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The Cheese Aisle That Taught Me How to Practice

maldonm

Memory Monday ◈

Memory Monday ◈

I Thought I Was Bad at Practicing

For years, I thought I was bad at practicing.

I didn’t have a regular practice routine.

I wasn’t setting aside an hour every day to work on my dancing.

And I felt guilty about it.

I put a lot of pressure on myself about what practice was supposed to look like.

Then one day, I was in a grocery store in Seattle with dancer Alicia Guinn.

I was standing in front of the cheese, trying to decide what to buy.

And while I was deciding…

I was dancing.

I didn’t even realize I was doing it.

Alicia came around the corner, saw me, and said,

“See! I’m not the only one who does that!”

I remember thinking:

Wait.

I’m practicing.

I just hadn’t been calling it practice.

That little moment in the cheese aisle changed the way I thought about practicing—and eventually, the way I taught it.

Practice doesn’t have to mean an hour in a studio.

It doesn’t have to require special clothes, a particular floor, or a carefully planned routine.

It can be five minutes.

It can be one step.

It can be listening to a tune.

It can be trying a rhythm while you’re waiting for the bus.

Or standing at the elevator.

Or waiting in line at the grocery store.

Your feet come everywhere with you.

So maybe the question isn’t:

“Did I practice today?”

Maybe it’s:

“Where could I dance for a few minutes today?”

That’s something I want my students—especially beginners—to know.

You don’t have to completely rearrange your life to become a dancer.

Start small.

Dance while you’re waiting for something.

Those few minutes count.

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I’d love to hear from you.

Where’s the funniest or most unexpected place you’ve ever found yourself dancing?

Or, if you’re just beginning:

Where could you dance for a few minutes today?

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This Week

I’d love to dance with you this week—online or here in Portland!

◈ Sean-nós Dance Classes

Monday & Wednesday

7:30 AM PT • 8:30 AM MT • 9:30 AM CT • 10:30 AM ET • 3:30 PM Ireland

Bring a YouTube clip of a musician or tune you’d like to work with, and we’ll develop steps to the recording.

I’ll guide you through the process while each dancer works with their own recording. There will also be time to share what you’re discovering and receive feedback.

Class information, Zoom links, recordings, and practice resources: https://maldonmeehan.com/2026-august-sean-nos-dance

◈ Open Studio Practice

Monday • Wednesday • Friday

8:30 AM PT • 9:30 AM MT • 10:30 AM CT • 11:30 AM ET • 4:30 PM Ireland

Need a little accountability? Join Open Studio hosted by Kathy Fletcher—a welcoming space to practice, ask questions, or simply spend time dancing alongside others.

And this week especially:

Remember that even a few minutes count.

Open Studio Details: https://maldonmeehan.com/open-studio

◈ Around Portland

Tuesday, August 18 — Steeplejack Set Dancing

6:30 PM

Join us for an evening of Irish set dancing with live music. No partner or experience needed—we’ll teach every dance.

Music: Eddie Parente & Cary Novotny

Dance List

  • South Galway
  • Cavan Reel Set
  • Cashel Set
  • Merchant

More Information: https://maldonmeehan.com/event/tuesday-steeplejack-ceili

◈ Friday, August 21 — Third Friday Céilí: Lúnasa

7:00 PM

Music: Betsy Branch

Waverly United Church of Christ
3300 SE Woodward St
Portland, OR

Dance list available on the website.

Details: https://maldonmeehan.com/event/3rd-friday-ceili-9

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Until next Monday…

Keep listening.

Keep dancing.

Keep the music alive.

— Maldon

Published by maldonm