Ballare

When Nic told me about his plans to actually go to competitions with me the first thing I thought was that I was already too old for that. My image of competition dancer was a person who started dancing at the age of five and dedicated all his life to dancing. Besides, all I wanted to do is have fun and learn how to dance. But I let Nic’s proposal brew up in my head. Is there an age limit for dancing? If you really enjoy doing something you should let yourself get lost with the wonderful feeling and not worry about things you cannot control.

It is funny how dancing changes you. You start to listen to different kind of music. You find yourself thinkinabout the dance steps when you let your mind drift. You notice that you keep your head upright and your pose straight. You start paying more attention to your movements and the way you walk. You start to listen to your body’s smallest ache and want to nurture them away as fast as possible.

This leaves me with just one question: Would I be different if I did start dancing when I was five and dedicated my life to dancing? Probably.

Lead and follow

I have been wanting to start dancing for years. If you asked me what I wanted to be when I grow up when I was a child, I would have answered with bright blue eyes: a ballerina! Unfortunately I didn't follow that dream but at least music have always been a big part of my life. I spent my childhood singing in a choir and playing in a band. When I was old enough to get into nightclubs, I found my way to the dance floors. Well, I guess I had the rhythym but missed the moves.

The first time I came in touch with salsa was in a New Year's party around five years ago where I was thought the basic steps. I immediately fell in love with the dance. I had only one problem: I had no pair and there was no way my boyfriend of the moment started dancing with me (trust me, I tried really hard to make him!). I could have gone to a dance school you might say, and sometimes I wish I did. Instead I fulfilled my urge to move my body in aerobics and gymnastics classes.

I met Nic last summer through a charity organization we both have been working for quite a long time. One night we were talking about dancing and I told him I'd really like to learn more salsa. That night I found out he is a former competition dancer. Somehow, during the last 6 months I was able to make him give me a couple of salsa lessons the few times we met. I found it so effortless to dance with him. He took me to some salsa clubs and I got even more hooked with dancing. I felt like I was learning a lot in a really short period of time.

Couple of months ago Nic got a job offer from Finland. I was so surprised when he asked me to become his dance partner! Why would a professional want to dance with a complete amateur?

I have seriously have not been this exited about anything for a long time. We have been dancing for 4 weeks now and I'm eager to learn more. Since far I have been thought basic moves from slow waltz, rumba, disco fox and tango. Nic wanted to keep salsa a dance just to have fun with while the other dances can be more ”serious”. Dancing is never serious with Nic tho. He always says: the most important thing about dancing is to have fun and enjoy doing it. I agree!

This blog is about my feelings and thoughts about my ballroom dancing career starting from the very beginning. Let's see where it ends up.