Lifelong Learning
Lifelong learning
Why is it we often put a hard stop on our learning when we become adults? Is there some kind of shame in not knowing everything by a certain point?
I can’t even fathom that perspective, but I’ve known some folks (prolly you have, too) for whom that was a very real sentiment: seeking guidance meant showing weakness.
Luckily, in my life as a dancer and fitness professional we have the exact opposite philosophy. To stop learning is when we veer into dangerous territory of people actually hurting themselves or of just becoming stale and boring as teachers. Please note: Not on my watch!
On my own fitness journey, I’ve had trainers, teachers, and coaches who have compelled me differently into new techniques and new emotional places in my work that have helped me find my way. And for them I am forever grateful.
Those teachers, of course, have influenced what I bring to my classes today through my own choreographic style. Those of you who’ve danced with me more than a few times will recognize all the styles of Latin dance we do, the contemporary moves, the very occasional pure ballet move, and, of course, the most iconic moves from every decade since 1940.
Fun Fact: Ms. Jackson’s “IF”, from the “Janet” album, continues to be the single most challenging routine for everyone!
Further inspiration comes from other teachers I take class from in person and online trainers whose work that continues to challenge me.
Creativity aside, there’s a great deal of formal credentialing and certifying that goes along keeping things fresh.
Mine include:
- B.A. in Dance from University of Maryland
- Zumba certification since 2008
- STRONG by Zumba certification since 2016
- Piyo certification since 2017
- P90xLive certified since 2017
So, if you’re looking for a way to deepen your own knowledge – in fitness or otherwise – I highly recommend you find a trainer!
Thoughts on choosing a trainer
1. Set your goals. What is it that you want to accomplish from your training? Is it a specific muscle group you want to develop? Or a language you want to learn? Whatever you want, it helps to be specific before going down a rabbit hole of possibilities.
2. Ask around. Once you’ve found a subject that interests you, ask people who’ve already invested the time in learning to bake (for example) to point you in the right direction of a source or teacher. If you don’t know anyone who is into baking personally, check out YouTube and Instagram for inspiration.
3. Verify your teachers’ credentials. We live in an era of self-proclaimed, but often unverified, expertise. Don’t waste your precious time with someone who may or may not have anything of value to offer. Remember, it’s so much harder to unlearn something than to learn it right the first time. Find a responsible source!
Ongoing learning is what keeps things exciting in life. My own challenge is to keep up with whatever TikTok challenge the kids are doing these days.
Whatever you’re challenged and excited by, go for it!
(But seriously, if you ever learn Janet Jackson’s “IF” breakdown, PLEASE come teach my class that day.)