What I learned from Convention
#zincon2018 may be over but it has not entirely left my heart.
In those following weeks after the Closing Session but before my school year ignites, I tend to spend quiet moments to myself, still soaking in that Happy. It’s an interesting spot to dwell, where the glitter of weeks ago feels fresh, the energy hasn’t entirely dissipated, but it’s also too soon to truly start “counting down” until #zincon2019. Or, at least, I could but it would keep me from living in the moment today!
My year between Conventions was a year of growth for me. I added to my YouTube channel and I now have almost 200 followers (which feels like a lot), I’ve added to my blog about once a month (which feels like a lot), and I’ve taken Pro Skills training for a 3rd and 4th time and another 13 Jam sessions in one year (which feels like a lot!). My professional development has been inward as well as public, and I’ve been challenging myself quite a bit to be more like the “famous” presenters I used to idolize. My instagram presence has grown, my photos on all my accounts are getting more clear and share my joy, and every new person I meet tends to somehow already know me. That part I did not expect but has been a lovely awakening! To be known, even from social media, is exciting and makes me feel even more connected to the people I meet.
When I built my Zumba Instructor Convention schedule, I told myself that it was necessary I continued growing. This was my most difficult schedule to build since I also wanted to support my friends teaching sessions just as much as I needed to challenge myself. I asked myself, “What is important to you?” before I started building my schedule. Selfishly, I knew I had to find one session entirely for me that I didn’t really need (Motown), a session that would fill my heart and fill an emotional need (The Power of Me), and that I should take something entirely new and difficult for me (African Beat Culture, all based on dance from South Africa).
Here are my takeaways from this year.
1. I didn’t wait in a single long line after sessions for presenter pics. I hugged, smiled at, shook hands and danced with all the friends, ZJ’s, ZES’s and instagram stars who were available to me as I was enjoying my week. If WE ARE ALL ZIN rings true, then I am going to remove the shine and fear of meeting rock stars by connecting with them on the walkways, in the store, with eye contact from the stage and with my smile.
I realize in hindsight that the one line I stood in was to have a picture with someone I perceive to be a friend, not a presenter. Additionally, someone took my photo with two presenters, but they are my friends so it felt awkward. Just picture it: if you and your bud were sitting on a park bench talking, and a totally unrelated friend wants a picture of the two of you, you would be awkwardly considering who you were offending by speaking up... the friend who felt obligated to take a photo of you with his or her Rock Star, or the friend you no longer consider a Rock Star, just an awesome friend who may not want a picture right now.
2. Many of the rock stars we pay to see are now my friends. I am a colleague. I am a fellow instructor. But I am not lesser in some way and I have no reason to fear them, or find comfort in the corner while they shine on stage. They all started somewhere, they all remain humble, and they all want me to shine, too.
3. There is solidarity in costuming. And I have officially inspired? sparked? encouraged? folks to wear costumes to sessions, not just to the theme party. I am so proud of this! Jumpsuits unite!
4. The only ways I grow are through discomfort. I pushed my body in interesting ways in my African session and I learned a new cue (yes, new, at almost 9 years of teaching) from Pro Skills. I openly cried warm, thick tears in the Power of Me, putting my bully and mean people into perspective. I spent a lot of time alone in those five days and I did much of what I wanted to do while also feeling lonely. But that’s all right! I also had a photo shoot by myself, and a massage, and good food and a lot of high fives with kids as we passed in the halls.
5. Convention is absolutely worth every penny. For every time I question that the rest of the year when I feel poor enough not to go again, or overhear or see someone say or write how they might “never go”, I will picture Gringo’s hugs. How Gina Graziani says “community”. When Steve and Kass stopped me in the lobby to sandwich me in joy. Losing my phone in my bra and finding it, having to tell Jon in Spanish, “Aqui esta!” MaryBeth, trying not to smile, wearing a stick-on mustache. The feeling of the tassels on my shoes, flick-flicking in unison with Henry’s moves. Those intangibles are priceless.
Instructors, I hope these takeaways help you to get there next year, you won’t regret it. Students and friends, I hope reading this helps you have patience when I am gone for a week every year!
