Anyone who have met me, is very much aware, my life revolves around dancing; but those who are close to me find it a little perplexing as well I am rather clumsy, ( and I will share more on that sometime in the future)
My Nana Gifted me with the love of dance, almost from the moment I was able to walk. Teaching me when I was a toddler to hear, feel and move to music, using the roses on her living room mat as footwork markers for the waltz and chacha.
My Nana Alison Shields nee Agnes Dunn/Armstrong, was a member of the Clarks Dance studio Formation team during the late 60's early 70's in Belfast ( she was one brave lady) traveling around the UK to attend companions and to perform on Come Dancing (the BBC TV show which Strictly Come dancing is based off) dancing Viennese Waltz, American Smooth and rumba among other dances. I remember going along with her to afternoons wither her cousins and friends, getting to dance around the living room or garden or wherever we were. I don’t think I will ever forget the moment when I truly followed, I must have been around 8 years old, floating Around a relatives dining room, dancing a waltz
Thanks to this family introduction to dancing, it became more ingrained in my sense of self than many who take classes when they older children or adults. But I would not change it for the world, it has allowed me to develop a distinct style and way of moving when I dance that came for childhood exploration of dance.