So I Think I Can Dance

Tonight I attended my first session of Zumba, which is a new type of cardio-dance class that is heavily influenced by Latin American music, particularly the salsa. I consider myself a somewhat-talented athlete. When it comes to practicing yoga, playing basketball, or even picking up a tennis racket now and again, I've always enjoyed the comfort of knowing how to move, where to place my hands, and how to position my feet. Basically I feel a general sense of ease on the mat or court. 

My first Zumba workout, however, made me feel more awkward than a middle-schooler at her first dance. As I frantically reached into my memory for any recollection of the salsa lessons I took in Spain, I was shocked to realize that the instructor was not shouting out steps, counts, or other commands to ease the utter confusion I was experiencing. To make things worse, I was too far back in the room to see her steps and instead tried to copy her reflection in the mirror wall at the front of the class, which proved to be much more difficult (and confusing) than anticipated. 

After about five minutes of fumbling my steps (on a floor that was dangerously slick from the class before), I realized that my arms too were supposed to be moving, instead of just rigidly pressed against my sides. As I attempted to swing my arms in some sort rhythmic motion, the warm-up was over and I found out that our instructor adds a little hip-hop influence to her routine. Suddenly I was flailing about as if I were in a low-grade Britney Spears-wannabe music video. And during the entire class, all I could think was "Dear God, behind me is an entire wall of windows separating me from the facility's highly-trafficked waiting room and check-in counter."

Now one might have left this workout session feeling confused, disheartened, and dare I say, embarrassed. Upon reflection, I have come to terms with my current inability to accurately step salsa/hip-hop to the popular reggaeton song "Gasolina." I will admit it was a humbling experience. However, I have been blessed with skills that have allowed me to tackle even the most challenging feats (graduate school, riding the MegaBus, attending games in the Big House) with ease and it is time for a new challenge that I must work to overcome; Zumba is this challenge, my Mount Everest, if you will. It's like Hemingway said: "Nobody [does] anything quickly nor easily if it is any good." 

With those words in mind, I will strap on my shoes next Wednesday, shake out the resistance in my limbs, and flail to any reggaeton the instructor blasts at me. It will not be quick, and it will certainly not be easy, but mastering my Zumba class may be the single greatest accomplishment I can achieve during my time as a graduate student.  And to that, Hemingway, I will drink.