Eight Counts Behind: Parenting, Dance & Other Extreme Sports

I was born eight days late – the daughter of a dance teacher, minus functioning hip-sockets. 

Not exactly a natural talent. More a pillow-splint and corrective shoes sort of gal, who tripped over her own feet when running. 

With hard-work and a decade of dance training (cue Rocky soundtrack), I revealed myself to be .… still not great. 

But I loved dance!

All of it -  the music, the challenge, the stage, and a creative world where a pigeon-toed, legally blind kid (yep, I had that going for me too) could play the part of a regal swan or a candy ballerina.

A decade later, I was a professional dancer, working for Norwegian Cruise Lines - proving once and for all that dance transforms lives.

Then I became a dance teacher and a dance mom.

And I've been behind ever since.

Behind on laundry and emails.

Behind on choreography.

Behind on the emotional curve of a kid, who seemed fine yesterday but is unraveling today.

As I chased the beat, I realized something important:

Sometimes as a parent, we need reassurance.

Sometimes we need someone to remind us:

Your child is fine.

This phase will pass.

Occasional car-ride meltdowns are normal.

It's okay to laugh at the chaos.

Eight Counts Behind is a place for parents raising flexible humans —offering humor, perspective, and encouragement around body image, confidence, and excellence without perfection.

Mrs. P - Candy Ballerina 1969 - Check out the pigeon-toed stance:)