So there I was out swing dancing with a few friends. I haven't been in a year, and I was very rusty. The first hour was a beginners course, followed by 2 hours of open floor dance where all the professionals came out of the woodwork.
I danced a few rounds with the friends I was with, only using the arsenal of moves I learned at the beginners course (which wasn't very much). I noticed all around me were more advanced dancers, moving their partners off their feet and transitioning into different dance styles. As I sat down watching the heat rise on the dance floor, my confidence began to fall. I saw fancy foot work, smooth moves, and smiling faces.
I tried to branch out and dance with partners not in my group. Every time I picked a victim, I always warned them that I was a beginner. Followed by the warning I would ask for advice on new moves, since I only knew a few basic steps. Most of the girls told me that "they weren't really good at leading".
That's when it hit me all at once....
I had to be the leader...a confident leader. That's what these ladies wanted and needed. They wanted to be led. They were graceful and beautiful and had great moves, but they just needed someone to initiate the moves. All of these guys I saw on the dance floor were great leaders. I realized that's what I was missing. That's what I'm always missing. Confidence and Initiative.
Somehow I need to become a great leader. I need to develop confidence like all these dancers with their fancy shoes. I talked to this one guy, and he just said he's been doing it for years, and it just takes experiences. That's what they all said. Maybe so. Maybe I just need to put myself in situations that will develop my confidence and leadership ability.
Swing dancing reminds me a lot of life. It's one huge metaphor. I will keep trying, even though I may fall or look silly. I will keep trying.
