Should I or should I not take up dance classes at my age :40

@mansha (6298)
India
May 14, 2012 2:46pm CST
I am scared, dance has been passion of my life since I was old enough to walk but my parents told me to give it up for a while to concentrate on my studies first. My father had promised I would be able to take it up once I am in college, but then life happened , I lost him and later years were struggle of sorts. Then I gave it up completely after marriage as my in laws looked down upon this art. Now after having two kids and raising them I am being offered to attend dance classes twice a week , the dance teacher says there is no age bar for learning. I have been in touch never actually gave it up completely, I practiced classical dance moves whenever I can but now to go to full fledged class , the thought is scary and most importantly I am scared what will people say, my hubby laughed his head off when he heard about it. Somehow I know I want to do this so now I ask all of you my friends should I put up a bold face and go or should I let the lying dogs lie. Is it too late now to catch the dream again?
2 people like this
15 responses
@Bhebelen14 (5194)
• Philippines
14 May 12
If dancing makes you happy,then go and dance. Age doesn't matter if you want to be happy and if you want to fullfil your dreams. Don't be scared for what other people say, be brave and prove to them what you can able to do. Focus on what you really want and hoping that your husband will support you. Most women like us after marriage and having kids were giving all our energy and time to our family, it think this about time to make a difference and give ourself a chance to do our passion. And there is nothing wrong with dancing, in fact it is a good exercise to help you back into shape and boost your energy.
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@mansha (6298)
• India
14 May 12
please do not respond to this post as its marked for deletion...same discussion posted twice so respond here: http://www.mylot.com/w/discussions/2659141.aspx?p=1#2_23409250
• United States
17 May 12
I totally understand what you mean. Life throws things at us that stop us from doing what we love and then down the line when we have a chance again to do them it is scary. We do not want to over do it, or maybe not like it anymore. I used to not only do several forms of martial arts but I taught them. I have recently (to get back into shape) gone back to karate. I did not tell anyone at the school though that I used to teach it or have a double black belt in both this and two other styles. I didn't want them to expect anything from me in case I couldn't do it. In truth I am so out of shape I think this might have been a good choice. My lack of being able to breath or jump very high with out my boobies knocking me out has greatly diminished my skills.
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@mansha (6298)
• India
17 May 12
I used to do karate too and now I can't even imagine myself kicking up that high. Slowly through gentle and subtle comments I stopped doing practice too and now have become so out of shape. Today it was a total emotional drama atmy place but I still went and it actually felt good.
@Celanith (2327)
• United States
14 May 12
Sure why not, I have a 67 year old friend who is taking dance lessons, she loves it and she is getting out and doing things now that she is a widow she needs things to keep her busy and to meet other people. It is good exercise too and if you enjoy it why not.
@mansha (6298)
• India
15 May 12
wow that is inspiring I would love to know her. Say my Hi to her and tell her she is an inspiration. I will take up these classes, its only the first day that will be difficult and I hope I will be overcome that.
@lady1993 (27225)
• Philippines
15 May 12
No, it is never too late to do anything as long as you have the will to do it.. You should pursue your dreams now that you are really free to do it. Manny pacquiao's (boxer) mother started ballroom dancing and she is like 0-60 years old already..
1 person likes this
@ryanong (9665)
• Vietnam
15 May 12
ya, it is never too late to do anything...
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@Lance26 (956)
• Philippines
15 May 12
Follow your heart. Do it if you still think you can or will end up regretting it because of other people or your hubby. By the way, he should be the one to back you up in the first place. At your age, I don't think you are old enough to pursue such dreams. Go for it, and don't give a da_n what other might say as they don't have say on what makes you happy.
@Shavkat (137215)
• Philippines
30 Aug 12
I don't think that age matters for your passion to dance, it is your desire to do it. Enjoy and have fun dancing.
• Brisbane, Australia
15 May 12
Hema Malini - Great Actress and classical dancer.
