Back in 2021, while the world was still navigating the pandemic, I decided to challenge myself to learn something new.
Growing up, I was a classical ballet dancer from ages 7 to 12. As an only child, my mother enrolled me in various activities to keep me active and engaged, and I especially loved dance. It was where I felt most alive. But when we moved to a rural area, continuing those lessons meant long drives to the nearest city, and eventually, I had to let it go.
Fast forward to the pandemic.
Like so many things, dance instruction evolved, and suddenly, virtual classes became possible. I found myself signing up for online jazz and hip hop lessons at the same studio where my daughter and granddaughter danced. The moment I hit “register,” I reopened a chapter I’d closed decades ago.
Let me be clear, going back to dance class wasn’t easy. What once felt natural was now frustrating. Remembering choreography in my head and training my muscles to follow took real effort. I felt like a beginner all over again.
Let me be clear, going back to dance class wasn’t easy. What once felt natural was now frustrating. Remembering choreography in my head and training my muscles to follow took real effort. I felt like a beginner all over again.
As someone who typically operates in spaces where I feel competent and efficient, it was humbling to face something that didn’t come easily. In those moments, when my memory stalled or my body didn’t move the way I wanted, I was reminded just how hard learning something new really is. I suddenly had deep empathy for the students I once taught: those who struggled, who got frustrated, who wanted to give up. I had been in their shoes. Now, I was in their dance shoes.
That experience gave me pause as a leader. When was the last time I had stepped outside my comfort zone to learn something new? Have we, as leaders, gotten too comfortable doing what we already know? Do we avoid learning new things because they expose our vulnerability? Because we fear failing?
That experience gave me pause as a leader. When was the last time I had stepped outside my comfort zone to learn something new? Have we, as leaders, gotten too comfortable doing what we already know? Do we avoid learning new things because they expose our vulnerability? Because we fear failing?
That experience gave me pause as a leader. When was the last time I had stepped outside my comfort zone to learn something new? Have we, as leaders, gotten too comfortable doing what we already know? Do we avoid learning new things because they expose our vulnerability? Because we fear failing?
Here’s the truth: If we want to grow, if we want to continue leading, we must keep learning. And real learning is rarely polished or perfect; truthfully, it’s messy. It’s awkward. It demands resilience. My pique turns in jazz and ballet are still far from stellar, but I’m learning. And that matters.
In a world where technology is advancing at breakneck speed, where AI and cybersecurity threats evolve daily, we can’t afford to stay still. If we don’t commit to learning, we risk becoming irrelevant. We owe it to ourselves and to those watching us to model lifelong learning. That’s how we shape the future of edtech, not just respond to it.
Here’s the truth: If we want to grow, if we want to continue leading, we must keep learning. And real learning is rarely polished or perfect; truthfully, it’s messy. It’s awkward. It demands resilience. My pique turns in jazz and ballet are still far from stellar, but I’m learning. And that matters.
In a world where technology is advancing at breakneck speed, where AI and cybersecurity threats evolve daily, we can’t afford to stay still. If we don’t commit to learning, we risk becoming irrelevant. We owe it to ourselves and to those watching us to model lifelong learning. That’s how we shape the future of edtech, not just respond to it.
The dance floor taught me more than steps:
- Humility – It's okay not to be the expert.
- Discipline and practice – Just like leadership, growth takes consistent effort.
- Creativity within constraints – Working within limits (like policy or budgets) can still lead to something beautiful.
- Listening deeply – Whether it’s my body or my team, I’ve learned when to push, when to pause, and when to pivot.
I invite you to find your version of dance class, something that stretches you, shakes you up a little, and makes you curious again. It might be a new hobby, a new technology, or a topic you’ve avoided because it felt too hard.
When we choose to live the change, not just lead it, we become stronger, more agile, and more grounded in who we are.
No, I’m not a professional dancer. But every time I finish a class, I walk away smiling. Because I pushed myself. Because I learned. And because I am reminded that there’s joy in doing the hard things.
If you want to keep leading, you need to keep learning. What will your next dance be?
When we choose to live the change, not just lead it, we become stronger, more agile, and more grounded in who we are.
No, I’m not a professional dancer. But every time I finish a class, I walk away smiling. Because I pushed myself. Because I learned. And because I am reminded that there’s joy in doing the hard things.
If you want to keep leading, you need to keep learning. What will your next dance be?
