The second blog in our series by WIM students
on what made them return to the studio after an absence
What
brought me back to WIM after the birth of my daughter? by Susan Ulrich
I feel like in order to
answer this question I need to go back to the moment I first decided I would
someday learn to bellydance. It was nearly 10 years ago and I went with my mom
to the Renaissance Festival in Kannnapolis. We happened upon the bellydance
show and I fell in love with the dance at first sight. These women were all
ages and shapes. There was even a pregnant woman. They all had these things in
common: they were strong, beautiful, and they clearly LOVED what they were
doing! I immediately added, "Learn to bellydance," to my to-do list.
I didn't actually start
dancing until about 2 years ago. Obviously it took a long time to tackle that
part of my to-do list. Partly because I've been an introvert most of my life
and partly because I wanted to tackle my goal of getting my black belt at my
karate dojo which is a physically demanding, yet incredible task! Once I
checked that goal off the list, I became pregnant and gave birth to my son.
When he was about 6 months old and not nursing CONSTANTLY, I decided I needed
something in my life that was just for me. Bellydance was the first thought
that popped in my head and as luck would have it, World in Motion is just a 5
minute drive from my house.
I remember how nervous
and excited I was to go to my first class, an introductory bellydance class
taught by Heather. I was nervous because, being a stay at home mom, it felt
very strange to leave my son in the care of another (even if it was his
completely competent dad) and uncertainty of whether this was a realistic goal
for me. Excited, because I was finally going to start learning to bellydance
and, holy cow! I'm actually out of the house without a child! Of course, let me
say, I love my son deeply, but like all parents, time to ourselves gives us the
sanity and energy to give ourselves to our kids so completely. By the end of
the first class my body had been challenged in a way it had never been and my
brain was ready to explode. I was absolutely coming back! I knew I ultimately
wanted to do tribal bellydance but I had a big impediment, it was on Mondays
and my husband had his own thing going on those nights. Thankfully both sets of
grandparents live nearby!
I spent 12 weeks with
Heather in her class and then another 12 taking cabaret with another
instructor. I loved both classes so much. The instructors were so incredible
and so patient! When I started taking Tribal bellydance, I knew this was it,
this was where I wanted to be! I loved the instructors, the friendships with
the other students, and how challenging it is. I've always loved being a
student and with bellydance, you're a student for life!
When I became pregnant
with my daughter I continued to dance throughout my pregnancy. She conveniently
waited to be born two days after the last class of a six week session. I was
thrilled since I had not missed a class since I started coming to the studio
and they tell you to wait 6 weeks before resuming exercise after giving birth.
So, I only missed one session before I returned to dance again!
Which finally brings me
to the point, what brought back to WIM after the birth of my daughter? Remember
how I'm an introvert? Being an introvert, big changes in life create a tendency
to be afraid to push myself to get out of my comfort zone, otherwise known as
my house. Hence, the whole, it took me 8 years to start dancing thing. So,
having a baby and a toddler... that's sort of a HUGE change. During the time
leading up to my second child's birth and during the 6 week break, I definitely
had my moments of fear that I wouldn't be able to come back. I wondered if my
little girl would take a bottle, if I would be able to store enough milk, if
she would be too much for the grandparents during the, "I need to be
walked constantly," part of her life, etc. But, when it came down to it, I
was stubbornly set on returning after my break. I knew if I didn't come back
right away, the day to day business would take over and I may never return. And
that, would have been a great sorrow for me. Not only did I return to WIM, but
I returned to take both the Fundamentals and Intermediate classes for a session
before settling into just the Intermediate level.
I came back because
there was no other choice. My class gives me sanity, gives me great joy, gives
me strength. I came back to WIM because my mom and I would go see the
bellydancers at the Ren Fest every year and we would talk about how someday I
would dance like them. She passed away before she could see me dance, but I
still dance for her. I came back to WIM because whenever I leave the house
without my kids I worry about them, except when I am at WIM. I forget to worry
and I give into the dance. I give into the love of learning, the wonderful
challenge of doing so many things at once, the zilling, the posture,
movements... so much to think about! I came back because I love the
instructors, their patience, their attention to detail, and their ability to
guide you to see the fabulous bellydancer you can become. I must admit some
hero worship when it comes to all of the instructors I've had. They are
incredibly talented and give me something to aspire to. I feel so honored to be
taught by such amazing women. I came back to WIM because when I see the
awe-inspiring Advanced Tribal class, I see my own potential with time,
patience, and dedication. I came back to WIM because of the way my fellow
students encourage and energize me to work hard. I came back to WIM because even
though I don't get to practice as much as I would like, they never make me feel
bad about it. They all understand the wonderful insanity that comes with
raising kids. I came back to WIM because every time I dance, I am in the moment
and I am happy.