Ballet Up to The Barre

     Taking ballet barre classes as an adult has been an exercise in stretching beyond my range and comfort level. We really do those exercises done by ballet dancers that increase our capacities in so many ways. We stretch, extend, expand and take positions that are pivotal to our flexibility.

     While some people may jump out of perfectly good airplanes, others may spin or swim and others may kite surf or XTreme mountain climb, I am perfectly happy to be stretched to the outer limits of my life and limbs and, as a result, have become stronger and more limber in ways that are new to me.

     We have to hold positions and, sometimes, hold our ground.  Recently, I had to "hold my position" at the barre because a Ballet Barb Come Lately tried to bully me into leaving my place at the barre which is no way to work a room! Other times I might have just allowed that to happen. After all, we are told to "pick our battles" and "weigh in on what's important"... and lots of other palliatives. But on this sunny Saturday I was not willing to be bullied at the ballet barre.  I firmly held my ground because I was in position first (but not in first position).

   It reminded me of my days as a teacher when I told the students that when I spoke very quietly, they were really in trouble. Most importantly, my four years in the class had stretched my "stand up and be counted" muscle.  It would have been easier to give in but I thought about the precedent I would set.  If Ballet Barb succeeded in bullying me, she would do it to others because I had acquiesced and I would have been complicit.

   The lesson is that  "silence is approval". Before we give in or give up, we need to think of the long range impact.  Sometimes taking a postion (be it first, third or fifth) is not worth the time or energy. Other times, it's so very worthwhile because taking that position can elevate our self-worth.

   And that is priceless! 

   Please feel free to send this to any colleague, friend or relative who may need support for their positions.

   Have you had to stand up, take a position or deal with someone who encroaches?     Susan@susanroane.com