Dancing is walking.

As the old African proverb says “If you can walk you can dance…” Time to stop talking and start walking! Walking is just shifting your weight from one foot to the other with a location in mind. Dancing feels weird because we’re basically walking in place with no “destination.” With no mental picture or purpose we are left feeling self-conscious about a skill we actually mastered as a toddler! One reason people never give dancing a serious shot is because it’s tough to feel awkward at something you’re instincts tell you should be easy. One key to getting passed that is to always use your imagination. After all, dancing is about your body AND your mind.

Try this for mastering your first dance basic: Imagine you are standing on a large map of the United States. It’s about as wide as you can outstretch your arms.  Now place your left foot on the West Coast and your right foot on the East Coast. Make sure your toes are pointed straight ahead to the North. Now without moving your feet lean your body weight traveling to the West Coast. Be sure to bend your left knee for a nice smooth landing. Think of something fun to do or someone you’d like to visit while you’re there. Now straighten your leg to push your weight back through the Midwest then lean your body  traveling to the East  Coast. Don’t forget that smooth landing. Again think of something fun or someone you’d  like to visit while you’re here. Ready, set, repeat with music. Do it over and over traveling back and forth listening to your favorite song. Keep going till you find yourself landing on beat with the music. It may even help to say the name of your favorite city out loud (under your breath if you’re shy). Try it slow then faster and faster. You’re doin’ the Coast to Coast! Now when people ask where you live you have bragging rights to say  ” I’m bicoastal “.

Seriously, as you practice this basic weight shifting exercise really pretend you’re living a fun jet set lifestyle back and forth between two of your favorite cities. Maybe it’s NY and Los Angeles. Are you traveling for high level executive meetings? Perhaps it’s a whirl wind romance or film shoot that’s got you back and forth. Imagine whatever you want just have fun putting your mind into your movement and notice how energized and motivated you feel to do even more. Technically you’re shifting your center from left to right and vice versa while maintaining a parallel second position. But that’s not motivating or much fun to think of. Thinking of if that way stresses me out about doing it “right” even after 10 years of practice. No wonder most people quit dancing before they ever begin. Like most things in life it’s important to understand the technique but even more important to use your imagination to unlock your passion for progressing with it. That’s also where a good teacher or mentor comes in. They can give you a gentle nudge (or strong push if necessary) in the right direction when you get off track so you can stay focused on the fun of practice or to S.U.M. it up for you friends…while you shut up and move!