Exploring My Passions: A Journey Through Square Dancing, Music, and Volleyball

Every journey has a starting point, and for me, it was through square dancing. My wife and I met in college, and her passion for square dancing hooked me in right from the start. Today, I continue to explore my diverse interests, from playing the guitar and voice-acting to singing, writing songs, and acting. Additionally, my love for volleyball dates back to kindergarten, while my father's influence planted the seeds of my love for music, leading me to take up instruments. In this article, I will delve into these aspects of my life and the paths that led me down each of these unique journeys.

How I Got Into Square Dancing

Square Dancing

Square dancing is both a hobby and a career for me, and it all started when I met my wife in college. She was not just an honors student but also an avid square dancer. On our first meeting, she mentioned that she would study most of her time but would also square dance with a club. She highlighted the club's Tuesday lessons and the frequent Friday, Saturday, and Sunday dances, which piqued my interest.

Encouraged by her, I decided to take square dancing lessons and started dating some of the girls in the club. Over time, I became quite passionate about the art and even ended up marrying the person who first invited me to the lessons. To this day, she remains one of the best dancers I know. Through square dancing, I have connected with many wonderful people and shared countless joyful moments. This passion has not only enriched my personal life but also my professional one as a caller and teacher.

My Musical Journey

Vocal Performance and Playing Instruments

My passion for music began during my teenage years, when I was immersed in theater club activities. I watched vocal performances by artists like Uncle Al, Backer Jeff, and Solid JJ, which inspired me to give voice impressions. I have been singing since then, albeit not on a level with Freddie Mercury, but I have made significant progress and can perform death growls, harsh vocals, or scream. I am truly inspired by artists such as Adam Gontier, Chester Bennington, Kurt Cobain, Dave Grohl, Layne Staley, Shaun Morgan, Benjamin Burnley, Matt Heafy, Maynard James Keenan, Chino Moreno, Deryck Whibley, Chris Cornell, James Hetfield, and Shimon Moore, to name a few.

In addition to singing, I have learned to play various instruments, including the electric guitar, bass, and drums. My father has been a significant influence in my life, especially when it comes to my love for music. From a young age, he played music for me, and I began to develop an intense interest in rock and metal music. This passion drove me to take up instruments and strive to become a master of the electric guitar, bass, and drums.

Passion for Volleyball

Volleyball

My love for volleyball began in kindergarten, where I started playing the sport. This passion has been a constant in my life, and now I enjoy learning new techniques and improving my skills. Participating in volleyball has not only enhanced my physical abilities but also my character, making me a better person.

Meanwhile, my father has played a pivotal role in my journey with music. Ever since I was a baby, he played songs for me, and this exposure laid the foundation for my later interest in music. As I grew up and listened to more rock and metal music, I became even more passionate about playing instruments like the electric guitar, bass, and drums. My father's influence on my musical journey is profound, and I will always be grateful to him for his unwavering support and encouragement.

In summary, my life is a tapestry woven with various passions and interests. From square dancing and square dance teaching to playing music and volleyball, these hobbies and avocations have shaped me into the person I am today. They have taught me valuable lessons and continued to inspire me in my journey.