A Dancer's Heart

I was a part of a children and teen's performing group for most of my childhood. I'm not sure if I've ever conveyed just how integral this was in my life. By the time I was in high school, I was at the dance studio nearly every day of the week taking multiple classes, tap, jazz, ballet, company (an audition only group), and ensemble. I even taught the 3-5 year olds ballet, tap, and jazz to help pay for my own classes.

On top of classes, Showtime USA performed in and around the St. Augustine area at least a few times each month. It was a huge deal to me. My dearest friends experienced all of this with me. If we weren't in classes together, we were hanging out at one another's houses, hanging out with Miss Pam (our dance instructor), painting the dance studio, popping one another's pimples (So gross, yet so awesome!). Heck, I got my first kiss in the parking lot of the studio.

It is how I gained self-confidence. It is how I learned to persevere and set goals and to fail gracefully. It is also where I first heard about the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Just last year, I rediscovered my dancer's heart. I had the opportunity to go to Showtime's end of the year show and participate in the 30 year reunion for past performers. I had a smile the entire time. It was amazing to see those kids having the time of their lives up on that stage. I was right back to those days. It was awesome to actually be on stage again and dance with some of my best friends! Some people hated high school. I'll go ahead and admit that although it wasn't always easy, it was a great time in my life. Showtime and my friends there were a huge part of that. Seriously, watching my children fall in love with the show and remembering all the positive in my life made me want to open a Showtime franchise here in Orlando!

A couple of years ago, my mom treated my sister and I to the Move Live Tour put on by dancing siblings, Julianne and Derek Hough. My goodness, it was amazing. It was like Showtime on steroids! Again, the smile never left my face. I have a dancer's heart and I guess I always will. I need to integrate dance more fully in my life somehow. Maybe that's by opening a Showtime, maybe it's by taking up Zumba, maybe it's by dancing in my LIVING ROOM. As a child, there was a studio in town run by Sally Walton. They often performed at the same events we did. There was always a number or two put on by adults. I remember thinking they were so old and how weird that they were in costumes dancing at their age! Little did I know, they probably felt as I do now. Dance isn't something you outgrow! I've changed my tune. Those ladies rocked and good on them for continuing to do what they loved.

My heart is full of gratitude for Miss Pam and all she did to help me hone my dancing and singing talents. Doing the routine "Just one more time" (more like 20) and helping me improve my other talents; those that aren't as easy to see: integrity, honesty, and charity. My heart is also full of gratitude for my parents who surely sacrificed to pay for umpteen classes a week and costumes and tours and camps. My parents always supported me and found joy in watching me have the time of my life. They were truly selfless in that regard.

Mom and me at Move Live on Tour a couple years ago!

I love you, Mom!

Performing in a sequined black dress and having a ball!

It makes complete sense to me that my post-baby weightloss transformation started out with a dance fitness program, CIZE! And now, Beachbody is launching another dance fitness program, Country Heat! I am soooooooooooooooooooooo excited!