One of the gifts of growing up in San Francisco is that
I discovered Rhythm & Motion Dance Program at 15 years-old. Almost
twenty-five years later, minus a few lapses, dancing at R&M has
been a constant source of meaning. While I stretch, arch and leap, I
also learn. Here are some life lessons R&M dance classes have
taught me over the years.
Fun nourishes
my soul. While my two tweenage kids roll their eyes
when I shimmy around the house, R&M dance class invites me to
play. Participating in the joy of dance has developed my appetite for
soul satisfying experiences. I feed my happiness as often as
possible.
Realizing
choice is always an option. Okay, so
sometimes I come to class tired. But at some point as my grumpy mind
drifts, a teacher smiles, a great tune plays or a dance move inspires
and I remember choice. I can either stay tired or start over. I can't
always change the circumstances around me, but I can shift my
attitude. What a difference a choice makes.
Stay
balanced in the present moment.
Sometimes while dancing to a familiar song, I think, "Damn, I've
got this one down. I'm good." Then I usually stumble. My
inner critic cracks, "Helllloooo, get with it!" I'm now
twirling opposite from everyone with the teacher sending an
encouraging glance my way. These ego bending moments remind me to pay
attention so I can find my feet and a sense of humor. Getting
too far ahead of myself most often leaves me stuck in the wrong
direction.
Discovering
potential means taking risks. Just by
showing up to an R&M class, I stretch beyond my comfort zone.
Despite the R&M constant welcome, my perfectionist within can be
mean, "You're no thin professional dancer. You can't learn this
routine. You're getting old." Moving beyond perceived
limitations to say yes to R&M teaches me how to explore
possibility-inside and out.
Embracing
sensuality celebrates body. Like most
15 year-old girls, when I started Rhythm & Motion I was steeped
in mainstream messages aimed at objectifying my female body. Dancing
at R&M surrounded by mostly women in a playful encouraging
atmosphere modeled healthy sensuality. To this day, the R&M
community of teachers, staff, students and the class itself, inspires
me to glory in my curves. Celebrating sensuality in this way is
a priceless gift of freedom.
Staci Boden is founder of Dancing-Tree Consulting, a
resource for individuals, groups and organizations to realize
potential in life and business. With services ranging from guided
visualization and body movement to organizational assessment and
on-site employee training, Dancing-Tree Consulting helps clients
transform projects, decisions and relationships. Staci has been
enjoying R&M dance since 1985 and has recently become Editor of
R&M's e-newsletter.
