I have been dancing for about a year and my dad was so nice in driving me an hour (both ways) for that time. I really appreciated it.
It was always hard. Once a month my dad would have a meeting on the same day as my dance lesson. My mom would occasionally take me on those days. It was always a hassle for them because they both worked and had to take off to take me there. They really have told me that they can’t just take off from work and leave anymore.
Anyway, I used to get so behind and would go sometimes several months without a lesson. I would spend the entire time trying to get caught up, and the ADCRG wouldn’t understand why I didn’t understand what was going on because she only could come to class once a month (she is ADCRG leader of several McTeggart schools). Communication was never good. The school would send us tons of emails that got forwarded to all the parents. My parents couldn’t keep up with them all and neither could I. at least 4 times we drove all the way there and found that it wasn’t going on that day. It was a pain.
I only have been to one feis and I loved it. I did very well for my first time. I placed in all of my dances but only advanced in one dance because of the lack of participants. (I was 14 and about to be 15)
But now it has been months since I’ve last been to Mcteggart. My dad avoids talking about irish dance these days and tries to explain to me that its so hard taking me (driving 2 hours for 1 hour of dancing on dangerous roads). I would drive myself when I am able but my father and my mother have both said that its not safe. I have to agree.. there are many white crosses alongside those roads. I understand.. it was a huge undertaking.
I understand it. I really do. It really was the only thing I could do that was a social activity because my town is small and limited and there are really no activities that you can participate in if you don’t start young. Its simply to awkward and there are literally no beginner levels for my age group for anything. And the worst part – NO irish dance classes. It was the only social, excersize activity that I could do. I was never good at any other dancing (I guess I can’t work both feet AND arms at the same time.. to much coordination involved ). I do art, but obviously thats not going to keep me in shape. And its really hard to excersize on my own with school.
Emotionally I am not okay with quiting ID. I felt so drawn to it 4 years ago when my Aunt was “Irish Man” of the year and I first saw them in the San Antonio parade. I went to the parade 3 times. Each time I renewed my love and desire to participate in ID. Each time I tried to find schools that were near my town. Finally I got to attend summer camp with the Irish Dance school in SA with the school that my aunt was affiliated with. I loved it I found. But SA was 3 hours from my home. So I had to go to a school that was an hour away, even though I always wanted to be at the SA school. I loved the dancing classes while they lasted. It was like my escape. (sooo corny, I know). I try to tell myself its time to quite. I try to tell myself that it is too much of a burden and I’m going nowhere with it. But I can’t get over it. Its pathetic. I can’t move on. Every time I hear one of my irish dancing songs on my ipod, I think of it and I wish I was still dancing. Its terrible.
I don’t know how to move on even if that is whats best for me. I know you think I sound like a freak. I just have excepted the fact that my parents can’t take me there anymore. I’m not going to push it anymore. I’m really crying as I write this. I’m an emotional unhappy camper.
I’m sorry to be such a downer on this board. I guess I just need some advice
I am struggling to replace ID with something as good as it is. But its really hard in this extremely limited, close-minded town. All the sports I feel I am too old to participate in because everyone has been playing for years and I moved here when I was 6 but at the time never had interest in the sports. My parents signed me up for things when I was younger.. I made it to middle school.. tried out for teams and never made it. I was criticized for being too thin and not muscular. I gave up then.
Do you have any advice? I’m really sorry for this long thread post. I’m just venting right now. I would really appreciate any life coaching lol and any opinions.