December 17, 2013
I took ballroom dancing class one summer while a priest in San Francisco. Don’t ask. Anyway, we were taught all sorts of Latin dances. I started out clueless to these dance steps. I had only the desire to learn. I had to show up at the classes on time and be ready to practice what the teacher showed us. We began very simply and we did the same movements over and over until our bodies began to flow with the music. Outside of the classes, I had to practice the steps or else I would forget. I liked the tango. The girl had to do more difficult steps, though I had to lead. Latin dancing appeals to the male ego. I found learning to dance somewhat akin to spiritual growth, except for the male ego part. I start out clueless. I have a teacher. I try not to practice all by myself, but to have some support. I show up on time ready to learn, and I practice on my own on a daily basis. AA calls it the Steps. Those people are dancing their way out of hell and into a productive life.