I’m really good at trying new things and meeting new people. Booking a class, or going to a meet up doesn’t scare me. Getting my ass over my head on a steel hula hoop kind of scares me – this is something that always gave me problems when I did aerial silks in Toronto. I have a whole lot of badonk (my bottom) to get up in the air compared to the other men and women in the class. I faced this fear today. I had lots of difficulties getting upside down, but I didn’t let it hurt my ego – I just kept trying and let the attendant/instructor help me when I needed it. I surprised myself. I left with worn hands and a sore body, but a happy mind and heart. I didn’t get any of the more beautiful poses/moves but I did get this photo in as the instructor was talking me into letting go with one hand. I did. I didn’t fall.

When I feel scared in new situations I say to myself: I love myself. I got this. I’m confident.
I walk up to the instructors and ask their names. I offer to take photos for classmates since they are just as scared as I am.

I accept where I am today, how flexible I am, how far I can go, how much help I need. Because it’s okay to be a beginner. It’s ok to learn and need help. It’s brave to try something new and foreign. I think it’s important as a dance teacher to feel what it feels to be a beginner and to embrace that humility. I’m a beginner at ballet (ish), at stuff where I hang in the air, at speaking French – don’t let fear stop you from trying new things, meeting new people and letting go of the proverbial hoop. It’s left me feeling rather inspired (and sore – Ow!).