OUR INSPIRATIONAL STUDENT OF THE MONTH FOR OCTOBER IS ADAM!

ADAM

Classes Attends:

Burlesque Courses & Workshops with Aurora Nova 

Sexy Floorwork with Aurora Nova 

Heels with Sophie Popplewell

What do you love about dancing at DSL?

I love that DSL is a real community space and I get to meet people from so many different backgrounds there. I love how friendly and accepting the atmosphere has always been and seeing all the different types of classes is really interesting; we dance in lots of different ways but we all have dancing in common!

How long have you danced at the studio?

It will be my two year anniversary in January! I know I still have a long way to go but I can really see the progress over that time; the moves are starting to sink into my body now and that feels great.

Top tip for anyone looking to start a class at DSL? 

JUST BOOK ON AND GO! You can spend ages telling yourself ‘I’ll start dancing when I get fitter’ or ‘I’ll start dancing when I’ve practiced some more’ or some other arbitrary goal, but the change happens when you start going to classes, not beforehand! Then just enjoy the experience when you’re there, you are probably stepping out of your comfort zone by going and that’s an achievement in itself. Be kind to yourself and recognise that you have invested in yourself and done something really brave! The best thing about classes is that it’s not competitive and everyone in the class is working towards the same goal, you might not hit every move but you will always hit some and the version of you that you see in the mirror will start to make you relate to your body in a more positive way.

Which class are you next looking forward to attending?

My dance journey started with Aurora’s Burlesque classes. They really opened a window in my life and so much positivity, acceptance and joy has flowed from them. My comfort zone is so much bigger than it used to be and I have met so many awesome people; going to class every Wednesday is a highlight of my week. I love my regular Heels classes too! There is such a sense of teamwork and encouragement, and it has been especially fulfilling to be on a journey with my fellow Beginners; we have all progressed loads!

Have you found dancing at the studio impacted you in other ways?

It wasn’t my conscious intention at the outset but dancing at the Studio has given me a safe space to firstly understand and then express my gender identity in an enjoyable and artistic way. I have also made loads of amazing new friends who have brought me so much joy and encouragement. I have got fitter and my body has got stronger and more resilient even at the age of 40. Finally I have had the opportunity to perform on stage! I never thought this would happen but it has given me moments that I will honestly cherish for the rest of my life!

Well Done Adam, and congrats again! 🙂