Slave to the Grind

Last year, I was chasing the goal of getting the award for doing a certain number of solo routines. That was enough to keep me motivated although I will say that it was more motivation for the routines than for the general aspects of the other dances. Have not yet found a new goal other than striving for continuous improvement.

As students, we only get a few chances to really get out and show off what we’ve learned. Most of the time is spent in the studio doing a lot of the same stuff over and over again so it becomes more natural. Even when you know the steps down cold, there are other things that need improvements and refinements so there is always something to focus on.

And, as I’ve said before, this grind can get old. It is absolutely necessary but it is nowhere near as fun as just getting to a Showcase and having some fun. Ballroom dancing is much harder than people think. I mean it is actually relatively easy to learn the basic steps and patterns. The challenge is combining that with timing, footwork, frame, posture, lead/follow and whatever else someone can see that needs improvement.

I would guess this is why ballroom is thought to be a great way to keep your cognitive functions. There is so much to think about as you navigate the floor. First is the music and trying to keep the right timing. There is the pattern and the whole “what step comes next”. On a crowded floor, you have to keep your eyes moving to make sure you can get to where you want to go and that you try to avoid running into other people. Plus all the thoughts about keeping the frame, the posture, etc.

It is really too much to think about. That’s what the lessons are for. Work on something long enough and it can become more natural and you don’t have to spend brain cells thinking about it. So you can focus your limited mental capacity on something that maybe you want to specifically work on. Until that becomes more natural and you then pick a different thing to focus on.

And, as I’ve said before, there is no finish line. There will always be something that can be improved or polished. So why do we put ourselves through all this? I mean the lessons aren’t cheap. Its quite a bit of work. Surely there are easier hobbies. What’s wrong with all of us? We joke a lot about ballroom being a cult but there might be something to that. Maybe we’re just all wired a bit differently.

But there is still something about getting on the floor and really nailing a particular dance. Maybe that is the high we continue to chase. And you don’t get there without the grind.