Stand On Your Own Two Feet

I used to stress to my dance students the importance of maintaining their own balance even when they danced in an intimate embrace with a partner. A dancer with good balance inspires confidence; we want to try exciting movements with them. A partner with poor balance seems fragile and unstable and makes us dance conservatively so as not to have them land on their bum.

I used to tell my students: “All of you walked into this room on your own two legs. I didn’t see anyone clinging to the wall or holding onto another person to get here. If you can walk on your own two legs, you can dance on your own two legs.”

The same is true for life away from the dance floor. In order to be a happy, well-adjusted, productive person, we need to stand on our own two feet. No one wants to be in a relationship with a clingy partner. No one wants to work with a colleague who can’t take care of business without assistance.

It’s wonderful to enjoy the blessings of a supportive family, durable friendships, loving relationships, and a rewarding career, but we will make the most of those situations when we participate as a strong, self-reliant contributor. Stand on your own two feet, and others will be proud to stand with you.