What I Learned About Being a Father From Ballet Class

By Michael Holland     

In college I had the “opportunity” to take a ballet class for a semester with my girlfriend at-the-time and my two very single roommates.  My understanding and experience in the field of ballet was non-existent, and my appreciation for a dance as a sport was less than mature.  Throughout the course I struggled greatly with manipulating my muscles to move in graceful, fluid motions, though seldom did my moves reflect anything resembling the desires of our instructor.

This ego-busting experience did yield benefits, however, not the least of which was the idea that attempting to land with grace does not require dignity, just great effort.   Which reminds me of the thought that as a father, you can fake caring but you can’t fake showing up.  We may not be perfect at fathering, but we can show up and put forth great effort.