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Lately, I have been watching the Australian television show called Dance Academy on Netflix. I love it. While I am enjoying the story line and the characters, what I really love is all the dancing. Hip-hop, ballet, contemporary and tap numbers fill each episode – along with the requisite tutus, toe shoes and graceful dance moves.
And this is where my (over)active imagination comes into play.
In my silly brain, I picture myself as one of the dancers. I imagine myself being able to dance en pointe or complete a series of fouette turns while a delicate dance costume floats around me. Now while I know there is a lot I can do if I put my mind to it, gaining the ability to prance around a stage in toe shoes is probably not one of them. The mental picture alone is enough to deter me.
So then we hop over to last weekend when I was visiting a friend on the central coast of California. We went out for a lovely breakfast then he took me to a polo match – my first. I was in the stands watching these amazing equestrians fly back and forth across the field on shiny horses. So where does my brain head as I sit there? To envisioning myself as a polo player.
What? I rode horses in college. I could totally do it!
Ok, maybe not.
But darn it, my imagination says I can.
This is the same imagination that tells me I could take Phelps in the pool and give Gabby a run for her money on the beam.
I am very thankful that the “realistic” portion of my brain kicks in and smacks the imaginative side back into place. Trust me, my even trying to walk across a beam would be comical. I can do laps in a pool but it would look like those shots where I was in slow motion and everyone was at 10x speed were Michael Phelps to join me.
This is something I have done since I was a kid. In my mind, I have spoken in front of Very Important People, written novels and held signings, accepted Academy Awards and bowed before a packed house as I finished an opera solo. The funny part is that the imagination is so real to me, I can almost feel what it would be like. When I was in my 20s, I realized that being able to picture myself in these situations and doing well helps me visualize things going right. I found a way to use my crazy imagination in a practical way!
At least that is what I tell myself as I lower into a curtsy to accept my roses after a stellar performance as Clara in the Nutcracker Ballet. 
So what amazing and outrageous things have you imagined yourself doing? Have you been up on the podium with me?
26 Comments on “Delusions of Grandeur”
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Sheridan, I can do the same thing – and have done since I was a kid. But then I also dream those very realistic dreams in techinocolor, where I accept the Oscar for best original screen play and thank the world for it. Or I see myself next to the director of the film made after my bestseller and discussing scenes – and talking to Johnny Depp who plays one of the leading roles.
My imagination can go pretty far and wild, but alas, I always know it’s just that. Anyway, it is a great way to escape reality from time to time and helps me to face problem and lead a happy life.
Posted on August 4, 2012 at 5:06 am.
Very true… imagination rocks.
and congratulations on your Oscar!
Posted on August 4, 2012 at 11:30 am.
Oh, I’ve been a dancer, a singer, a speaker of the house. I like to practice accepting my Oscar.
Doesn’t everyone?
Posted on August 4, 2012 at 7:51 am.
Oh, a speaker of the house! Nice one!
Posted on August 4, 2012 at 11:30 am.
Remember that time I got on stage and played keyboards with Genesis? Yeah, me neither.
Posted on August 4, 2012 at 8:32 am.
You rocked it, too.
Posted on August 4, 2012 at 11:30 am.
I have created stunning wedding dresses and did you see me in that movie with that guy? It was the one where I was in a passionate embrace with Michael T Weiss and kicked Chuck Norris’ butt because I totally rock like that.
Posted on August 4, 2012 at 9:08 am.
Pretty impressive you can take Chuck. I’m impressed! I don’t think I have been that brave yet.
Posted on August 4, 2012 at 11:31 am.
I bet you didn’t know that I played on the ice with Wayne Gretzky, and Zack Parise! I was also the leading actress on General Hospital at one time! That was after I wrote myself into the show, of course!
Posted on August 4, 2012 at 9:22 am.
You know, I think I saw the clip where you passed to Gretzky and he scored. It was an awesome moment.
Posted on August 4, 2012 at 11:32 am.
I ripped through two seasons of Dance Academy in about three weeks. LOVE it!
Posted on August 4, 2012 at 9:59 am.
I am so glad I was lured by the photo of Tara in her pointe shoes. Now for season 3 to start.. I hope soon!
Posted on August 4, 2012 at 11:33 am.
Roger Federer has nothing on me. I make tennis look effortless, and have a killer backhand. It’s like ballet on the court when I play.
Posted on August 4, 2012 at 10:03 am.
I heard him say in an interview he was hoping to one day be good enough to take you on.
Posted on August 4, 2012 at 11:33 am.
I’v accepted an Oscar, numerous humanitarian awards, and I’ve been in the audience when my ds (Animation Dude? He needs a name.) accepted an Oscar.
Posted on August 4, 2012 at 12:02 pm.
You’re going to need some new shelves for those awards
Posted on August 4, 2012 at 5:25 pm.
My unrealized thrill is floating through the air after jumping from a plane waiting for the exact moment to open my parachute. Accompannied by Navy Seal Team Six of course.
Posted on August 4, 2012 at 12:40 pm.
mmmm Navy Seal Team Six. You pick great sky diving companions.
Posted on August 4, 2012 at 5:26 pm.
I imagine myself as a femaile jock. A star athlete. Track and field. Which is a riot, because I do not like to sweat. But we are talking fantasies, right?
Posted on August 4, 2012 at 5:52 pm.
There’s no sweating in fantasies.
Unless you are into that sort of thing, of course.
Posted on August 4, 2012 at 6:52 pm.
My delusions of grandeur may be less grandiose than yours, but they’re no less deluded.
When I’m doing Pilates, I imagine that I look graceful and coordinated. I have to imagine that. If I faced reality, I’d never go back!
I’m adding Dance Academy to my queue immediately. Sounds fabulous!
Posted on August 4, 2012 at 8:43 pm.
It really is a good show.. and I am not much of a TV fan. Not that that adds any importance to the recommendation.
I imagine you look like a lovely, graceful swan in pilates.
Posted on August 4, 2012 at 11:30 pm.
Congratulations to ALL of the superstars here at the Goddess Blogs. I have always known I was in the presence of greatness!
I have received Oscars for both my film screenplays AND my film musical scores!
I’ve won Olympic gold in both fencing AND equestrian events.
I’ve also helped Mustangs to flee Bureau of Land Management round ups.
I’ve accepted multiple Ritas for my historical romances.
Oh and that United States Representative who supports legalizing dog fighting? I’ve slapped him in the back of the head. Twice. And yelled “What were you thinking????”
Posted on August 4, 2012 at 10:13 pm.
good girl on the head slap.
I am impressed with all you have accomplished! AND you have the sparkly purple purse – which I think gains you another sort of award.. or jealousy. It’s a fine line sometimes.
Posted on August 4, 2012 at 11:31 pm.
Ah yes! The sparkly purple purse had its very own fan club at Nationals. It definitely deserves an award.
Posted on August 5, 2012 at 12:46 am.
I’ve walked the red carpet and watched premieres by the sides of wonderful actors and actresses; I’ve played pool with John McBain (miss One Life to Live…); I’ve jumped alongside some of the greatest equestrians; I’ve been a judge on DWTS (better me than them, most of the time!); I’ve competed on So You Think You Can Dance and won, of course….and actually, I would have competed if it had been around when I was dancing in high school.
My imagination never ceases to amaze me.
Posted on August 6, 2012 at 10:05 am.