I took a shimmy-based conditioning class last night. My feet were killing me by the end, but it felt good. I wasn't so distracted by the same body issues as before because I came to understand that I'm just not used to not being the thinnest and most talented person in class by a long shot. But this is good.

My friends have always encouraged me and enjoyed watching me dance, applauding my skill. I have no skill. I'm not very good, but with no basis for comparison before now, my opinion is worth what, exactly? For the first time since I began belly dancing four years ago, I'm being challenged in class and shown up by better dancers. This is a good thing.

It means I can improve a lot.