popn' cherries

Sunday Agenda: Disturb the Peace.

Heels virtual dance tutorial on Playground LA TV taught by the sexy and talented Alexis Beauregard, @beaulexx .

Not in your typical heels, but hey, I’m rockin’ ME: Hi-top Reebok wedge heel sneakers. Reebok chick!

Let’s talk #popnfears. Today was the first time I took Alexis’ class. But, that’s not the “popn” or first time experience I’m referring to.

Quarantined for 300 million days, I am supremely grateful for what I’ve learned, the patience I’m learning, and discovering new ways to challenge myself.

Believe it or not, I’m still rather shy dancing alone in public. So, you know what I did? I woke up this morning, got dressed, told my doubt to STFU, and I made a goal to pop this fear. No excuses. Hey, it’s only ridiculous if you never try.

My Goals:

1. Learn the choreo in 30 min. That’s it. Whatever I learn or don’t learn, I only get 30 minutes.
2. Practice in heels (well, I skipped this altogether). Instead, I put my Reebok’s on and said f*ck it, I’m just going to do it.

Now let’s talk FEAR. I walked to the park and saw people playing baseball and walking around. (Um, hello social distancing?) Anyway, I found a spot where I could be alone and kept far far far distance from everyone.

Also, bear in mind I am well aware I don’t fit the typical conservative suburbia mold. I push limits and don’t allow my appearance, eccentric personality, or edginess rock me to conform to the standard. I wear what I want and respectfully do what I please. BE YOURSELF. Be courageous. No matter where you are or who you are with. If there’s one thing you learn from popn’ dance cherries, please let it be this. You’re beautiful, unique, and amazing just the way you are. Don’t fear it. Be it. Own it. I’ve advocated for this since I could even remember – maybe high school? Hello suburbia, this is me. Take me as I am – or not!

I turned on the music, hit record on my phone, and allowed myself three takes 🎬 to dance and film. Nothing more. Immediately I felt the fear of doubt hit me. Shit, I hit record. Can I do this? OMG they’re staring. Why are they looking? What are they thinking? Do they like it? Am I doing well? Do they think I’m ridiculous? Can they see the mistakes? Am I doing good enough? All of this and more. Sound familiar?

First take, I danced for a couple of seconds, froze like a deer staring at headlights about to be run over by an incoming car, and failed miserably. Second take, I said fuuuccccck it and told myself “You got this. Just do it. C’mon let’s do it, Kim.” Before the third take, I told myself:

“This time when you do, make sure it’s incredible.”

By the third and final take, as I danced, people and cars stopped to watch. I smiled, told myself to keep going, let go, be in moment, and have fun. When I completed the dance, I clapped, smiled, and waved to the friendly folks around.

What does incredible mean? It’s whatever makes you feel proud, happy, a sense of accomplishment from actually letting go and overcoming fear.

I danced the entire choreo alone in public and felt proud. A sense of accomplishment. THAT is popn’ fears. THAT is the meaning behind popn’ dance cherries – Try. Fail. Get up. Try again. Never quit. Succeed. Try Something New.

In life, you rarely get three takes, three chances. Often, you only get one. I am setting my own goals of shortening my “takes” and accepting everything as they are with the time I am given. The goal and lesson? Give it your all as if it’s going to be your last time. You’re not guaranteed tomorrow, but you can live a full life today. So, do what you love and do what makes you happy. Dance those 50 seconds your all, live life fully, have fun, and let go. That feeling on the other side is an unexplainable, rewarding high.

Just remember, that when you are ready, when you find the courage to finally do, make sure to rock it out and make it f*ckin’ incredible.

Make yourself proud.

Love,

Kim

#alonetogether #strongerthanyouthink

Video on my Instagram