Keeping The Momentum Going


Hi all, I'm back. I haven't contributed to my blog for quite a long time, not because I became disinterested, but because I felt, that I had said a lot already. In fact, I felt that I had covered so much, that I probably would not post again, until I felt I had something of value to add. So, here I am, back at the computer, with plenty to say.

First off, I admit it, I love the month of January. I really do. To me, a new year always represents new opportunities, and a fresh start. Now I know I am not alone in this, if you don't believe me, check out any gym, yoga, or dance studio in your area. I always love too, the energy at the studio come January. You'll always find many people brushing off their dance shoes, with new found determination, getting ready for potential auditions, or perhaps just wanting to get back in shape. Whatever the reason, the energy is always infectious, and inspiring. This past January, as this never ending cycle continues, I have seen so many old and new faces at the studio, and it makes me very happy. I also have to add, it's been a pretty exciting time of late. There seems to be more auditions happening this past year than usual, and dancers are able to step up to the plate, and get their turn at bat. It seemed like for a long time, auditions were few and far between. Many theatres had adopted the mind set of a repertory company, and were hiring mostly dancers that they were familiar with. There are definite benefits to this for sure, for both the dancer and the theatre. I myself have benefited from this. But there's really no substitute from both the energy, and sense of community, that auditioning brings about. It also makes us as dancers responsible, for maintaining and improving upon our skills, that we worked so hard to develop. It keeps the stakes high, and empowers us not to become complacent. A good friend of mine recently said to me, "there's a lot to be said for going to an audition, and feeling that you've earned the job," and I couldn't agree more.


Now I am not really one for making New Years resolutions. I did make one small one...so now I'm drinking warm lemon water before my coffee in the morning. I figured, this accomplishment, would be easy to attain, and it has. I really did not feel the need to make a resolution in regards to dancing or fitness, as I've always been very responsible in regards to them both. Had I not, I would not be dancing at the level I am, at 52 years of age.

After settling back in to the city full time after a wonderful season in Port Hope, I was unable to take class as much as I like, as I was choreographing a cabaret for The Randolph Academy. The whole experience was very fulfilling, but did not keep me in the dance shape, I'm accustomed to being in. So although it wasn't a "resolution", I was determined that come January, when things on all fronts were slow for me, I would get back in to solid dance shape. Now, ten years ago, this would have taken me a week, but at fifty two years of age, you can triple that amount of time, and add in a bottle of tylenol, to compliment the process. So, as far as that all goes, I'm feeling pretty good, and I am starting to feel on top of things again.  

On stage at the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope

So this morning, I kind of surprised myself. As always, I had a lot to accomplish today, and was on the fence about going to class. What I have left out thus far, is that at this point and time, my work at the COC is quite slow, and I do in fact, have a lot of time on my hands. My point being, I have plenty of time, to do whatever needs to be done. I knew January would be slow, and had planned for that financially, and had also planned to dance as much as I could. So in recognizing that, I immediately went upstairs and packed my dance bag. I was not going to miss out on the opportunity to take dance class today. I thought, "I must keep the momentum going."

It did make me think though, is this new found January energy going to continue? Will the studio continue to be that bustling, energetic place, it has been for the last few weeks? Will the people that committed to getting their dancing back in shape continue? After all, experts say it takes three weeks to develop a new habit. Will I see the same people, and others, in February, continuing on with their new found habit? Well, I don't know, but given my optimistic nature, I am going to hope for the best!

Musical Theatre Class at Metro Movement

What became very clear to me this morning, was the fact, that the dance studio has always been a great source of joy for me. This became even more poignant, given that yesterday was the Bell Let's Talk Campaign, dealing with, and talking about mental illness. Now, I do not suffer from mental illness, I may share some of the same anxieties as everyone else, but they are not insurmountable. I do feel however, that I am very lucky to have dance as a source of joy. Throughout my life, on any given day, no matter how I felt going in, that as long as I was in good physical health, I always felt better for going to dance class. It's simple really, tap shoes make me happy, lay backs give me great satisfaction, and there's nothing as exhilarating as doing grand allegro at the end of a great ballet class. It's just who I am. So today of all days, I'm very happy I did not deny myself of my joy.

Taking class with Stephanie Cadman

So, for those of you who share my joy of dance class, please, do your very best to keep that habit going. I fully realize that different sets of challenges do affect us all, be it financial, work, lack of motivation, injuries, all are valid and all are pretty much going to creep their way in to our lives. Welcome to adulthood. But I always maintain, challenges present themselves, so that we can overcome them. There may be bumps along the way, and at times you will fall off the bus, I certainly have, but do know, the ride becomes far less bumpy, once you get back on.

So here's hoping I'll see all those happy, wonderful, dancers, I've become so accustomed to seeing this past month, in the coming weeks. I encourage you all, to keep the momentum going! The rewards in doing so may not be immediate, but surely they will present themselves at some point along the way.


Sincerely Stephen Scott Findlay

A.K.A. The Oldest Male Chorus Dancer, (well actually, I do get roles now), in Toronto