By Chia Chia Cheng, L.Ac.
Senior Dance Class
One of the best experiences I had in high school was senior year dance class. Instead of taking PE we were given the chance to take dance as an alternative. This was as new and horrific as showering in the locker room in middle school. There was so much angst about what to wear, learning all the French names to the various positions and moves, where to stand in the gym. The echo of the unknown filled the vast space with wonder and potential embarrassment.
The Haves and Have Nots
Senior year for me was back in the time when distinctions between the privileged and not popular kids were more obvious. The type of clothes, those who had a car, those who had straight teeth from braces. I discovered Senior dance class added another layer of distinction–those who had dance classes growing up and those who didn’t know what a plié was.
There were two boys in my dance class. They obviously had no previous dance experience. We gave them a pass for being boys. And for being on the football team. They were our constant entertainment.
Those young ladies who dared to stand in the front row, they had previous dance experience. Years of it. They had matching leotards, tights and leg warmers. They wore actual dance shoes that had been properly broken in. They tied their hair up in a neat bun. Those ladies were graceful doing pliés and pirouettes. They could keep count with the given steps and anticipate the next three before the instructor called them out.
Acrylics, Extensions, and Thighs
At first glance she appeared to be among them, to belong to them. Ms. Beer-Kerr was a gorgeous woman. Tall, poised, a goddess dressed in soft pink and grey. She had long, blond hair that cascaded down her back in soft waves. Her face was a symmetry of pleasing features. Seemingly untouchable and unapproachable.
Until the day she announced she had hair extensions.
Somebody had commented on Ms. Beer-Kerr’s appearance. She heard the unsolicited comment, then stated without ceremony, “It takes a lot to look like this. I have extensions in my hair to make it look full and long. I have acrylic nails, which I go every other week to have them filled. And I have big thighs.” As she said this last bit she grabbed her left thigh with both hands and squeezed with dramatic conviction. She added, “I eat throughout the day to feed my muscles.” She accentuated her love for food with two slaps on her thigh.
Ms. Beer-Kerr debunked the fashion fad of spindly legs and small thighs. She talked about how eating was necessary nutrition to feed the body. As a dancer she needed strength in muscles. And muscles had a voracious appetite for quality food. She was the only PE teacher in my 12 years of primary education to have stressed the importance of nutrition to obtain wellness.
Living the Irony
I didn’t grow up taking dance lessons. I’ve never taken a ballet class. I still have a hard time spotting during turns. I’ve accepted the fact that I’ll never be able to do the splits, whether on the floor or in mid air. But guess what? I’m still dancing!
I don’t dance for an audience. I don’t dance for anyone but myself. I do dance for movement. Dance is movement for my spirit and an expression of my soul.
I dance Nia 3 times a week. The Nia technique is a mix of the dance arts, the healing arts and the martial arts. I have been dancing Nia since 2002. Through two pregnancies, two postpartum recoveries, 2 knee injuries, and multiple sprains in my feet.
I have found a movement form that works for my body, that feeds my spirit and awakens my soul. Dancing brings me a genuine sense of giddiness and joy. Among the fellow Nia-files I have found a caring community. Dancing Nia has given me a space to be creative with movement while also moving through my emotions.
Nia has taught me that my body continues to move despite limitations. My body craves movement. Dancing in community allows the expansion of my being while reinforcing the belief that my body is capable, even during stages of healing.
Keep Searching for that One Thing
In the 20 years of practicing Chinese Medicine, I’ve heard so many similar stories. They can’t lift weights anymore so they gave up their gym membership. They can’t jog for exercise so they don’t exercise because nothing else will give them that runner’s high. They had an injury (or two) that made it impossible for them to continue their preferred activity. They never got back into moving their body because they were too disappointed that their body could no longer perform the way it used to.
I believe there is something out there for you. A type of movement that welcomes you and your body in the state you are today. Keep looking for new activities and movements. Try them out. Be curious about what your body is still capable of doing. I encourage you to continue the search for that one thing that will bring you joy and awaken your senses.
