people will just move beyond that and get back to dance.  The love of dance, just like the love between two people is not something that is exclusive to only some people.  It is not exclusive to only opposite sex couples, young couples or older couples.  It is not dictated by age, ability, relationship status, gender or orientation.
Dance doesn't have those kinds of boundaries.

Dance is for anyone who loves to dance.
If you want to dance, you should.  
Traditional ideas about what love is...
and what dance is....
are being challenged.
I'm excited for these two ladies who shared with me that they have been wanting to ballroom dance, and learn the Tango for the 27 years they have been together.
I'm happy that they are finally answering the call of their hearts...
I'm not sure of all the reasons that prevented them from dancing until now...
we all have our reasons.
but...
Life is short.
If your heart is telling you to dance.....
You need to listen.
There are no limits in dance.
Just do it!

Retired Lia Sophia 'Inked' necklace.   One of my favorites.  Shiny segments of beads alternate with matte segments of beads.  You can see the matte beads on the top right hand side of necklace.

Love this leather band Citizen Eco-drive watch.  No battery!  My other watch is also an Eco-drive.


 Today was really windy; bitter, biting wind. It was hard to sleep last night because the wind was howling terribly!

I hope this will be a wonderful week for all of you.....I will be dancing a lot and working on the ever present homework...so I will have to lurk in blogland until the comp is over.  I don't know how often I will post or comment until after the comp.  Less than two weeks away!!!

24 comments:

  1. Wow, a very busy week for you! Good luck with your practicing!

    I hope you are right about the gay couple - things have changed so much in attitudes in the last decade, but I still feel sad that people are not more "live and let live." Dance on!

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    1. Thank you, Sheila....I agree! People are who they are and love who they love. Carry on.

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  2. You're so right - dance is for everyone who wants to dance! Tango was originally a dance that men danced together in Argentina in bars so I think it's wonderful that it has come full circle and women are dancing it together. Sounds like you are working hard for the comp - sure it will pay dividends!

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    1. I am working hard on the comp. I'm dancing more dances than I ever have!

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  3. Very well said about if you want to dance you should! Your outfit is gorgeous!

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  4. Great post, Lisa. Your print top looks very pretty with the red.

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  5. Really like your pattern top. I need more patterns in my life .. too many solid tops in my closet :-P

    Monica
    www.pear-shaped-gal.com

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    1. Its hard sometimes to include pattern. I can get stuck in a solid rut too. I like classic pieces, but sometimes its fun to throw in a pattern.

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  6. Good luck with the dance comp. A collegue of mine and her husband are taking lessons and as she said, they get glances because here its not a common sight to see african couples do ballroom dancing.

    Hope you get all caught up with the schoolwork and I hope you do way better in the silver level than you are expecting to
    :-)

    I like the outfit - windy hair 'n all and adore the necklace.

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    1. Thank you, Wendy. I hope your friends continue to dance and let the glances roll off. Dancing is wonderful.

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  7. That is so interesting! Of course, any couple can, and should be able to dance together, but obviously dance partners do not have to be in a romantic relationship even if they are dancing together!

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    1. Exactly, Carolyn. I am not in a relationship with my dance partner/teacher! Most people are not.
      You just have to look like you are if you are doing a performance!

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  8. Wow, you sound like you're going to be so busy getting ready for the competition! (How exciting getting to dance at a higher level as well, it's always a mixture of excitement/fear moving up like that.) Good luck with your lessons!
    I also think it's really sweet that that couple decided to take the leap to dancing, 27 years is a long time to be together and that's really exciting that they're starting out in something that's been a dream. :)

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    1. I think its pretty awesome for them too.
      Dance is a desire of the heart that doesn't go away. Its important to answer that call.
      Thank you for your encouragement on the lessons and the competition, Katie!

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  9. Dance on, my friend, and enjoy every minute of it.

    I love your watch. I recently bought an Eco-Drive watch for my husband and he loves it. Then just a few days ago I ordered a new Seiko Solar watch for myself. I love the idea of no batteries--especially since our only jewelry store is closing!!

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    1. Oh no, Heather! I'm sorry to hear about the jewelry store closing.
      I really love my watch. I have two eco-drive watches now and I love that you don't ever have to use a battery. You just have to make sure you don't keep it in a closed jewelry box!

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  10. Black, white, and red is classic chic and suits you!

    It is such a joy to read your post about dance. I can feel your joy and excitement through your words. If I lived close by I would come and cheer for you and Marcel! Good Luck with everything! I keep my fingers crossed!

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    1. I know you would be there if you lived near by!

      I'm glad you enjoy my dance posts, Thank you for the compliment, my friend.

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  11. Lisa you are a doll. I am dancing in the living room right now and dedicating it to you! xo -Bella Q

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    1. Awww....thank you, Bella. Dance all night, sister

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  12. Best of luck in your upcoming competition!

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    1. Thank you very much, Kathleen. I will give it my best......

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"When you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect"--Mark Twain