Thread: Dancing again...after baby!

Of course, my "baby" is now two. My, how time flies. I danced up to my fifth month of pregnancy, and after that...well, let's just say that sleep deprivation and dancing don't mix. :)

Got to stay home for a year with my little one, which was wonderful. Went back to work this year, and discovered that working full time and then coming home to a very active toddler in the evening didn't leave any time for dance, either. Do I sound like I'm making excuses? <sigh>

Anyway, I got super lucky at the school at which I work. Instead of eating lunch, I go down to the dance studio during an unoccupied period and cram a whole lot of dancing into 30 short minutes. And I'm going back to my old troupe this summer to hopefully pick up some new moves.

It's funny, but when I decided to get back into this, I felt like I had really moved on from my old costume. So I put it up on eBay (here) and then--very much out of character for me--impulse bought a ghawazee coat and matching skirt. Now I'm trying to find the DD bra and 40+ belt to match.

I really do get myself into all kinds of messes when I start shopping.,r:;

So, thank you to all for reading my rambling introduction. Rock on and keep dancing...

Welcome. Good for you for doing something for yourself! The long break might inspire you, too. GL :)

Hi from NE NY State! Kids are lucky to have Bellydancing creative moms!

Well, I relate! My son is 9 months old and I feel like it's such a struggle to keep any connection to dance. I danced up to my 8th month and used to go to 2 dance classes a week, danced in a troupe, had my own duet project, and worked on videos every night. It was nothing strange to spend 4 hours dancing on a weekend.

Now, I'm lucky if I get in 15 minutes of dancing per day, as I also need to use my single free hour in the evenings for school work, working out, eating dinner, catching up with my spouse - and that's if he doesn't wake up!

On one hand, I worry about my skills degrading, not advancing - I'm watching my friends and dance colleagues advance, get new dance jobs and opportunities, learn new things, and I'm envious, to be honest. But I chose this, love my kid - wouldn't trade him in and am enjoying every second.

So I'm reminding myself that I can get back into this more when he's older. When he's embarrassed to be seen with me, it's jackpot time for bellydance!

Nepenthe, I hear that! If it's any consolation, know that it does get easier as they get more independent. Mine is 2 now, and it's been a world of difference for the past year since she started walking.

Welcome Jungleflowers