As Christmas and the holidays roll around, both kids and adults alike seem to have an abundance of energy and excitement about spending time with their families, and friends.
As it is the season of gift giving and spending time with loved ones I can’t help but reflect on my time as a competitive dancer and the friends that I made! As kids, we spend hours with our friends, as they are such an important part of our lives. Often through those relationships (which, at times, can be dramatic), we learn how to deal with others as adults. It is amazing to me that those who I would consider some of my best friends, are those who I don’t see that often. But isn’t that the way it is? I can go for a year – or more without seeing a ‘dance friend’ and within 5 minutes, it’s as if no time has gone by. There is no anger or resentment about not staying in touch. It isn’t about that. We have created a lifelong bond. From the time we were kids, we shared so many fun experiences (dance classes, competition, costume fittings/malfunctions, winning and losing), and now as adults, we just know that other person. It is special!
This month I am headed to a holiday party where my sister has invited a bunch of the dance girls. I can’t wait to touch base with everyone, talk about our kids, and of course the good old days with our favourite crazy dance teachers.
So as we head into the holidays, here’s something to keep in mind. Parents: don’t forget that you are not only providing dance lessons for your child for fitness, fun and perhaps for the competitive element, but also for the friendships they are developing. In a world where more texting is done than actual talking, the dance studio is a sacred place where the phones are out of their hands, (for at least 45 minutes), and the conversations and experiences shared are real – and long lasting.
Merry Christmas!