IT MADE ME A LOT HAPPIER
You never know what you might find out about yourself from watching someone else’s story. Jonathan O’Reilly, a ballroom dance student at Dance With Me, was looking for a change in his life. What he discovered was more…a lot more.
Watch his story below and scroll down to learn more.
You already know that dancing has many proven benefits — whether it’s social, physical, or emotional — there’s something for everyone. You might even be surprised by what it can do for you. In Jonathan’s case, dancing made him happier, more social, and introduced him to a new set of friends — something he never expected.
FOR ME, IN GENERAL, TO COME DO SOMETHING LIKE THIS IS VERY DIFFICULT BECAUSE I’M NATURALLY A VERY SHY AND INTROVERTED PERSON
Initially, Jonathan found dance through his psychiatrist, who recommended it as a way for him to become more open and social. She also thought the physical benefits can help as well. Like many of us, social settings made Jonathan uncomfortable at times. Fast forward three years later and he comes across as a totally new version of himself. He’s more expressive, he stands taller, and one of the most outgoing people you’ll meet at our parties.
I FEEL PART OF SOMETHING
Speaking of men dancing… there is still “a bit of a stigma” today, as Jonathan puts it. He explains that it’s a result of an old perception that “it’s not a manly thing do” At first, Jonathan shared that opinion as well, until he discovered the power dance had on his social life, especially around women, with whom he finds himself more confident now.
Oh and by the way… can we just say, once and for all, men who can dance are actually more attractive to women than guys who just sit in the corner or stand by the bar?
LADIES PLEASE TELL US WHAT YOU THINK IN THE COMMENTS BELOW SO WE CAN SETTLE THIS DEBATE!
FOR SOME REASONS I FELT LIKE I WANTED TO IMMERSE MYSELF IN IT
What started as a “I’ll take my lesson, learn something new, and go home” turned into improved social skills, life-long friendships, and a dance studio that he know calls his second home. Why? Because Jonathan took that first step and “immersed himself fully” into something new and unknown… with no expectations of the great rewards to come.
AS SOMEONE WHO WORKS IN FINANCE, I’D SAY THAT’S A PRETTY GOOD RETURN ON YOUR INVESTMENT.
Can you relate to Jonathan’s story or maybe do you know of someone that might need some dance in their life?
Hit the share button if you’re already dancing, and if not start by taking your first step and clicking below.
You don’t know what you might discover…
This was a great story Jonathan! We women love a guy who will put himself out there on the floor and at least try, it makes a better connection physically and emotionally!
Love this!!! Bravo for being brave to try something out of your comfort zone and now it looks like it has become a passion of yours! As a fitness instructor, i always encourage people to try different things until they find what they love doing and can’t live without – the connection with people is the cherry on top. Grateful for studios like Dance With Me that help people find their inner dancers!!!
Jonathan, The finesse with which you dance is impressive. I just began taking lessons in NJ, after a couple false starts with studios that weren’t as good, so finding Dance with Me has been a blessing. I’ve had a piece I tore out of a magazine in my goals journal for over 25 years that says “I dream of finding a man who can dance.” I wish there were more men like you, who would just take that first step to see how awesome it can be. Thank you for sharing your story!