How Taking Dance Class Again, at 40, Helped Me Find My Joy

There are moments in life that remind you of who you are.

For me, that moment happened when I walked back into a dance studio for the first time in almost five years.

It's funny because from the outside, it probably didn't seem like a big deal. I'm a fitness coach. I teach classes every week. I make choreography. Movement is literally my career.

But taking someone else's dance class?

That felt completely different.

In fact, I almost didn't go.

The class was at a brand-new studio I'd never been to. I wasn't going with anyone—I was showing up completely by myself. The instructor was a world-renowned choreographer whose work I've admired for years, which honestly made me even more intimidated.

As the day got closer, my mind started doing what our minds so often do.

"Maybe I'll go another time."

"I'm too busy."

"What if I can't keep up?"

"What if everyone is better than me?"

"What if I embarrass myself?"

I kept trying to come up with reasons not to go.

Finally, I realized the only way I was actually going to do it was if I committed. So I signed up.

Once I hit that registration button, I knew I had made a promise to myself.

Now all I had to do was show up.

Walking Through the Fear

I was nervous the entire drive there.

Walking into an unfamiliar studio by yourself is intimidating enough. Walking in knowing everyone else might already know each other? Even harder.

But the moment I stepped inside, something unexpected happened.

I felt... like myself again.

There was something about hearing the music, seeing dancers warming up, feeling the energy in the room—it immediately brought me back to a part of myself that had been quietly waiting.

It reminded me that before I was a business owner...

Before I was a fitness coach...

Before I became a mom...

I was a dancer.

And that part of me still exists.

Letting Go of Perfection

One of the biggest mental battles I had to fight during class had nothing to do with the choreography.

It had everything to do with perfection.

As a teacher, you're used to being the one who knows the material. The one giving corrections. The one leading the room.

Suddenly, I was back to being the student.

There were combinations I didn't pick up right away.

Moments where I got turned around.

Steps I forgot.

And I could feel that little voice in my head wanting to criticize every mistake.

But then I stopped myself.

I hadn't taken a dance class in four or five years.

Why would I expect myself to walk in and perform like I never left?

More importantly...

Why was I putting that expectation on myself in the first place?

Somewhere along the way, I think many of us forget what learning actually looks like.

Learning is supposed to be messy.

Growth isn't polished.

Progress isn't perfect.

Dance class isn't about getting every step right.

It's about showing up.

It's about trying.

It's about being inspired.

It's about allowing yourself to be challenged.

And somewhere between all of those imperfect moments, something beautiful happens.

You grow.

The Joy Was Never About the Choreography

When class ended, I wasn't thinking about the steps I missed.

I wasn't replaying the mistakes.

I wasn't comparing myself to anyone else.

I walked out smiling.

Because I remembered something I'd forgotten.

Joy isn't found in being perfect.

Joy is found in being present.

For an hour and a half, I wasn't thinking about my to-do list.

I wasn't answering emails.

I wasn't worrying about work.

I wasn't thinking about laundry or groceries or all the million things moms carry mentally every day.

I was simply dancing.

And it felt like coming home.

What Lights You Up?

As women, especially as moms, partners, business owners, caregivers, and professionals, it's so easy to lose pieces of ourselves while we're busy taking care of everyone else.

Not because we want to.

But because life gets full.

The hobbies we once loved slowly disappear.

The things that made us feel creative, alive, energized, and inspired get pushed to the bottom of the priority list.

We tell ourselves we'll get back to them someday.

When life slows down.

When work isn't so busy.

When the kids get older.

When we have more time.

But what if we stopped waiting?

What if we made space now?

For me, it was dance.

For you, maybe it's painting.

Reading.

Running.

Gardening.

Playing an instrument.

Writing.

Photography.

Yoga.

Cooking.

Whatever it is, I hope you don't let that part of yourself disappear.

Because those passions aren't selfish.

They're reminders of who you are.

Show Up Anyway

If there's something you've been wanting to try—or something you've been missing—but fear keeps talking you out of it, let this be your reminder:

Do it anyway.

You'll probably feel nervous.

You may not feel ready.

You certainly won't be perfect.

But none of that matters.

Because confidence isn't built before you take the first step.

It's built because you took it.

That dance class reminded me that growth begins the moment we're willing to become beginners again.

It reminded me that there's beauty in learning.

There's freedom in letting go of perfection.

And perhaps most importantly, it reminded me that making time for the things that bring us joy isn't a luxury.

It's one of the healthiest things we can do for ourselves.

So this week, ask yourself one simple question:

What brings me joy?

And then, take one small step toward it.

You might be surprised by how much of yourself you find along the way. 💛