It was one of my New Year's resolutions. Along with reducing facebook time and increasing face time with my friends. You see, I liked disconnecting from the cyber world so much on vacation, I decided I needed to do more of it everyday. It just makes me a happier person. What makes me a nervous wreck is the thought of standing up in front of a real live audience. It makes my hands sweaty. And sweaty hands are most treacherous when you're going to dance on a pole.
I vowed that I was going to conquer my stage fright in 2013. So what better time to start than first thing in January when my instructor scheduled a recital. Never mind that I just came back from vacation and have a million other things going on right now. This seemingly frivolous pole dance is a priority.
So last night, I did it. With people looking at me. And me looking right back at them. Well, sort of. The lights were dimmed. The fact that the audience was loobed with alcohol also helped. This is what it looked like.)
(Disclaimer: This is video of me at home practicing the day before. The video from the actual recital is dark and grainy and started late. Did I mention the cameraman was drinking? Note, I didn't wear my coin top during the recital. No. It wasn't at that kind of establishment. I did wear an athletic bra.)
My hands didn't slip. I didn't pee on the pole. And no one booed. Or hissed. Or threw their drinks at me. Box checked, I could watch the other amazing performers. And get inspiration for next time. When I'll do a more challenging routine with more spins and inversions.
When we got home, the kids wanted to see the video. Here's their comments:
"Did you get to CHOOSE the song?"
"Did you mess up right there?"
"Where other people better than you?"
And my favorite.
"That was weird."
This is why I didn't let them come. They are the toughest crowd out there and I'm pretty sure they would have booed, hissed or threw some Hawaiian Punch at me. Oh yeah, my other resolution for 2013 is to leave the kids home by themselves with candy bribes more. So I yell at them less.
13 comments:
Congratulations! Your kids' comments crack me up. Our offspring can be great 'mirrors' for us.
Reminds me, after my first public speaking performance on why the death penalty should be banned my son's comment was, "Ha Ha! Your voice sounds like one of those ladies who reads stories to kids! That speech should be called 'Teddy Ruxpin Opposes the Death Penalty'!"
@ Linda-Oh my god, that's hillarious!
Holy hell! I am so impressed!!! I often have to give presentations for work and every time, without fail, my hands become two little pools of perspiration and don't even get me started on the boob sweat.
I wouldn't have lasted 2 seconds without sliding straight down to the ground.
Congratulations!
Also, "that was weird" cracked me up!
That was awesome! I love the way you ride that pole girl! And I saw you wipe your hands on your hips right before that inversion...even though I have plenty of hip, I never could have managed to wipe my hands dry enough to stay inverted, and would have ended with a head injury.
Live the dream and have fun! Those are my New Year resolutions. Looks like you are doing it. :D
I am so freakin' proud of you! I love that you didn't waste even a month of 2013 to face your fear. I of course loved the music choice, I don't know if I will ever say Salaam again without thinking of you hanging upside down on the pole. Haha. Great work. You rock.
@ Vixen-How come no one talks about boob sweat? I'm glad to have a sweat sister whos also gets a little creek running between your b-set! (Not that I claim to know your cup size, but statistically I have good shot at being correct on that.)
@Cathy-Wiping my hands only once is a personal victory for me. I could do more tricks if I could get my sweaty hands under control. I wonder if used spray anti-perspirant on my hands. Hmmmmmm.
@ Sara-Thanks! If I can make you the professional dancer and my dance therapist proud, well, that makes me feel pretty awesome. Love you woman!
Wow. I was more impressed that it only takes a little bit of candy to bribe your kids!
Congrats!
Well, Marie, am I allowed to say that you have a great body? You are certainly doing something right!
That's brilliant! Good on you for conquering your fears :)
Dang, what a body! Where can I order one of those for myself? Hahahah, if only it were that easy huh? Great job! I wish I had your confidence (and of course that flat tummy!) :-)
In TOTAL awe! =) I can't imagine you had any nerves at all. Both the skills and the courage motivate me to do and be more. =)
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