In almost every dance studio across the country, you’d find a quirky print showing a pair of dancer’s legs in a fifth position plié, adorned in a hodgepodge of tattered clothing. The tights have runs, the leg warmers are frayed, and the ballet shoes are held together with duct tape. It’s a humorous depiction of beauty in chaos, illustrating that even while creating something lovely, dancers often look like they’ve just survived a fashion apocalypse.
As I hobbled into my dance class recently—an all too familiar feeling as I near my 40s—I thought about how much motherhood has woven into my life as a dancer. I didn’t even bother to change out of my worn sweatpants and ancient T-shirt before heading out. I realized that my “playground attire” doubles as dancewear. While ballet dancers are often envisioned in sleek pink tights, the reality is that we might resemble that hilariously tattered print more often than not.
Mothers can face some snickers for their comfy outfits, yet the ragged ensemble of a dancer is often romanticized. Let’s peel back the layers and explore how these two roles are strikingly similar—right down to the cozy attire.
1. Comfy Sneakers Are Essential
When dancers exit the studio, they usually slip into supportive sneakers. The human body has its limits, just like a mother’s who bends, stretches, and lifts toddlers through adventures, all while lugging around a 30-pound kiddo because she thought, “Why not skip the stroller today?”
2. Hair Always Up
Just like dancers, moms don’t have the luxury of letting their hair hang loose. It’s usually tied up in buns, ponytails, or knots, secured with barrettes or headbands. With hair in your face, you can’t execute a pirouette, nor can you dash into the street to catch a toddler who thinks she can fly.
3. A Trove of Remedies
After two decades of dance, I’ve amassed a collection of pain relief aids that would make a pharmacy envious. My mornings start with Tylenol and a scalding hot bath, and I have everything from Epsom salts to soothing creams at my disposal. When motherhood came knocking, I was already equipped for the aches and strains.
4. Nostalgia for Your Pre-Motherhood Body
If you could see a dancer in X-ray form, you’d think she was ancient. Years of wear and tear leave us with joints that tell stories of sprains and surgeries—much like how motherhood reshapes our bodies. After my emergency C-section, I learned firsthand that things don’t always return to their original places. Both dancers and mothers navigate the emotional rollercoaster of adjusting to new shapes and capabilities.
5. The Comparison Game
As a mom, I often marvel at how effortlessly other mothers seem to juggle their kids and look chic doing it. I assume they must be French—how else can they rock a trench coat while I’m in my leggings? The same goes for dance class, where self-doubt can creep in as I watch another dancer’s flawless technique.
6. Expect the Unexpected
Just because a parenting trick worked yesterday doesn’t guarantee it’ll fly today. One day, my toddler devours peas with glee, and the next, she turns her nose up at them as if I served her dirt. In dance, what worked seamlessly yesterday can lead to a spectacular fall today. Each day is a fresh slate, filled with surprises.
7. Costume Changes
Whether it’s a performance or a chaotic day at home, you grow accustomed to quick changes. Enough said.
8. Mastering the Foot Rub
Bedtime is a cherished ritual, complete with stories and foot rubs. There’s something special about kneading my toddler’s little feet, perhaps because it’s exactly what I want for my own tired soles. Dancers know how to give a great massage, and this skill translates beautifully to motherhood.
9. Pursuit of Perfection
I strive for each day to be harmonious—filled with laughter, healthy meals, and cuddles. Similarly, I walk into dance class with hopes of executing every move flawlessly. Yet, by the end of the day, I’m just grateful if my daughter ate something green and didn’t wreak havoc.
10. Music is a Must
When my little one is upset, we play soothing tunes, and when she’s feeling funky, we crank up some classic rock. Just like dancers rely on music to guide their movements, mothers use melodies to uplift spirits.
Now, let’s give props to those worn yoga pants that deserve a little more recognition! If you can pivot quickly, possess keen peripheral vision, and find beauty in supportive footwear while juggling children, you might just be a mother or a dancer. And now, if you could kindly pass the Advil, I could use a soak in the tub.
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Summary
Being a dancer equips you with skills that are incredibly useful in motherhood—from managing pain to striving for balance and perfection. Both roles require resilience, adaptability, and a sense of humor, proving that while life may be chaotic, it’s also beautifully rewarding.