On a Related Note, I Need New Sneakers

Class Three- sneakers. Surprisingly difficult to dance in; though they offer the support that both soft and hard shoes lack, the friction inhibits both floor movement and footwork. However! My ankle held up. In fact it feels a lot better, all loosened up again. The bruising seems to be on its way out, walking not painful at all.

Funny thing about the hornpipe I couldn't get the timing for... found out class two that it's a jig. So... that was good. Definitely fits the music better now. Any dancer that reads that will understand how funny/foolish it is to think you're learning a hornpipe and then learn it's a jig. So. Oops? But I now technically have learned three jigs; I'm comfortable with the first and the one learned tonight. The second step baffles me for some reason. Just need to drill the footwork... the double bang sequence messes me up but once I have my shoes back on I'll get it eventually.

I felt better picking up the jig we learned tonight, like I wasn't miles behind everyone else but learning at the same pace. Not necessarily indicative of the kind of progress I'd like to make but certainly getting there. There was only one point where I felt I had to stop or get sick. It wasn't a difficult night in terms of drills or stamina but I still left dripping. Like, actually had to bring an extra shirt because the one I was wearing was sopping. Incredibly attractive, I'm sure.

Irish dance is in equal parts a mental and physical game. Overthink a section of a step and you will screw up. You first hear and then feel the right rhythm rather than study the footwork visually alone. Without drilling the moves over and over your body will falter during a step regardless of whether or not you can envision what it should look like; it's all muscle memory. And if you think you're struggling, you are. If you push aside the voice of judgement, clear your mind, and just dance- you will get it.

The dance I remember from childhood is very different. Back then, I didn't question whether or not I could do it. I simply knew I could. And I'd advance in competitions. And then I'd get cocky and need discipline that only my respected teachers could administer- your arms are flying out. your head is moving. get some lift in that jump. And all of it taught me to work, but I never doubted myself. Now, at 23 years old after years of serious health setbacks and the laziness of college life (interrupted by one year of a BADASS return to dance if I do say so myself), self-doubt is my largest obstacle. Fortunately, I am somehow maintaining a positive, lighthearted attitude about mistakes most likely influenced by the fact that I adore my teacher, my friends in class, and of course the inspirational presence of my sister. It's just fun, and a challenge I look forward to meeting class by class.