Look, confidence isn’t usually my issue. In fact, I often operate at peak phenomenal levels. Some might even call it “Black Girl Magic” in action. As a mother, a Black PhD, a nonprofit founder, a professor, a DEI consultant, and a mental health advocate, juggling multiple roles is part of my everyday life. And let’s not forget, I consider myself a fun-loving spirit, always open to a good time and adventure. Success has been a familiar companion, leading me down paths where achievement felt almost guaranteed.
Then came the Tamia Line Dance challenge. Is it just me, or is this thing impossibly complex? It’s honestly starting to get under my skin. This is coming from someone who was a high school cheerleader, transitioned that energy to a college dance team, and was known to command any dance floor single-handedly, move after perfectly timed move. I’ve even won dance competitions, both formal and informal, and those experiences have opened doors in my professional and personal life. In the words of Tabitha Brown, “the personal is my business,” and dance has been a big part of my personal brand.
I’ve been a dedicated Tamia fan since her debut album. Seriously, test me on her discography – I know every word. So, this dance predicament feels like a personal affront. How could Tamia be the source of my dance floor frustration? Countless wedding receptions, YouTube tutorials, and casual attempts at backyard BBQs haven’t cracked the code. I just can’t seem to step, cross, and turn my way to mastering this dance. And honestly, I’m not enjoying this feeling of being completely out of sync.
But in this struggle, a realization dawned. Perhaps the Tamia line dance isn’t meant to be mastered effortlessly. Maybe it’s a lesson in humility, a gentle nudge away from the pursuit of constant perfection. It’s forcing me to confront the possibility that I might never nail this dance, and surprisingly, that’s okay. There’s a unique joy in embracing imperfection. Black joy, in particular, can be found in those moments of self-deprecating laughter, in letting go of the pressures, both internal and external, and simply allowing ourselves to be.
So, as we navigate through life, especially during times that are meant for celebration and community, let’s take a moment to release the weight of societal pressures and political anxieties. Let’s tap into the liberating energy of Juneteenth and allow our hips to sway freely at family gatherings or community events. And if we stumble, miss a step, or accidentally step on a few toes on the dance floor, let’s laugh it off. Maybe we can even thank Tamia for providing this unexpected opportunity to celebrate our beautifully human, imperfect selves.
