I am a male in early 40-ties with engineering background. I have never danced and I did no sports (except for some recreational skiing and sailing) as well. Music was always important to me and I was attracted to dancing but did not know how to do it.

Last year I decided to take dance classes: jazz dance, and then «discovered» ballet.

Only 18 months ago I would never believe that I would have anything to do with ballet. But now? I am sort of addicted. The things went so far that I agreed to take part in the show (“production”) of the dance studio intended to show relatives and friends of students what they have learned.

The show took place last night, in the local theatre. For the last two weeks I’ve been asking myself over and over questions like: what am I doing, am I “normal”, is this exhibitionism what I am about to do, why do I want to humiliate myself in front of 350 people in my home town, etc.

I am experienced teacher and speaker and I practically never experience any anxiety or “stage fright”. However, last night, when I stood on the stage in the first row, only three steps from the audience waiting for the music to start, I was trembling like a child, I was sweating like a river and I didn’t breathe like a dead man ! While I performed our ballet piece I had problems keeping my balance, posture and holding my place in the formation.

It was horrible! It was wonderful! It was unique!

I was afraid of every next step and enjoyed it tremendously. As I was leaving the stage I did not hear the applause and shouting from the audience, and I do not remember how I got to the wardrobe.

After the ballet, my next two appearances in jazz dance seemed like a child play. Actually, the last one we performed with sheer joy and we all felt like champions.

However, the source of my extreme joy and happiness was not on the stage or in the audience. It was behind the stage. In two unbelievably small wardrobes 60+ people were grasping for air. In 10 minutes, 10 to 20 soaking wet people had to change their costumes, hairstyle and makeup.

But the atmosphere was great! In all this frenzy, everyone was undressing and dressing someone, helping with hair and makeup. Everybody was praising other’s performance, encouraging and comforting. There was no competition, only pure cooperation. There were no individual stars; the whole group was the star. Nobody was requesting anything for themselves, but rather offering everything to their fellow colleagues.

I always hoped and “new” there could be such friendship and cooperation but last night I SAW it with my eyes. I felt it on my skin! Such a wonderful friendship and bonding !!! I enjoyed every second, every step I made, every glimpse, eye contact, touch, word. It was FANTASTIC!!! Hour and a half flew by like a second!

And YES! Ladies around me were indescribably friendly and great!As the only male performer among 60 women I felt like a prince. I was treated like equal, like a friend, like a good dancer, like an important member of the group. I even started believing that I can dance and that my performance was good ! I fell in love with all of them, in the same time. They became “mine” in less than an hour. I’ve got 60 sisters! I’ve got 60 good, honest and great friends.

Now I truly understand and fully respect the proverb: “At the end of life, one regrets not what one has done, but what one has not done and could have done”.

So, my friends and colleagues, adult dance lovers, go and dance and, if you get the chance, go to the stage and enjoy every moment on it and behind it!

joy_of_dance

• The adulations continue.... - balletboy - 17.06. 03:09:39