I went to salsa/merengue dance class last semester, and at the last one for the semester, we were practicing turns. Turns are hard for me; I'm not fast. At the end of class, my dance teacher took me aside.
"The reason," she started, "that you have problems with turns is because, well, you are carrying some extra weight. You are fat."
I tried not to be offended. Because clearly, I know this by now. I mean, I always have been. So I glued a smile on and nodded.
"Are you fat because you like to eat? Or you don't like exercise?"
A million excuses came to my tongue. I didn't let any of them escape. Instead, I stated simply that yes, it's because I like to eat. Because it's true.
I like to eat when I'm hungry. I like to eat when I'm not. I like to eat when I'm bored, sad, watching movies, reading a book... I didn't tell her that, though. She nodded, considering this.
"Well, I can tell that you are active," she said. "To be honest, when you first came, I thought you wouldn't be able to dance. But you have, hmmm... You have good rhythm, and you can move! I was surprised."
Head down, posture poor, I simply nodded. And vowed never to return. Ha ha.
How melodramatic I am. And what a little liar, too. I totally went back. It's not her fault that I'm fat, and my not going isn't going to improve my health. The lasts time I went, we were dancing together, and she was making me turn.
"I don't know if it's because you have extra weight," she started, and I groaned. I did not want to have this conversation again. "Or if it's because your timing is off. And yes, it would be very easy for you to say 'I can't turn because I'm fat' but," she stopped speaking to slap my hip, reminding me to shuffle, "we all have our challenges. I think fat people can dance the best because you have all those curves. I, on the other hand, with my stick figure, have to really exaggerate every movement I make."
I thought about it for the next two turns, and made an effort to make my steps a little smaller. Lo and behold, it worked, and I could turn at the appropriate time. She was so excited that she made me spin until I thought I would vomit.
So. I'm fat, and apparently that's not a good enough excuse any more. Something to think on.
