Tis the season for family gatherings, great food, and the yearly audit on your life.
You know, normal stuff.
Yes, the Holidays are like a hyper-local version of the local news, and every aunt, uncle, cousin, parent, and sibling have their press credentials. So, naturally, they are going to have some questions about your dance hobby.
Whether it's just light banter, or a full blow investigation, here are three of the most common questions you may find thrown your way. Everyone is different, and there are different social dynamics with certain relatives, so there are multiple responses you can choose from.
Like it or not, Dancing with the Stars is entrenched in our culture, and that's the closest thing people can associate with your hobby. This doesn't mean your Uncle Larry is expecting you to be the next rhinestoned dance celebrity on the show, but he will expect you to have an opinion on the show.
Now, with limited knowledge of Larry and the rest of your family, here are some questions to prepare for.
"So, are you going to be on Dancing with the Stars or something?"
FUNNY ANSWER: Not anytime soon, that is, unless my YouTube channel really blows up.
SNARKY ANSWER: I'm just waiting for the producers to call me.
PROFESSIONAL ANSWER: Not really my thing. I love that the show really highlights ballroom dancing and made it popular again.
SINCERE ANSWER: That would be a dream come true, but in the meantime, I'm just loving my hobby.
You are the glimmer of dance-hope for your family. Did you know that? You've crossed over to the other side, and now, in a way, you're going to be looked at like a dance doctor. Expect some impromptu appointments to assess the potential dance-health of various family members.
"I could never do that. You know I've got two left feet."
FUNNY ANSWER: You should bring the extra left foot to Arthur Murray... they can make it right.
SNARKY ANSWER: But it adds so much to your personality.
PROFESSIONAL ANSWER: I know it feels like that, but you haven't had a lesson yet. You'll feel completely different after a lesson or two.
SINCERE ANSWER: I felt exactly the same way, but I just decided to try a lesson and give it a shot. If you ever want to, take a lesson, and you'll see what I mean.
This is the moment of truth. You're, appropriately punny, "dancing on the razor's edge" here. Agree to the demonstration, and earn the support, folk-legend status, and the official endorsement as being the dancer in the family.
Avoid this invitation, and you may be trading holiday comfort for hobby speculation in hushed tones.
Here are some ways to approach this delicate scenario.
"Show Me Your Best Move"
FUNNY ANSWER: (Stand up and dance like Carlton from the Fresh Prince)
SNARKY ANSWER: I've temporarily traded in my dance shoes for egg nog and football.
PROFESSIONAL ANSWER: I'll need a partner, but this move is easier than it looks. Let's try it together (take the family member and dance a corte in Tango).
SINCERE ANSWER: Honestly, my favorite move will always be the first move I learned because it's where I realized that I was capable of learning. Let's try it together (take the family member and teach them the Foxtrot Magic Step).
You might have the most interesting hobby in the world... or at least in your family. As easy as it might be to operate on Holiday Cruise control and relax your way out of a conversation or two, it's during these times that your hobby can shine.
Now, this doesn't mean it should "outshine" the wonderful festivities as you roll up the rug, move furniture, and cancel the dinner as you turn the dining room into a dance floor, but at the very least, give your relatives something wonderful to talk about.
Maybe this time, next year, Uncle Larry will be part of the dance party himself.
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