If this sounds a little raw, it's because I am IN THIS WITH YOU.
These are the trenches, my friends. I see at least one piece per day on the importance of finding an outlet, finding yourself, placing yourself on the priority list.
But are they really talking to me?
Whether you're a parent going head to head with a revolt on dinner, diapers, or screen time, I've made a little list that should help you determine if your life is in need of a dance revolution.
You Might Be a Parent In Need of Dance Lessons If...
You've worn a fuzzy robe in the last 24 hours
Reclaim your style! Unearth the lady or gentleman who exists beneath the layers of school drop off line-fashion.
Your and your partner have started to call each other "Mom" and "Dad"
Let's get you back to the names you used on your first date!
Most of your communication is with people who come up to your hip.
At Arthur Murray, we will answer you the first time.
Your main creative outlet has become packing Pinterest-worthy lunches
I once decided to use a cookie cutter to make my kid's sandwich extra cute. I was way too pleased with myself for the idea and, when I finished, I realized my only cookie cutter was in the shape of a martini glass.
We can do better people... and yes, I went through with it.
You've been used as a human Kleenex.
We won't do that to you. We just won't. There's not much more to say here.
You're last on your own list.
This is important. You need to put your oxygen mask on first. It's a cliche for a reason. Many of you aren't putting yours on at all, much less first. Trust me, it's a game changer.
You want to up your YouTube sensation game.
Who else thinks the Holdnerness family needs a little run for their money. Let's throw some cool cha cha moves at those showoffs and see what they have to say about that.
You call your partner by any of the kids'/dogs' names.
Which one are you again? I'ts time to reconnect. See what happens when you spend 40 minutes without distractions. We can help.
You need to get your sleep back on track.
Parents never stop moving. But your body adjusts to your base level of activity, and adding a little more can really help you regulate your sleep patterns after those rough early days.
Your youngest has gone off to full day school and you're out of things to binge on Netflix.
This can happen to anyone, and we are here to help you pick up the pieces.
You've always wanted to try it, but you're waiting for the right time.
Another important one guys! This is a great opportunity for your kids to see you try new things. They are endlessly faced with new challenges, some more intimidating than others, and you can show them how great these opportunities can be.
Someone dropped your phone in the tub/toilet/washing machine, and now you need something to do.
It's going to be in that bag of rice for at least 48 hours. Come kill some time with us.
You want to shake that dad bod, but going to the gym isn't your style.
Dancing is great "exercise in disguise". We'll have you sweating by the end of your lesson, but also laughing and goofing around, so you won't even know what happened!
You need some new music in your head to drown out the Frozen/Moana mashup you've got going on now.
Can I get an amen?
You seek the company and conversation of adult humans.
My 3 year old son responds to 87% of the things I say with a "what?", so rapid fire that there's no way he has processed any of the words I used. Repeat 4-6 times in 30 seconds, and you have the bulk of our discussions. Adults are everything. Come find some at Arthur Murray.
You want to talk about your day.
Do your kids ask you how it went? Mine either. We will.
You don't want to talk about your day.
And when we ask, feel free to say so. Many of our students have told us that they love us for being a place where they don't have to bring "their stuff". Bad day? Leave it outside. Bickering with your partner? Drop it in the parking lot. Kids making you Crazy? Leave it (not them) on the sidewalk. We can't do anything about that "stuff" waiting for you when you go back out there, but we can sure change the vibe while you're in here!
Final Thought
Parenting is hard, and there's a lot of pressure to put everyone else first. It can be a challenge to justify taking the time to do things that are just for you.
Dancing at Arthur Murray can check so many boxes at once!
It satisfies physical, emotional, social, creative, and even spiritual needs. Let's get you away from cutting up sandwiches, and into cutting a rug.
Oh yes, I ended it with a Dad-joke.
Take the next step in your Dance Hobby and become an Arthur Murray Live subscriber today!
