And the past week has been a testimony to that. I haven't suddenly slid down into an oversplit, press lifted anyone, or done an extraordinary number or pirouhettes. And I'd be lying if I didn't have that sort of expectation in the past. The thing about this sort of progress is that it's gradual. And things become easier indirectly. Trying again and again to pirouhette for the sake of a number is never going to get me there. But working on my balance will. Like I said, this week has not been filled with any revolutionary change or fantastic improvement. But it's been said that it's the little things in life that count so I'm going to go with that.
My experience in class varies class to class. The work I put in is pretty consistent, but sometimes it just depends on the luck of the draw. Which reminds me that multiple people have said to me that the luck of the draw principle is what separates students from professionals. Professionals make mistakes to, but the assumption is that our best day is their everyday. That they are completely consistent. I agree with this. It is a separating factor. But the only way to get to that point is to swallow your pride and push through. It's a good feeling when you happen to be doing well in a class. But it's an even better feeling when you start out the class feeling inhibited, and work through it so that by the end you ultimately had a good class. It's tempting to deceive yourself. But it's rewarding to surprise yourself.
In partnering class, after I had finished a combination with my lovely partner, Mr. Peter said, "That was good, Michael. You've improved". And I knew it. The improvement wasn't extreme. I still have trouble with a lot of lifts, but I have improved a little. And there's nothing more encouraging than that.
