Riot and Frolic

I often think ballroom dancers are a bit masochistic:

• the learning never stops.  Think you got something correct?  Then you're told to do it more correctly or to somehow make it harder.  
• the actual cost of lessons/events/competitions is… real.  Like, "this invoice just got real".  Ramen for the next month or two to do that awesome competition?  O-kay.  
• the performances and competitions are not stress-free.  Challenging, yes; fun, in hindsight, yes.  Easy?  No.  Stress-less?  NO.

Let's talk about that.

Everyone reacts to stress differently; you can check out the on-deck area in any dancesport competition to get a cross-section of the personalities.  

• The Jokester– deftly deflects any negative energy into chatty, silly antics.  The Jokester will suck you into after-party demeanor with his chillaxin' attitude.  Most often a dude.  HATE HIM.
• The Warrior- dons his headphones and does push-ups aggressively in the competitor warm-up zone.  Practices his moves with no regard for others' safety and will give the eye if you get in his way.  Most often a Latin dancer or Russian.
• The Carpet Couple- dances all out in the practice area… where no one cares.  Impressing fellow competitors?  Not necessary.  Most often newer competitors and most often don't make it past the front round.
• The Monk- discovers her inner peace while stretching, eyes closed, practicing choreography with her mind.  Most often a chick wearing a silk robe.  
• The Porcupine- displays a prickly disposition while wandering the backstage area.  Whether practicing or standing still, the message is clear: BTFO.  Most often a target for The Jokester.  
• The Flitter– darts from the water station to the on-deck captain to the corner of the dance floor to someone she knows to sit down, often talking quickly or laughing a little too loudly.  Most often a person of small stature.

Me?  I'm a Porcupine.  I don't want anyone nearby me.  Including, unfortunately, my partner.  I want an arm's length, if possible, between me and you, and just shutthehellup I'm breathing over here.  I'm not watching the floor, but I am zoning out while staring in that direction, yawning every now and then.  I have to pee and probably want to throw up a little. 

But then I walk on the floor and it feels like home and all that crap goes away.  

Which one are you?  What are your nervous habits?  Do you know what they are?  Do you know how to combat or work with them?  Let's get therapy up in here.

One year ago: To Be Or Not To Be, OMG READ THIS.  A) Inspiration B) I did all my goals for last year, yo!  C) There's a great picture!