Changing Lives through Dancing by David Woodbury Arthur Murray Dance Studio Santa Monica
Did you know that Adele told the crowd at Auckland’s Mt. Smart Stadium “Touring isn’t something I’m good at. I don’t know if I will ever tour again”.
As a ballroom dancer for 49 years with Arthur Murray Dance Studios, I have personally experienced limits and even boundaries. I have set many high goals and I have achieved many great accomplishments with the help of so many wonderful mentors, friends, and coaches.
I had to learn to look like was in my comfort zone, even when I was stressed, pressed, sad, impatient, tired and even angry, all the while feeling guilty for my shortcomings.
This lack of boundaries had a detrimental effect on my dancing, relationships and my family and friends.
Then, I had a change in my life and in my dancing. My partner and I were competiting in a national professional championship. Our teachers, US Ten-Dance Champions, Nicholas Cotton and Debbie Avalos, were there, also competing.
Nick came up to us after our first round and strongly said “You weren’t breathing!” We took this to heart and in the callback, we just danced from the heart and not from stress. We were called back again after that, both breathing!
I then began to incorporate breathing and relaxation into my own dancing. Also, I began to take a different approach to my dancing. I knew my dancing limit, and I just relaxed and began to fall in love with my dancing all over again.
Now when I dance, I try to show the character of the dance, my love of dancing with my partner, but especially, my love of performing in front of an audience. That love remains even today, and I love giving a show and pleasing the audience.
If you have limits (don’t we all), know them and recognize them. Then add the love and joy of what you are doing and let go of your limits and whatever you are doing, do it from the heart. I just hope everyone who watches me dance now feels how much I love dancing and I love the magic of dance!
Thank you for reading and Keep on Dancing!
“Dance & Thrive in ‘25”
David Woodbury