Ok, so there is this one thing I've noticed that really, really, really has a BIG effect on my dancing. Is it the biggest effect? I don't know.
But it's big
I know how important it is, yet I still refuse to consistently give it the credit it deserves.
I want to remember to do it. Or no, not remember, I want to do it even if I don't want to.
You know how much I like stories, so let us begin with a story.
Un cuento
It was a Wednesday much like today, sunny and hot that is. I was in Jerez. It was the spring of 2011...
The rest of the story comes in the form of but another excerpt from my journal.
Wednesday, May 4
Went back to bulerías class today after an entire week without it because of cancellations and other classes being made up at the same time...My goodness, come to think of it, I've only had that class three times in the past 2 weeks! I was scared to go today knowing Ani would be back.
But it was wonderful.
I had a fabulous time. There were new students as usual, and it was wonderful seeing the old crew. Lots of musicians today, and Junquerita was there. I just can't tell you how much fun it it dancing to his singing and feeling right there with him and feeling the sincerity of his smile as I dance.
Por fín today I was semi-relaxed and just having fun.
And nobody had to tell me to stop being afraid, woo-hoo! ( I confess to you, I was still afraid, but on a very controllable level, and in a way that did not get in the way...) I got muy biens from Ani, and she told the musicians "Tiene un pedazo de compás, eh."
So, why did class go well today? I attribute it to both time and my attitude.
Today I went in with confidence and feeling like a good bulerías dancer, and so today I was.
As I walked to bata class at Patricia's I thought about how I was finally feeling like I was having these little breakthroughs, NOW, just as it's coming up on time to go. Then I realized, "Wait! How truly great this is!" Why choose to focus on what could be were I to have more time, why not notice what I had accomplished. And so I happily did...
Then I started Patricia's class, fought with my bata, and felt I was starting from scratch but again. FRUSTRATION. But, it is getting better and my body seems to really understand what to do now, though it's not quite ready to do it yet, but I'm not worried, I know that it will be soon.
Ok, that was a good moment. Because
I had a good attitude.
It's not the only thing. But, it's a big thing.
And it had a chance to go south when things didn't go so well in bata class. It would be embarrassing to tell you how many times I've attempted to study bata and how many times I say I'm going to commit to working on it on my own and how I don't... Someday.
Anyway, back to the point. There was frustration, but somehow that day I didn't let it take over.
And that was so good.
I want to know what you think. Any stories to share? Leave a comment.
Perhaps you want to com to Spain with me. The Flamenco Tour happens this fall. You can find out more here.