Today was such a joyous day.
It feels like it’s going to be unforgettable.
One of my students who has been attending lessons since April,
Until now, they’d often say, “Hmm, I couldn’t do it,” or “I don’t feel like I’m improving.”
But today,
they casually mentioned, “I feel like I’ve made progress compared to before.”
I was overjoyed.
“Yes!!!!”
That’s it. It’s for moments like this that I teach dance.
One reason I continue as an instructor is due to a bitter memory.
Table of Contents
The story of my corporate days when nothing seemed to go right.
“You think you can get away with anything just because you’re young?!”
In my third year at the sports club, when I was getting used to coaching, I faced a small problem.
Back then, I never thought being young gave me a pass for anything, not even a millimeter.
(I swear to God, that’s the truth.)
I believed a good coach should tell the truth rather than sweet-talk with lies.
Because we were aiming for tournaments,
“You won’t win playing defensively. You’ll regret it eventually,”
I taught because I had experienced so much frustration as a player.
(Now looking back, it’s like I should have done things better. But I lacked the skill to soften my approach. The only thing I can say for sure is that I was straightforwardly passionate about what I loved.)
If we’re going to live in this age,
initiative is absolutely necessary,
and since I’m the type who gives my all to what I love to do,
I couldn’t understand kids who just show up to lessons day after day, seemingly floating through without a clear desire to win.
At the very least,
I wanted to teach kids who come with
some kind of thought, like,
“I want to be able to do this” .
My feelings were so strong that, simply put,
I inadvertently hurt the pure hearts of children.
But at that time, this was my limit.
“With more vigor, please,”
and the feedback to,
“Be gentler.”
For three years, I was caught in the middle,
not knowing what to do.
So, despite being an instructor,
I couldn’t provide the guidance I should have,
and before I knew it, the environment around me became increasingly harsh.
(“Maybe I should quit coaching.”)
(Actually, I still want to be a player.)
For the next three years,
I completely distanced myself from coaching,
immersed in activities like dancing, singing, choreography,
anything but coaching.
But somewhere in my heart,
that frustration lingered.
“Dammit!!!!!!”
I felt like it wasn’t over yet.
So why did I choose the job of “teacher”?
The core reason should still be unchanged.
Because I truly love dance,
I want to dance with everyone,
I want more people to love dance,
and I want more people to be glad they encountered dance!
So why did I run away?
In my head, another me asks.
It even appears in my dreams.
That’s why,
this time, I absolutely wanted to be able to conduct lessons where people can say,
“I’m glad I encountered dance.”
I want people who learn dance from me to gradually find hope within themselves.
In other words, I wanted them to gain confidence.
Just being able to do what they couldn’t do before is amazing.
So today, I was truly happy.
Paying money and coming all the way to learn dance,
“Not giving up for 10 months, persistently and patiently, is truly admirable.”
Yes, it’s not about how things are now, but about one’s inner state.
I feel like the true purpose of dance has been fulfilled with the change in self-image.
Maybe wherever I go in the world,
I’ll be dancing. lol
There’s so much gratitude and love for dance that I can’t put into words.
About 15 years’ worth. lol
Ah, I finally wrote down what I’ve been wanting to write.
Lastly
Lastly, among countless dance studios,
I’m deeply grateful that you chose Wink5-1 and came.
And thank you for reading until the end.
Have sweet dreams, everyone.
Good night.
Let’s dance happily together again tomorrow. ♪
