Meeting My Stage Coach
NO MORE NEGATIVE SELF-TALK
It’s 10.50 on a Wednesday morning and I’m praying that we’re not going to be late. I’m meant to be meeting Michelene Adamo for my first stage coaching session in 10 minutes time and I’m already wracked with nerves. I have no idea what is expected of me. All I know is that it involves wearing high heeled shoes, which Michelene has asked me to bring along to the session. I managed to find a pair of black sandals that were gathering dust in the back of my cupboard. I hope they’ll do.
When I first decided that entering miss fitness 2013 would be a good challenge for me, I had no idea what it would involve. All I had to go by were the photo’s I’d seen in fitness magazines. I reckoned on a bit of exercise, a fake tan, a brisk walk on and off the stage and a smile for the judges. But no! There’s an entire industry involved, and the closer I get to the competition, the more I I realise how extensive it is. There’s the vitamins, the personal trainer, the spray tan, the customised bikini…and most importantly….THE ROUTINE. Which is where Michelene comes in. She is a professional dancer, choreographer and stage coach. I’ve met her once for a brief chat, where she told me that her job is to make sure that the girls who she coaches are 100% confident by the time they step onto stage. I’m doubtful. I can almost feel myself shaking at the mere thought of getting up on stage, let alone in a bikini and heels.
11.15a.m. I’m standing next to Michelene in Krank Fitness Studio at the V&A Waterfront. Thankfully, besides my girlfriend Skye, who is taking pictures, there is no-one else in the studio. This fact does nothing to reduce my embarrassment. I’m in a lather of self consciousness. Michelene and I are standing side by side ‘posing’ in front of the studio’s floor to ceiling mirrors. She is reflected in all her tiny perfection. I feel like a house next to her. ‘Alright,’ she commands me. ‘Shoulders back and I want you to place your arm out to the side like this. And tummy in, chin up.’ I look at myself in the mirror and am amazed at the difference a pose can make. I look taller, thinner, more elegant and self-assured. I feel as though I’m going to pass out. ‘And you need to breath’ Michelene says. I exhale loudly. I hadn’t realised I was holding my breath.
12. o’clock We have thankfully come to the end of the session. I have walked, wiggled, strutted and posed for almost an hour. And my God it’s hard work. I must say that Michelene is a brilliant coach. A complete perfectionist, telling me to do a piece over and over until she’s happy. If I’m honest, I’m a little bit scared of her, but for some one as inherently lazy as I am this is a good thing.
Before we say our goodbyes, I express my deep insecurities to Michelene about my knees and legs. ‘Michele’ she says ‘you need to focus on what is beautiful about you. You also need to stop being so negative about yourself.’ (this is said because I’ve been making self deprecating comments throughout our session).She pauses, ‘Because if you don’t, then I won’t coach you.’ She says this with a smile, but I don’t think she’s joking.
Back at home. My feet are killing me from the heels, my hips are aching from wiggling and my cheeks are about to go into spasm from having to ‘smile at the audience.’ I can’t wait for my next session. I’d better make sure I practice.