I am going back to ballet.
The past six years I have been privileged to dance with the Gainesville School of Ballet. During the Nutcracker, I am Mother Ginger and the Dancing Bear, and I have different male roles every Spring production. Dancing in a Ballet is not something I ever thought I would do. However, it is one of the most rewarding activities I have ever done. This past year during the Nutcracker I had a revelation about my happiness in life.
The Dancing Bear
First, I need to go over the sports year of 2016. My beloved Georgia Bulldogs football team fired my favorite coach, and a man I admired, to start the year. I was upset about Coach Richt being let go, and I began to worry about the future of Georgia Football. Then, the 2016 football season was not very good and included some painful losses. I admit to destroying a TV during the last second loss to the dreaded Tennessee Vols. That little stunt cost me $1,000!Next, my all time favorite pro team, the Cleveland Browns, won only one game this year. So, I was pretty much upset most Sundays. Up next was the UGA basketball season started, and the team was once again not very good, and I found myself frustrated at least once a week over a loss on the hardwood. The nail in the coffin was the Atlanta Falcons total collapse during the Super Bowl. The Falcons have always been my second favorite team, but my son was so excited about the game that I got caught up in the emotions. What a mistake! So, I have spent the better part of a year totally upset and beat up over my sports team.
My TV!
Now, back to my revelation, I had in the ballet locker room. As I was sitting there in my bear costume, I realized I was having fun and not upset! I was enjoying the performance without any stress. There was not going to be any insufferable losses or stressful days after the performance. There was always a happy audience that applauded for me when I performed. I had fun backstage with the other dancers and all the support crew every night. I realized this was much better for me than all the sporting events that I allow to determine my moods all week. That is why, after 2016’s sports year, I am going back to Ballet the first chance I get!
LILLY III