Transitioning my hobbies?

[billeyler]

As time goes on, I'm weighing out my teaching/calling interests from square dancing to 'something else'...

Chorus has been great for me over the past 8 years, and it's something I can go in and out of depending on how I'm feeling about my schedule. It's an outlet for my drive to perform, and I have something measureable to work with. I'm out this term, but I'll probably go back in the Fall. It takes more time than the dance activities, but it's always time well spent.

Square dancing has more developing cons about it than pros, especially with the advent of the internet discussions about the future of the activity and all the in-fighting going on. It's something I DO love, but wonder how much of it is ego and how much of it is 'doing a good thing for social dance.' The only time I can dance with gay folk is when I go out of town...since I call for the Wilde Bunch, I can't DANCE with them.

Country Western lessons and dancing has a lot of pro factors, but some of that may be ego, too. The Thursday program has really blossomed over the past 7 months, and it's got me wanting to learn more...something that I had become pretty stagnant in over the years. Sidenote on the C/W: The word is out to the women's groups in town...75% of the dancers last night were women!

I've always wanted to try Ballroom Dance, although the level it's taken to competitively is sort of a turn off.

Maybe I should develop some hobbies in which I DON'T have to be in the spotlight...yeah, that's it!

Comments

[mikiedoggie.livejournal.com]

I suppose, in your position, you must see a lot more of the politics and in-fighting that occurs with various square dancing groups. At my dance level, I'm rather thankful I just show up to class or a dance, have a good time, and then leave.

I've always wanted to take basic Ballroom Dance; I think the first few months would be fun. Never learned even the most general moves before.

[billeyler.livejournal.com]

THAT my friend, is the crux of the issue! When I go to a dance, I can just GO, DANCE, SOCIALIZE, and go home with a smile on my face...that's what it's all about. Being so hyper-involved with so many facets of it is what makes the craziness.

Both Round Dancing and Country Western have a lot of links and terminology and moves in common with Ballroom Dance, which is great. Square dancing has NO terms in common with any of em!

Anyway, yes, going to a dance or a class as a dancer is the best! Last night, several people came up to me and thanked me for the great time they had for the 2 hours of c/w...THAT is good for me. :-)

[mikiedoggie.livejournal.com]

I've only been in square dancing since Fall 2004. Last year there was a push for at least some of the new class to run for elections at Chi-Town Squares, because they always like to have a fresh person on the committee. A couple of people asked me if I would run, and I was very emphatic about saying, "thank you but no thank you." Going to the dances to socialize and destress is the reason I go. Its fun. I don't think I'd like square dancing so much if I was more involved in my local group. Its selfish, but I'm fine with that too.

That must be nice to be thanked for your work. I love having guest callers. Sandie was my teacher and she's sneaky and creative. But its always great having different callers because everyone's got their own style. Good callers are like whipped cream on hot chocolate, they make a great thing even better.

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

I'd be interested in hearing more of your thoughts on this as you find a new balance. I've had to give up dancing, and there will come a day when there's no one left to call to. By then I'd like to have another hobby that meets similar needs: social, some spotlight and some not, some travel.

[dr-scott.livejournal.com]

Were it not for ego and temporary insanity, no one would undertake the work of calling and organizing. I commend your insanity to date, and if you need to change the balance of what you do to provide more of the personal satisfaction you deserve, you should.

But if you're not in the spotlight, how will you deal with not having to fend off all those groupies? Won't you feel abandoned? :)

[billeyler.livejournal.com]

Ah yes...those invisible, silent groupies! heh...

[dr-scott.livejournal.com]

Maybe I'm projecting -- when you're calling I have a strong urge to storm the podium and tear off your clothes. But I've repressed it. I must not be the only one!

[bearfuz.livejournal.com]

You're not.

[bearfuz.livejournal.com]

Join us at dance camp in May in Connecticut. Come on, you know you want to.