Changing Lives through Dancing by David Woodbury
Arthur Murray Santa Monica
People frequently get what they deserve.
The unspoken rule is that you only deserve it if you have:
- The Courage to Attempt it
- The Guts to Ask for it
- The Willingness to Try Again when it doesn’t work out the first time.
What do I deserve? I can’t tell you that. I don’t know. I only know that I have worked very hard for many, many years to create some magic on the dance floor and instill joy in the hearts of others.
Having been a dance studio owner for many years, there may be some who think I deserve a kick in the pants. Perhaps I do. Others may say that I should “have” more in my life. The truth is that I have too much in my life and I’m ready to start trimming a bit.
Now, I want more health, peace of mind, knowledge and wisdom, and a body that will enable me to keep on dancing until my last day.
What do I think that I perhaps do deserve?
Courage. I am not afraid of failure and I am willing to attempt anything. I am willing to make it happen if I start something, and I’ll see it to the end.
Guts. I’ll ask anyone for anything without fear and without cowardness. I may have shaky hands and be sweating like a Tennessee summer’s night, but I’ll ask, and I’ll attempt, and I’ll try with all my heart and soul.
Willingness to try. I am willing. Willing to make a fool out of myself. Willing to go forward against all criticism. I am willing to fail and pick myself up and try again. I’m willing to make mistakes (I don’t want to make them). I’m willing to admit my shortcomings and to say what needs to be said and start again, all with the intention of having success.
I’m not a foolish person, and I do have courage. Courage to speak my truth. Courage to be an honest mentor and coach. Courage to see the good that comes out of every situation, both the successes and the failures.
I have the Courage, Guts, and Willingness to know when I’m wrong. To say I’m sorry. To say I’ll try to be better. I’m not afraid that I will lose some great strength in my life by saying I made a mistake. It may hurt. I may cry and have my stomach in knots, but I’ll have to courage to go to someone after I have made a blunder and say I’m sorry. Yes, that takes courage and I cannot live with myself without that.
Over the years, I have walked out onto the dance floor with my partner to perform in front of hundreds of people. It is surreal. The feeling of elation standing and waiting for the music to perform is intoxicating. The actual performance of the dance is magical and electrifying. The body takes over and the many hours of practice kick in. The freedom of dancing in front of others is so exciting. The only downside is that the dance passes in just a moment and suddenly you’re done, bowing and acknowledging the applause.
I have Woodbury blood flowing through my veins. I have courage. I am not afraid. I will continue to forge forward on the dance floor, in life, and in love.
Be of good cheer, you will get through all this. You will make it!
Thank you for reading and Keep on Dancing!
“Dance & Thrive in ‘25”
David Woodbury
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