About three years ago as I uncomfortably existed in what I all my “new” body…the body that has pelvic organ prolapse, I would sit with my two and four-year old daughters and watch “So You Think You Can Dance.” A very long time ago I was a dancer and it seems my little girls are innately interested. Not only do they take dancing lessons but they love to watch the show. I must admit I do as well. The show speaks to my very personal dreams and aspirations. As a little girl my fantasy was to be a student at the National Ballet of Canada and I relished each June when our costumes arrived at my neighbourhood dance studio and I was closer to being on stage performing. I was by no means a “star” student destined for a future in dance, but I did have a natural rhythm and a love of dance.,
I have to admit that a few times when I was watching So You Think You Can Dance I would close my eyes and imagine that feeling that I used to have…the feeling that I was soaring…the feeling I used to get when I knew the dance routine so well that I lost myself in the music and I felt free. My body did almost everything I needed it to do and I was invincible. A few years have passed and we haven’t watched the show in a while because we are a little too busy between school and all of the dance classes the girls take. Just recently, one of my “dance mom” friends reminded me that there was an adult dance class. It definitely peaked my interest and this in itself is monumental. There was a time that I would have cringed at the very thought. There was a time that I needed to be in self-preservation mode. I considered this opportunity with a grew deal of thought and discovered I was thinking about the many reasons why it would be a good idea. Time has been on my side. I also have been doing my kegels and the “Pfilates” program. So I thought why not and I went! Guess what? It was so much fun! I giggled at the joy of doing a “step ball change.” I loved stretching and learning some new dance steps. I decided to opt out of a jump and a kick…no big deal! I came home feeling pretty great. The best part is that I feel much more motivated to continue strengthening my pelvic floor. I need it to be as strong as it can be…so I can dance!!!