If you've talked to me in person within the last year and a half, then you already know that I am a total Zumba convert. But I've taken it a step further, and I'm going to become licensed to teach Zumba!
The instructor training is this weekend, and I am excited and nervous. On the one hand, I can barely work up the nerve to talk to other people in the classes I take, and on the other hand, I fantasize about starting an Adult Dance Fitness Studio, where we would have Zumba classes and classes on belly dancing, folk dancing, whatever!
But here's the thing: I'm terrified. I am a shy person, when it comes down to it. And, for the last six and a half years, since I passed the exams for my Master's Degree, since I got pregnant with the twins, I haven't put myself out there. I haven't done a single thing where I was evaluated, where someone said, "you are successful," or "You've got the job" or "Great paper! A+." Being a parent is wonderfully rewarding, and I'm not saying that no one ever appreciates me or gives positive feedback. But the thing about parenting is that you can be doing a pretty bad job and you don't get fired or fail.
I can fail at being a Zumba instructor. And I don't like failing.
So I'm doing something for myself, something that doesn't involve the children at all. I will wear eighties-reminiscent teal dance-wear with splatter paint. I will dance to silly Latin-esque music. I'm thinking about getting some legwarmers. Let's dance.
Awesome! Right on, girl!
ReplyDeleteI have this quote on my bulletin board. Maybe it'll speak to you:
"When I dare to be powerful -- to use my strength in the service of my vision -- then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid."
- Audre Lorde
You will be awesome! If you are nervous, pretend you aren't. Act the part of a confident person and pretty soon you will be.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to hear what it's like. Is it just one class to get certified? Will you be able to sub at your gym after this?
I never thought I would be sooo good at talking but when it comes to talking about being a naturopathic doctor...its like a river of words come flowing out of my mouth. Let your passion guide you and you will find the strength to share.
ReplyDeleteClaire is right. If you act confident, you will be confident. I used to be very self conscious of what I said, was always editing it before it came out of mouth so much I didn't say much. I overcame it by just saying what I think and not over analyzing it. My favorite part of my Zumba class is when my teacher does something silly or funny or just busts out a big smile for the joy of dancing. If you love what you are doing, it shows.
ReplyDeleteJennifer, I am thinking about you so much when I think of my goals. I mean, not to compare being a Zumba teacher to becoming a doctor, but if you can put yourself out there and become this person who "networks" and runs a business, then maybe I can too.
ReplyDeleteGayle, I think you are totally right about joy. The best classes I've taken are with teachers who really love it. The worst classes are bad because it isn't obvious that they are happy doing this. It isn't supposed to be work! And I do love it. I can't believe that I went so long without dancing being a part of my life, and I hope I never let it go again.
Claire, it's just this one class to be licensed, but I will need to practice a lot before I try to get my own class. I don't know if I'm going to be subbing at my gym because they don't have Zumba on the schedule anymore (gasp!) But I talked to the instructor of a class at the YMCA and she is willing to mentor me, give me pointers and choreography, and let me try out teaching a few songs in her class so that is good!
Natascha, that's a great quote. I might be afraid, but that fear isn't important.