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In which I am a weakling.

I've always been of the opinion that dancers are strong, and therefore (as a dancer) I probably have more strength than the average person.

Apparently I am not nearly as strong as I supposed. In fact, I would venture to say that I am pathetically weak. This is a slightly distressing development.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I've started taking some aerial silks classes. I expected it to be difficult, because I knew going in that I have no arm/upper body strength. I didn't expect to discover that I have absolutely no core strength, and lack some degree of leg strength (specifically the inner thighs...which was unexpected to say the least since I try to be conscious of using my turnout muscles in ballet class).

I have a perfectionist sort of personality, so its frustrating for me when I'm not automatically good at something. Silks is something I am not automatically good at. Everyone else is class is able to climb, wrap their feet in without hands, and hang upside down, while I'm still down on/near the ground (the wrapping is easy, the holding myself up with my arms is not).

Last night, I was doing a splits maneuver (close to the ground), and while I'm able to get a great split (even the teacher said, "Your splits are amazing!") I don't have the strength to get OUT of it (lots of inner thighs and arms involved). Ugh. The frustration of it is simultaneously making me think, "Maybe this isn't for me, I should quit," and "Screw this, I am going to do ALL the strength training at home."

Since I've already shelled out the money for an 8 week long intensive for the silks, apparently my option is the latter. While watching my struggle out of the split, the teacher said, "I have homework for you: STRENGTH TRAINING." Later, she gave everyone the rundown on things to do at home that would help. This basically consists of planks, sit ups, push ups, and ALL THE PULL UPS.


My specific homework? Actually DO the homework. Ha.

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