Embrace Discomfort
We wanted espresso.
Truly, we wanted time to get up, drink espresso, do some mild stretching, have just a little dialog, after which, after all, begin our dance apply.
After which that morning ritual got here crashing down… and it was probably the greatest issues that ever occurred to us.
In the course of the time that Daisey and I have been nonetheless competing professionally, we realized many classes about dancing, and being higher dance companions collectively. However one lesson got here within the type of an individual, touring around the globe, and it tipped our universe upside-down.
Tonia Kosovich, our longtime dance coach, traveled from Australia to San Francisco to work with us main as much as an enormous competitors. We had anticipated her to want some relaxation earlier than we received our classes began.
She had different plans. “Let’s get to the studio. We now have work to do.”
Whereas we have been anticipating a gradual, recover-from-jet-lag buildup to full performance, Tonia had been planning all of the methods she was going to offer us our aggressive edge.
We arrived on the studio and we began our standard pre-practice routine – the espresso, the stretching, the dialog, extra espresso. That’s, till Tonia redirected us.
“What are you doing?” she requested.
“Making espresso.” I answered.
“Not proper now you’re not” she stated. It was not a suggestion.
And that’s when her plans knocked over our plans like a kangaroo kick to the chest. I set the espresso down.
“I would like you to get on the ground and present me your 5 dances. Full out, continuous, full pace. No excuses.”
She regarded on as we labored by way of our Cha-Cha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero and Mambo routines. We have been in a state of shock. It wasn’t simply the 0 to 100 in bodily effort, however the upending of our standard heat as much as dance performance that basically had us reeling.
Trying again, it was the most likely the least comfy begin to a apply we had ever skilled. Coincidentally, it was probably the most pivotal moments in our coaching.
Trying again, Tonia taught us a lot greater than what we coated on the dance flooring throughout our classes that day. Listed here are a couple of takeaways that I imagine may assist anybody with their dance interest.
1. Embrace Discomfort
It’s straightforward to persuade ourselves that prolonging one thing uncomfortable will by some means make it extra tolerable. Nothing might be farther from the reality.
Our gradual begin to our practices didn’t make the 100%, full out, problem really feel any simpler. If something, it set the bar low sufficient that we wouldn’t attain that 100% stage till the tail finish of a apply.
Tonia’s methodology of getting us dance our full array of aggressive dances, full out, proper from the start was a masterclass in embracing discomfort. The earlier you get it out of the way in which, the earlier you possibly can be taught and develop from it.
2. Consider – Even If You’re Good
Success could be the enemy of success.
What Tonia Kosovich taught us that day went far past dancing.
In doing so, she helped us create a apply situation that was fraught with challenges. All of our bodily methods have been on alert.
It was the dance equal of a fireplace drill, and the end result was one thing that propelled us in each our competitors and instructing careers.
We bumped into an issue many individuals expertise daily. We had discovered the trail of least resistance… and loved the benefit of that journey.
Thankfully, there was a voice in our lives that was prepared to push us again heading in the right direction. To hunt out the problem hidden on the opposite facet of our plateau.
As an Arthur Murray scholar, you’ve confronted challenges that few folks ever will. From strolling by way of the door to your first lesson, to attempting out that dance you have been satisfied you may by no means be taught – you’ve overcome a lot. However now isn’t the time to accept the simple path.
Whether or not it’s with an upcoming occasion, or a brand new stage in your program, it’s time to embrace the discomfort. It’s the place all the expansion takes place. Gianni Rometty as soon as stated “Progress and luxury don’t coexist” and I couldn’t agree extra.
So take that subsequent step towards the scary factor.
And for those who’re nonetheless unsure, don’t fear. Tonia might be arriving in September.
