Changing Lives through Dancing by David Woodbury
Arthur Murray Santa Monica
When I was a young dancer, I always wanted to be in the middle of the action. I was never afraid nor was I intimidated. I just wanted to be the best dancer and best dance teacher possible.
In professional dance camps, when they asked for a volunteer, I always jumped up and waved my arms. Because of this I was asked to do some crazy things. At a huge dance camp led by the World Latin Champion, I jumped up to volunteer. The coach asked me to take my belt off and tie it around my knees. Then he had me dance Tango, Waltz, Foxtrot, Rumba and more. At first, I gleaned a lot of laughter from the audience. Then I figured out how to collect my knees and I took off. I danced with the most collected knees you have ever seen.
After the demo was over, I had a huge round of applause and off came all the leader’s belts and collect our knees we did. I was motivated, which turned into momentum, which turned into action. Action that changed my dancing and my life.
I have not chosen the easiest life. There was a time that I wanted to retire. And I was at a spot where I could have retired. Then I opened another Arthur Murray School. No retirement for me just yet, but the motivation to use all my skills, to make more dreams come true, and sharing visions of success with others has led me to have more momentum and to continue with all my heart.
I cannot imagine not having gone through these past years missing all the great experiences, and all the lessons I have learned, the knowledge and growth that has come my way, and the victory of making it through the pandemic. I have no regrets. My LazyBoy years will just have to wait!
Do you need motivation? Then say and share your goals with people who will hold you accountable and who will encourage you. Have your mind, body and soul in a place where you can weather the challenges that will come your way and test you. Have your support crew ready to jump in to help you. Be on the support crews to help others. Build up your momentum and get stronger and stronger. Your highs will be higher, and your lows will be lower than other people, but that’s OK. You’ll survive and be even stronger as your resolve is tested.
At 68, I have not lost my dream, my vision, nor my motivation. Has it been easy, absolutely not. My support team, my mentors and my own teachers keep me going. I’ve even looked life’s turn off exit, the stop signs, or even a detour sign. All I see is a straight, perfect road ahead with “no speed limit” signs everywhere. I’m still full of motivation and my momentum is strong.
Are you looking for things to be easy in your life? I’ve given up on that. Life is not easy.
But, when a magical day does come my way, and they do happen, I feel such great joy and happiness. I drink in every moment and I am full of appreciation!
Stay motivated and enjoy the momentum!
Thank you for reading and Keep on Dancing!
David Woodbury