Dancing Changed My Life.

I would like to tell you a bit about myself and tell you that dancing literally changed my life. To appreciate this, you need to know that I was always the chubby kid with the goofy hair growing up. I didn’t play sports, I didn’t fit in with most groups in school. I never went to a sock-hop or my senior prom. I was afraid to even talk to girls (oh no!). When most kids were bouncing around, (at least that’s what I call it) dancing at a party doing the twist or just free-styling, I couldn’t do it. I was devoid of confidence. I will tell you, I enjoyed watching the musicals on TV and loved to watch Danny Kay, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire and such; I envied the way they danced. 
At age 37 I went on an overseas assignment for work and made a friend who dragged me off to Country Western dance lessons to learn to 2-Step and Line Dance.  Well, I tried lessons on three different occasions; each time feeling that lack of confidence I had grown up with. One day, it clicked, it all came together and people told me so; it was noticeable. I was hooked. A couple years later our instructor was leaving and the club which I belonged to asked to be the teacher. WOW! I accepted the challenge, my confidence had begun to grow. I’m now able to get up in front of crowds and speak, both socially and at work. I have a sense of self-confidence. The confidence that grew out of those experiences has help carry me into better positions at work and supported me in socially. Dancing is a big part of my life journey now and I’ve met some wonderful people along the way. I have found my place in the world and no longer feel like the odd man out. 

When the dance floor is empty and the music starts I like to be the first one out there. 

Al Marone 
Fullerton, CA