Black Swan Challenge: WORK

Now that I am past the half-way point of the challenge, I am feeling fabulous. My body has transitioned from the all over, deep muscle soreness and joint stiffness to the more transitory aches and pains that just seem to come from daily studio exuberance. The latter feels good. It's the kind of soreness that reminds you that you are working, that your body is being constantly challenged.

At the beginning of this challenge, I told one of my instructors I felt as though I was going from safe, dry land to the decks of ship being tossed about on the ocean, thus struggling to get my sea legs back. I stand by that assessment. (I'm on a boat!)

Now, I'm feeling more like a pirate! (I'm on a boat, MFers!) I'm feeling stronger, leaner, and I have more energy. And, well, I'm happier. The studio has become my sanctuary. I get a warm welcome when I come through the door, and a cozy feeling from the atmosphere. I get to put the rest of the day away for a little while, leave my cell phone in the dressing room and focus on myself and my body. I get to feel the music, feel the floor, feel the space around me. I just get to be right where I am.

And, even though this challenge is physicality turned up to 11, I know that even spending a fraction of the time in the studio would make some difference in my body and my physical and mental well being. Also, for what it's worth, aside from being more mindful about foods that might be good dance fuel/good dance recovery, I haven't made any major changes to my diet or anything. I think the main thing here is to simply GET MOVING.

My experience with many studios is that they are very youth/student centric, which is wonderful, but it can leave many of us with work schedules and other obligations feeling left out, especially adults who are just beginning to dance. I had not danced at all at Studio Pulse before this challenge, and I quickly found that the best thing about their class offerings is that they are accessible, doable, and fun; grown-up friendly schedules and instruction for a range of skill levels. That means that you just have to show up and get out there! Your progress will be directly proportional to the amount of work you put in--you only have yourself to answer to! For myself, I have a long way to go still, but I'm feeling good about how far I've come.

I feel some New Years resolutions coming on...

- Britt

Last week's theme song: Roar - Katy Perry

This week's theme song: Work, B**ch - Britney Spears

See Brit - wearing red - dancing across the floor HERE!