Off Script

Today I enjoyed a transcendent dance lesson with my teacher Fitz, as we started preparing a show dance for competitions and charity events. We focused on Waltz, Tango, and Viennese Waltz and combined steps from different levels (Bronze and Silver) and styles (International Standard and American Smooth). Instead of practicing Bronze level competition routines, we went “off script.” This means I did not know what move he would lead me into from one step to the next, so I needed to be even more present and in the moment than usual. There were numerous times I misstepped and almost ran into him, but overall I felt exhilaration, empowerment, and freedom as we zoomed and floated and spun around the dance floor. We laughed throughout the hour and I left the studio with a smile on my face that I’m still wearing hours later!

As a scientist used to approaching life analytically, going “off script” is challenging for me. Throughout my research career I was always more comfortable reading notes for the numerous presentations I gave rather than impromptu public speaking. As I get older, I’m learning to let experiences unfold more organically and to be ok with an unstructured daily schedule. Once again, lessons I learn on the dance floor inform my life outside the studio, and vice versa.