I was so pleased with myself that I started to skip. Started, and then, stopped immediately. My thighs hurt. So, did my calves. My belly felt achy too. Okay, I'll admit it: my whole body hurt but I was still the happiest person on the sidewalk. I skipped some more, however, only in my head this time; it was less painful this way. I had had my first ballet class the day before. Classical ballet. It may not mean much to you, but at 43, a classical ballet class is no little feat. It was like a 20 year old's Mt. Everest. The fact that I was a tad overweight and the oldest in class, besides the teacher, did not take away my determination to do the whole class. And I did. The whole one hour thing. Hence, the pain I was feeling right now. But I hadn't felt this satisfied in a while. I smiled as I wobbled through the crowd on my way to work.
I had started ballet for three reasons. First, I needed the work out. Second, my doctor had suggested some kind of therapy. And last, could there be cuter clothes? How else could I dress up in baby pink from head to toe and not have to explain myself? And you know what I found out the best part of the whole thing was? Telling other people. The look on their faces: priceless. I had to bite my cheeks not to burst out laughing as people tried to continue the conversation naturally, without mentioning anything about the fact that I had taken up an activity you would normally see 7 year olds doing.
It was like the big white elephant in the room everybody knew was there but nobody wanted to mention. (And by elephant, I mean the metaphor and not me in my ballet class; pink Disney Fantasia hippo maybe, but definitely not elephant) Alright, I heard you snigger. Yes, you, standing behind the lady reading this. Another grin from you and I'll whack you so hard on the side of the head your ear wax will fly out the other side. Yeah, that's right just walk away. Man, he certainly ruined the mood. I sighed and entered the elevator. Classical music playing. I smiled again.
Well, as I was saying, besides the work out, I need the therapy too. I've been a little tense lately. Might have something to do with menopause and all that shit. One minute your skipping the next you want to strangle someone. But things are better since yesterday. Finally, I reached my floor. I straightened my shoulders and as gracefully as one could in my present state made it to my desk. Am quite sure everyone noticed how gracefully I walked. After all, graceful, is what we, ballerinas are.
