What is Your Passion?

What is your passion? What activity makes you lose track of time and fills you with joy?

I started dancing at age four, developing a solid foundation through ballet, jazz and tap. My passion for dance followed me from my youth to college at Georgetown University, where I was the student representative in founding the school’s modern dance club. I was also a member of the liturgical dance group and couldn’t resist weekly impromptu disco dancing on Tuesday and Thursday nights at The Pub.

After Georgetown, dance did not fit into a demanding graduate school program, nor later in my early 30s where I was juggling young children alongside my career. It wasn’t until my 25th college reunion that I was reminded of my dance passion and the significant role it once played in my life.

Today, I am a competitive ballroom dancer with incredible training at Met Dance where I work with the professional that I compete with, Dmytro Pankov. Rediscovering dance through ballroom felt like coming home. The journey of mastering technique, character, partnership and performance is constant. I can honestly say that every single lesson is challenging, keeping me in a constant state of learning and evolution. This forward-looking outlook is crucial not only in dance but in any passion that keeps life vibrant and fulfilling.

When I can squeeze it in, I take classes in theater jazz or ballet at Broadway Dance Center. Each style contributes something unique to my ballroom work, and they are just great fun – even if I am the oldest person in the class!

When people ask about my dancing, I like to learn what their passion is. If they tell me they haven’t found it yet I am reminded that sometimes it’s as easy as just picking something and trying it out. Maybe revisit a childhood passion or explore something that has always intrigued you.

Start small, but start well. If you’re joining a book club, be sure that you’re surrounded by like-minded individuals. If you’re learning a new skill, find a skilled teacher. Whatever it is, don’t do it half-heartedly and carefully choose those that are going to teach you. Thoughtful engagement will lead to a richer experience and fuel your passion.

What are you excited about these days?