Neely Sadowski - September 11, 2022

The Art of Dance

My love of dance began when I was a toddler, taking tap, ballet, and jazz classes.  As a pre-teen, dance parties were my birthday celebration of choice.  I also learned to “hula”, a traditional Hawaiian dance form.  In high school, I thrived on being a part of the “Raiderettes” Pom Squad and performing during half-time of all home football and basketball games.  However, it wasn’t until I was in my late 30’s that I discovered the true art of dance.

Five years ago, I was asked to represent my employer in a charity event called “Dancing with the Brokers” where local real estate and construction professionals come face-to-face in the ultimate dance competition. Like the well-known TV show, “Dancing with the Stars,” each real estate or construction professional is paired with a professional dancer. I had always enjoyed watching ballroom dancing, in awe of its beauty and technical difficulty.  I had dreamed of one day learning to ballroom dance, wearing the bedazzled costumes and performing in front of others. This event was my chance at realizing that dream.  

In preparation for the event, I engaged in months of training with my professional dance partner.  At times, I was practicing four times a week!  I will admit, ballroom dancing is much more difficult than I had ever anticipated. It was challenging, nerve-racking, and tiresome at times, but one of the most FUN and REWARDING experiences of my life.

The night of the event, I was SO nervous.  We performed two dance routines in front of hundreds of people!  Who wouldn’t be nervous?!?  But ultimately, it was on the dance floor that night where I truly came alive.  On that dance floor I was confident and stress-free.  I felt creative, beautiful, and strong.  The energy in the room was contagious and my experience nothing less than pure joy.  Although I didn’t win or even find myself in the top 3, it was that night where my journey of ballroom dancing truly began and where I was reunited with my passion and love of dance.

After the charity event, I continued my ballroom dance lessons with the same partner, 1-2 times per week.  Over the years I have learned to salsa, rumba, samba, cha cha, hustle, swing, waltz, tango and foxtrot.  But most importantly, I have learned to take time for me.  I have learned to nurture my passions, to allow myself to have an outlet where I can feel confident, stress-free, creative, beautiful, and strong.  I have learned the importance of continuing to do something that you truly love.  I have learned it is never too late for dreams to become reality.

Neely Sadowski is wife and mother who loves to dance when she is not working full-time as Vice President for a commercial General Contractor near Chicago.  Originally from Assumption, IL, the GHG Community holds a special place in her heart as it keeps her grounded to her roots and has introduced her to so many amazing and inspiring women.