Towards the end of July I had planned a flying visit as Frankie was due to be dancing with the teachers in the JP's 'Streetfunk' show called Straight Up 09. Sadly as Frankie had had a few few health problems at the beginning of her pregnancy, she was unable to take part, but she still went along to help backstage. It was a great show, with Stacey, who JP partnered JP in Strictly Dance fever's, school taking part, with many others fabulous acts also. I really took me back seeing the groups of dancers that JP and his great team had been teaching, to my early days of teaching. Don't get me wrong I thoroughly enjoyed my career as a dance teacher. However for me when the competitiveness takes over, it becomes a whole new ball game. It is fantastic, it gives you the most fantastic adrenalin rush, it can also be heart breaking. Children who have grown up with you, and parents that you have become good friends with, occasionally leave and go to another dance school. Of course it's the parents money they can go wherever they wish. If I am honest, as a dance teacher, unless you are really tough, it breaks your heart. Every one that leaves takes a little piece with them. You can feel a failure and it eats away at your confidence. People also know that I am not happy with the pressure put on these children's bodies. I am sorry but physically pushing them until they cry.............. that is not acceptable for me. When I became ill, it had to stop. Physically and emotionally I was no longer able to do it.
Sorry I digress, Jp's fab show took me back to my early days! I was a dance teacher because I loved to teach people to dance. These children were there, at the beginning, dancing on stage, and having the most amazing time. That is what being a dance teacher is all about.
Poor Frankie was not feeling very well whilst I was in Brighton, and we even did a trip to hospital. Thank God all was fine, and I was even able to bring my little girl back with me for a holiday!
View from Frankie and Chris's little flat
Frankie on stage with the Sreetfunk team
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