"I'm not a dancer."

"What if I end up embarrassing myself?!"

"I don't think I can remember choreography."

"I want to learn to dance different styles, but I don't think I'm good enough."

Those were the thoughts that used to hold me back from the joy of dancing.

I vividly remember attending my first heels dance class on March 15, 2022, hosted by Certified Baddies. Nervous and shy, I opted for sneakers instead of heels. Despite forgetting half the choreography when it was time to be recorded, I had a blast. Throughout the year, I did attend some classes hosted by Queens in Training. Unfortunately, due to a busy schedule, I didn't consistently attend any other dance classes that year.

Fast forward a little over a year to April 24, 2023, I decided to be intentional about training in different dance styles, especially in heels. I signed up for a Beginner Heels Fundamentals and Techniques Class with Thee Vulgar Babe, Precious Addison. Precious' energy, teaching style, and dedication to answering questions made me fall in love with dancing. Feeling safe to make mistakes without judgment, I decided to take my dance journey further and enrolled in VulgarBabe University: Season 02 - Homecoming.

VulgarBabe University, a four-month dance mentorship led by Precious, offered an opportunity to train with exceptional instructors, enhancing our ability to create choreography. Precious aimed not only to teach dance but also to build a supportive community inside and outside the studio. Vulgarbabes, as she calls us, embraces imperfection, understanding that mistakes are stepping stones to growth. The mentorship covered various dance genres, from heels and hip-hop to jazz funk, vogue femme, contemporary, and dancehall. In November, I showcased my skills by creating and performing a two-minute choreography.

This mentorship went beyond dance; it fostered personal growth in a safe and encouraging environment. Dance was more than physical movements; it was a testament to resilience. Through VulgarBabe University, I embraced resilience as a dance partner, learning that setbacks were stepping stones toward growth. The dance floor transformed into a sacred space for emotional expression. Movements became conduits for joy, sorrow, and everything in between. In a society fixated on perfection, VulgarBabe University taught me the beauty of celebrating progress and evolving joyfully. My experience participating in VulgarBabe University illuminated that the journey into self-discovery is ongoing, and dance is a life-long companion on this extraordinary odyssey. I'm thrilled to keep learning various dance styles, pushing myself out of my comfort zone, and embracing the excitement that comes with it.