Confidence

Written by Jessie Keller - March 27, 2026

I grew up in an amazing community that allowed me to step confidently into who I was as a child. Somehow, my parents managed to keep fear and doubt far away. There may have been some guilt here and there, but it never seemed to linger.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to realize just how easily fear, doubt, guilt, and shame can sneak in. They are so prevalent in our environment—through media, friends, family, magazines, the internet, AI, and more. These things can feel like a parasite we’ve learned to live with, while all the while they are destroying us from the inside out.

These feelings began to creep into my life in my late twenties and early thirties. Because of them, I shut down my salsa studio in Boulder and tried to pretend I was “normal.” Imagine that… Jessie being normal! Hahaha!

I tried for many years, only to realize that normal didn’t fit me. In fact, it felt even more entrenched with fear, doubt, guilt, and shame—just glitter-coated to make it look and feel appealing.

It has been quite a journey overcoming these internal obstacles. I’ve had to remember that I am smart, that I do know what I’m talking about, and that I have been gifted with amazing talents that can truly help people connect to themselves and to others in new ways.

Throughout the years, my students have reminded me of just how much this work has impacted their lives.

I was once invited to a student’s pre-wedding ceremony, where only their closest friends and family were present. I couldn’t understand why I had been invited. As I was leaving, my student finally told me:

“I invited you because if I had never taken your classes, I would never have had the confidence to ask my future wife to dance. I would have missed the opportunity to even meet her, and we would not be here today if it weren’t for you.”

Another student recently told me, “I wouldn’t still be dancing if it hadn’t been for lessons with you!”

These are the moments that fill my heart to overflowing with joy. For me, it’s not about being the brightest star. It’s about igniting the star inside each of my students and watching them shine.