{When Michael Amato, a student at Florida's Boca Raton Fred Astaire Dance Studio, sent us his thoughts on the great new life he's built for himself since he began his dancing lessons, he thanked us for asking him to tell about it: "Writing these words," he said, "further validates my choices and makes me proud to tell my story so that it might inspire others: fellow students, to show them that it is truly worth the investment and the effort, and instructors and studio owners, to show them that their efforts are appreciated and life-changing for us." We thank you, Michael, for your thoughtful, kind words.]
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| Michael Amato today, 'walking a little taller.' |
I've
always been fascinated by dancing. Whenever I went out I would enjoy watching
others and I wished I could dance like them. But, like many men, I felt
intimidated by it and was afraid I'd embarrass myself if I tried it.
That
all changed in January, 2013, when I met a woman who was a student at Fred
Astaire in Boca Raton, Florida. She invited me to attend a guest party and
after putting it off, I finally went on Valentine’s Day.
It was
there that I met my instructor, Mariya-Khristina Shurupova, and from that moment
on, my life was transformed. One of the things that I realized was how much fun
it was! It was a slow start but my determination (and eventually, my
enthusiasm) drove me to learn. Once I learned the basics of smooth and rhythm
dances, I was on my way!
My
private lessons with Mariya and my second instructor, Sayra Vasquez, were the
most fun I've had in years. Group classes and dance parties I attended helped
me reinforce what I was learning. Soon I was feeling confident and brave!
Asking a woman to dance was no longer an exercise in rejection, but one of joy
and acceptance. I made great friends with the students in the studio,
especially the women! They enjoyed dancing with me, which did wonders for my
self esteem and confidence.
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| Mariya-Khristina Shurupova, Pro, and Michael (his 3rd month of lessons) |
Then
the weight started coming off. I think that was the best effect, one I never
imagined would happen. People at work and the studio began to notice the
change, not only in my physical appearance but in my attitude and how I
projected myself. I would talk to my customers, friends, and family about my
experience and they would always comment on how enthusiastic I sounded!
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| May 2013: At the beginning, a lesson with Shurupova |
Of
course, the question of cost would come up and I would always point out that
for me, the benefits of dancing lessons far outweighed the expense. How many of
us go out and buy expensive clothes or cars thinking that will change things
and make our lives better? Material things are satisfying at first, but once
the novelty wears off, what are we left with? Learning to dance is something
that stays with you for your entire life. It's a community of people who have
fun and love what they're doing. My enthusiasm for, and devotion to, the craft
impresses those I've shared it with, and I'm extremely proud of that.
In
August, 2013, I competed in my first dance competition. I danced nine times: the Rhumba, Cha-Cha and East Coast Swing. I was extremely nervous
leading up to the first dance but just like my instructors told me, once the
music started, the butterflies disappeared, and I danced with confidence,
enjoying every minute! I placed first in seven dances and second in two, and I
was hooked!
The
next big event was dancing in a production number at our showcase event in
November. The rehearsals were a lot of fun and dancing in front of 350 people
in the studio was more satisfying and enjoyable than I could have imagined. I'm
looking forward to the next one with great anticipation, and I will dance with one
of my instructors.
What
have I learned from this? FEAR NOTHING! Life is short, and I've wasted too many
years wishing and hoping for something to come into my life that would make a
positive difference. I've been a widower for the past 13 years and my wife
loved to dance, so I can only imagine that wherever her spirit is, she's
watching and smiling at me!
Now
that I've learned to dance I enjoy going to local ballrooms, knowing that I can
ask a woman to dance and feel confident enough to carry myself on the floor.
The proof of that was being asked to dance by women who saw me on the floor and
wanted to dance with me! I find myself walking a little taller, with my head
up, and filled with a feeling of accomplishment which carries over into my job.
My only regret was not starting sooner, but fate and destiny made this moment
the perfect time.
The
attached pictures reflect the changes in my appearance (backwards, actually). The third was taken
during a lesson with Mariya back in May at 245 pounds! The second is with
Mariya in August at the competition. The first was taken this week: now 215
pounds! The last picture is of the custom plate I had made for my car to
express my new-found passion.
Appreciatively
yours,
Michael
Amato
(P.S. DANCE ON!)
2 comments:
Ditto for me!! I've lost 40 lbs and started the same week as you Michael. It has changed my life as well.. Bonnie Bergman
Excellent article! There are many of us who have had similar experiences but you expressed them so well.
And, you will find that special someone in the future to share your love of dancing. I have confidence in you Michael!
Sincerely,
Patsy
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