You should not give up on your dancing skills. I will tell you reasons Dance is your passion and one should follow their passion. Age does not matter to achieve dream. You are an Indian and you must know Hema Malini is more than 60 years of age and still does stage shows with classical moves. I hope you are more confident now after reading all this and will work on your dream passion Dancing. All the best!
1 person likes this
@youless (112123)
• Guangzhou, China
15 May 12
It is nothing wrong to pursue your dream. If dancing is your passion of life, why you have to give it up? As long as you can arrange the time well, you should take the dance classes. The age is never a problem. And you can also regard dancing a kind of exercise. It is healthy for you, too:) I love China
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@williamjisir (22819)
• China
15 May 12
Dancing is a very healthy activity for people of different ages. In China, whether it is in big cities like Shanghai, Hangzhou, or small towns, you can see people at a different age learn to dance in the city or town square early in the morning and late in the evening before ten o'clock, especially in summer and autumn. I have often seen people in the sixties and seventies dancing in the square dancing club. It is fun for them to dance and they do enjoy it, as can be seen from the passion they have for dancing. So please go ahead with your dream of yours. It is never too late to catch the dream you have been wanting to get realized. Enjoy your life, mansha.
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@adforme (2114)
15 May 12
I think that the opportunity for you to dance is your dream come true. You are never to old to enjoy the pleasure of dance. I love dancing, watching it, and dancing myself. Don't let this opportunity to dance again get away. You are only forty. Your body will benefit from the exercise; and you'll have fun. If your schedule allows, go out and take advantage of this wonderful past time.
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@rosegardens (3034)
• United States
15 May 12
You only live once. It is quite harmless and innocent. no one, even yourself can be harmed morally, physically or spiritually from dancing (unless you do manage to twist something--but that can happen anywhere!) I would do it. How dare your hubby not support your childhood dream. I am sad for you, that is quite awful. It sounds like you do need some supportive people in your life, and artists of all sorts are usually very positive and encouraging people. go for it girl! It is in your blood, and dare I say a gift from God to desire to dance. God gives us passions to follow, sometimes we cannot and other times we must wait such as you have had to wait. Since you were a child you wanted to dance, that is definitely something inspired in you. I did want to dance as well, and because there was a gal in my class who took ballet, my dad wouldn't allow it. It broke my heart, but you did not ever question, you did not act displeased to him. I wonder how my life would have been had I learned to dance.
1 person likes this
@ryanong (9665)
• Vietnam
15 May 12
Oh, you should take a dance class because you really love dance. In my city, there are many old men and women (they are 60~65) still going to dance classes and they really enjoy with it, they dance on the side walk in the afternoon every day. You are just 40, why you do consider going to the dance class or not? Just live with your wish and make your dream come true now...
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@ashu24 (8)
• India
15 May 12
Yes of course...Never think too much about anything for which you are passionate from your heart..Just do it and let your heart get what it desires..!!
1 person likes this
@subhojit10 (7375)
• India
15 May 12
Hobbies never come with an expiry date for hobbies are meant to refresh and energize oneself. Be it dancing or singing, there is never an expiry date. For someone who is passionate for dancing, age should never be a matter. All that matters is interest. if one is passionate for dancing, then age becomes a thing of a past. For some dancing might be passion while for some dancing might be well a matter of spending time during the leisure period. Dancing has always been considered as an exercise and in no way, it will interfere in one's life.. So where there is a will, there is a way..So be it 40 or 60, dance never demands any age limit.. It is meant to be enjoyed at large...!!
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@alberello (4752)
• Italy
14 May 12
Well, dear friend, I believe that it is never too late for certain things, then, even for dance. Then from what you have written, you seem passionate about ballet. I do not even understand, but I think for that type of activity is not required to say hard work. If you follow my advice, follow your passion for dance. But you do this, like your chance, or better, do not try to go further. Everything for your health.
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