Thankful for the Dance

Dance is a beautiful expression of emotions in so many ways and I am truly grateful for that.  There have been times where my patience and love of the dance has been tested through various challenges in life (emotional, physical, mental) and with some of the competitiveness and unnecessary drama in the dance community.  However I have always bounced back once I find the peace within whatever ails me to keep dancing.  Dancing heals.  Dancing mends.  Dancing challenges my resolve in the most beautiful ways.

This year marks 20 years for me being a belly dancer.  I have been fortunate to take classes and workshops from so many gifted and wonderful dance teachers in so many fun styles to learn.  I have been fortunate to be a part of several belly dance and experimental dance troupes which has connected me so generously with the team mentality and the group thought.  I have been fortunate to have performed at so many wonderful events, including stage show and theatrical productions, across the Western United States (and one in Canada) that I am forever changed by the memories of those amazing productions.

I give thanks for those opportunities and the ones that are on the horizon.  I give many thanks to the teachers who have given me so much of their time and knowledge. I give many thanks to the dancers who have shared their love for the dance with me, whether it's together onstage or together in an event or together in a supportive community.  And I also give thanks to those who maybe weren't so supportive because I learned life lessons from them as well and I cherish the growth.

Dance can be rewarding especially with hard work, dedication, and love. So many things are possible through dance.  So marking my 20 year anniversary and a new chapter I have just started in my dance career, I give thanks to everyone who helped shape my views and drive my passion, whether you knew it or not.  And don't be surprised if I send you a thank you note or call you to say it to you.