Lewo, Prawo. . .Arriba, Abajo

We should consider every day lost in which we have not danced at least once.
-Friedrich Nietzsche

For those of you who know me well, you know that I love to dance. It is by far one of all my time favorite activities. I started taking tap and ballet lessons when I was three years old, added pointe at age 11, and jazz at age 14. By my senior year of high school I was dancing 5-6 hours a week and practiced many more outside of class. Even during my normal school day I would tap out combinations with my feet during boring lessons. Going to dance class was my favorite way to relax and at the same time challenge myself in a new way. My parents were always so supportive of my hobby, even though it meant carting me around several days a week, sewing costumes and pointe shoes (no Richard did not sew my pointe shoes), or watching me practice. I breathe easier when I dance.

When I went to college I was hesitant to take formal lessons. I was nervous about dealing with studio drama and finding the right class. I also was unsure of how much time my college classes would take and wanted to make sure I was putting enough time into my education. The only dance class I took during college was a modern class that counted as my gym credit. I would let out the rest of my dancing in my dorm room or when I was out with friends.

I have struggled to find opportunities to dance here in Poland. Finding an eager companion has been a challenge, so I mostly just prance around my little flat or do the occasional work out video online. Prom has been my only major outlet of the year. This made me sad, but I was not sure if there was anything I could about this. However, a few weeks ago, Zosia's mother, Maria, told me that a new dance studio was opening and they were starting a beginners salsa course. She was going to take a class as well, but she is on a more advanced level, so we would not be in the same class. I thought it over for a few days, and then I decided I needed to be brave.

Two weeks ago was my first class. I was so nervous! I didn't have any Polish friend to go with me and help to introduce me and get me settled. I wrote some key phrases in Polish and took them with me just in case. I made it to the school (it is located above a bar and under a bowling alley) and took a deep breath. I walked in and went to the desk and introduced myself, and explaining how I don't understand Polish. Luckily the man said, "Okay, so we talk in English." I let out the biggest sigh of relief. I explained that I wanted to take the salsa class, but that I probably wouldn't be able to understand what the instructor was saying. I told him about my experience and that I hoped I would be able to just follow along. He said it would be fine, as long as I was comfortable with it.

I love this class! Of course I am super confused whenever Daniel, the instructor, speaks, but he is very good at showing the movements with his body as well, so I am able to follow. Conveniently, most of the names of steps and commands are in Spanish, so I am able to understand them. It was so funny the first time he said, "Abajo!" I thought, "Okay, backwards, no problem. Wait. How did I understand that? There is NO WAY I know that word in Polish. What language is he speaking? OH! Spanish. COOL!" This is also helping with my Polish skills as well. I'm getting really good at left (lewo) and right (prawo) and counting (ras, dwa, trzy, cztery). My favorite part of course is that it is just fun! It's so different from everything else that I do during my week. I get to just sit back and participate. It's wonderful. I'll post an update after I have some more lessons under my belt.

Your Dancing Queen,
Colleen