We’re almost done with the challenge, can you believe it? How is it going for you? Did you enjoy yesterday's exercise? 

This series was born out of a longing to be back in class with Mercedes Ruíz. Because I love it there. I love how we learn in her class, the focus on technique, the repetition, watching Mercedes move. 

(I’m not the only one who loves being in her class. Check out this post from Julie where she writes about her time with Mercedes and our private show on the Flamenco Tour to Jerez.)

Most of all, I love the feeling I get from dancing in her class.

And that's what today's challenge is about,

Dancing and feeling good.

Below I talk about when in the learning process we should start to dance, and I give you an activity focused on dancing. (I know, hasn’t this whole challenge been about dancing?) Yes, but read on to find out more.

Day 9

Sometimes we spend so much time thinking that we forget to dance. (Raise your hand if you know what I mean.)

That must be why Mercedes always says this,

Baila,

Dance.

I've heard all of the excuses for not 'dancing,'

‘It’s because I don’t know the step yet...’ ‘I would but I’m still learning it...’ 

Trust me, I understand, but

Dance anyway.

Right now.

Just try.

A little bit!

The next time you’re in class, struggling to learn a new step, even though it may feel impossible, try to dance. Not later, once you already know it. Train yourself to dance now, always.

Instead of just doing the step wrong, dance it wrong. That’s a much better way to to mess up. It feels better. I promise you!

Now, let’s dance.

If you’ve been working with the same moves all week, here’s your chance to really dance them. If you’ve been using something different each day of the challenge then you might want to choose a combination you know well for today’s activity.

An Activity for Dancing

  1. Choose a move or combination to dance.

  2. Find some music to practice with. (online or from your own collection)

  3. Turn the music on, and dance your moves or combination without looking in the mirror focusing on how it feels rather than what it looks like. Dance it over and over again without stopping. Go until the song ends if you can.

  4. Play the song again, let go of your moves, and just dance. Allow your body to do whatever it feels like doing. Have fun with this!

The time to dance is now.

The time to dance is always.

See you tomorrow for the final day of the challenge.

How Does It Feel?

How did that feel? Were you able to dance or enjoy your move(s) more? Do you struggle to ‘dance’ when learning new material or in general? What would make it easier? Let me know in the comments below.

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