July started with a bang, with our first Friday party of the month taking on a Wild West theme. This time, Clive Bootscootin dancers were invited to showcase a dance (or two!) they’d learnt with a friend or group, and it gave the party such a different vibe, in a fantastic way. It was great doing something different and, most importantly, cheering each other on.
Pinkie and I debuted a brand new dance, Turn This Town, choreographed by Maddison Glover and Jo Thompson Szymanski. It had only just been released, so learning and performing something so fresh with about two days’ practice made the night even more exciting.
It was also the perfect opportunity for Lily and me to get some valuable practice in for our Christchurch duo routine ahead of The Lineup NZ Competition. And for the first time, our team got to do our practice together in front of a crowd. There’s nothing quite like dancing in front of other people to help you work out where you’re really at!
We also had an impromptu flash mob at the Marine Parade Soundshell and got to dance in the brilliant sunshine, as well as fitting in lots and lots more practice for the Christchurch Comp in August.
July was also another month for putting pen to paper, or perhaps more accurately, putting music on repeat! I wrote two more dances with an eye to the choreography competition in Hamilton. Unfortunately, this didn’t quite pan out, but Dive Bar and Hands Up were ready to go, and I’m looking forward to dancing them with my classes in August.
I also finished up with another group of Absolute Beginners, and our next group started. They are full of such energy and enthusiasm, and I love being able to see their progression across the weeks. It reminds me so much of when I started - a little nervous, a little excited, and willing to give it a go.
Reflection
July reminded me that sometimes the best way to grow is simply to step up and have a go.
Whether it’s performing a dance you’ve learnt with friends, standing in front of a crowd for the first time, trying out new choreography, or taking those very first steps as an Absolute Beginner, there’s something pretty special about being willing to put yourself out there.
I started this journey with two left feet and a whole lot of nerves, so seeing new dancers find their rhythm now is one of my favourite parts of it all.
Progress doesn’t always look like getting every step right.
Sometimes it looks like having the courage to get out on the floor and give it a go.
And sometimes, it looks like having a whole lot of fun while you’re doing it.
🎶 Songs of the Month
Mamma Maria - Song Swap: You Broke Up With Me – Walker Hayes
