Once upon a time, there was a little girl. This little girl was a lot like other little girls – believing in fairy tales and happily ever afters. But, her days were spent watching other children play from a small desk while self-teaching new subjects or repetitiously copying languages. The minutes and hours of her days were militantly scheduled. Many of these moments felt void of color – as though the world around her was painted in a palette of grays. This little girl’s heart was so full of yearning for color, she felt as though she would burst.
One day, splashes of color were introduced into her world through a magical place with wooden floors and walls lined with mirrors. The chariot arrived as she changed shoes – transporting her to a place where life could be expressed through movement. Each stretch felt like a release of her heart, and each contraction a simmering of things yet to be said. When she danced, the imperfections of life seemed so distant. Because, in those moments, she was free – free to dream about arms moving like chiffon scarves, free to imagine walking on clouds, but mostly, she was free to express all her innermost feelings. It was then, so many years ago, this little girl made a promise with all her heart – that as long as dance would be there for her, she would dance.
This is my story – I am that little girl. Many years have passed since then, and my journey with dance has been one of twists and turns, mountains and valleys. Dance has given me so much, and provided a joy and happiness that I cannot describe. My only hope as I teach others is that they can share in the joy dance can give – to anyone. Although styles and techniques have changed with time, those changes allow me – and those I teach – the opportunity to grow.
During that process of growth, we will make mistakes. Similar to a dance routine or impromptu social dance, we may make a mistake… or several. How we decide to respond in those moments can shape who we are and how we handle the adversities of life. The reasons behind my methods come from experience. It is this same experience that I want to share with you. At the core of it all, remember, there is a love story of a little girl and dance. All she wants is for you to experience the magic dance can bring to your life.
That love story is what drives me to this day.
STUDIO C 