I'm petrified. My heart is missing the occassional beat as my mind plays out a million worst-case scenarios. The cause of all of this madness? One little word: "rumba." Or as some would spell it: "rhumba." I mean, for crying out loud, even finding the correct spelling of the word is complicated!
When I signed on to compete in Dancing with Missouri Stars, I relished the chance of stepping out of my comfort zone and learning something new. That, of course, was when I thought the something new would be a fun cha cha or elegant waltz. If I'm honest with you and myself, I have to admit that performing either of those dances in public would still be well within my comfort zone. So, when Corey said he'd like us to try a rumba for our rhythmic dance, I blanched. I didn't see that one coming. Don't misinterpret my reaction. It's not that I dislike the rumba. In fact, I find it to be the most emotionally evocative dance of all, which is probably why it's scaring me so much. Being THAT emotionally vulnerable in front of a room full of voyeurs is intimidating. Furthermore, J Lo's description of the Rumba in the 2004 film "Shall We Dance" keeps flashing through my mind, and I giggle thinking about playing this role with my adorable and much younger dance partner. I'm probably going to have to wear a cougar print dress in order to pull it off.
I think my main issue is that the rumba is a very sexy dance, and I am not a very sexy person.
I'm the funny, mom-next door type. I'm definitely not the sexy siren or vivacious vixen that would typically dance the rumba .
In a way, I suppose this is a case of being careful what you wish for, because you might actually get it. I said I wanted to try something new, and I now have an opportunity to do exactly that. This May, I am going to be "putting myself out there" in a way that even I hadn't anticipated. In doing this, I realize I'm opening myself up to ridicule and embarassment, but that knowledge will be useful in motivating me in the coming weeks of rehearsal.
