Discover the Joy of Movement: A Dance Journey
Discover the Joy of Movement: A Dance Journey
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding time for yourself can be a challenge. For me, dance has been a sanctuary, a place where I can lose myself in the music and movement. I attend three dance classes a week: adult ballet, jazz, and pointe at Dance First studio in Howick.
My Dance Beginnings
My dance journey began 11 years ago when my boys were younger. They are now teenagers, but back then, my youngest was only three. I started with jazz classes, and seven years ago, I decided to try adult ballet. Last year, I challenged myself further by adding a pointe class to my routine.
The Love for Dance
Dance has always been a passion of mine. Growing up in Malaysia, my parents were ballroom dancers. During my secondary school years, I took up traditional Chinese dance, which was the highlight of my school experience.
Journey to New Zealand
I came to New Zealand for my studies at Otago University. After spending a few years back home, I moved to New Zealand 22 years ago because I fell in love with the country.
Rediscovering Dance
In my thirties, I felt the need to do something for myself. Like many mothers, I had lost myself in the daily tasks of raising children. I wanted to do something I enjoyed, so I decided to try jazz classes. This led me to explore adult ballet and eventually pointe.
The Gentle Art of Adult Ballet
Adult ballet is not as intimidating as it may sound. It’s gentle and easy, with teachers providing different levels for each move. This allows you to choose between low or high impact, making it accessible for everyone.
Physical Benefits of Dance
The physical benefits of dance are numerous. I used to suffer from lower back pain and aches, but those have all disappeared. My posture has improved significantly because ballet forces you to stand and sit up straighter. My fitness level and flexibility have also seen a remarkable improvement. I now also enjoy yoga stretch classes and short-distance running and walking.
Interestingly, exercise begets more exercise. I used to be quite lazy and make a lot of excuses, but once I started dancing, I found myself with more energy and a desire to do more physical activities.
Mental Health Benefits
Dance has also brought significant mental health benefits. Three times a week, I lose myself in the movement and music, forgetting about work, traffic, laundry, the kids, and what to cook for dinner. Dance requires your full attention, allowing you to focus solely on the present moment.
Additionally, dance is a social activity. You meet new people, and the support among women is incredible. I’ve made friends, and we share books and chat. Once a year, we do a performance, and I’ve noticed how this changes the women in my classes. Some have never danced before and may not be confident in their appearance. However, performing in makeup and costumes boosts their self-esteem tremendously.
Advice for Aspiring Dancers
My advice to anyone thinking about trying adult ballet or any other dance class is simple: just do it. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never danced before. The teachers are kind and understanding, and most dance studios offer classes for absolute beginners. Dance is not about tutus and being en pointe; it’s about having fun and taking care of yourself.
I firmly believe that if the mother in a family is not happy and healthy, the rest of the family won’t be either. It’s crucial to take care of yourself and do things that bring you joy.
