Dance Matters

After writing too many drafts to count, when it comes to this specific post, I realize I have too many feelings and inadequate words. So I'm going to forget about making it flowery and earth-shaking and just tell it like it is.

Dancing matters. I don't care if other people don't understand why or how, because I know that it matters to me and has been a huge factor in my becoming who I am today. Nothing else in this world feeds my soul and body on so many different levels. Through movement I have been able to feel and process a whole spectrum of emotion, create and communicate meaningful messages of hope and purpose, and grow to become a more whole and self-understanding human being. I have always loved this quote:

"Dance is the only art of which we ourselves are the stuff of which it is made."

-Ted Shawn, Time, 25 July 1955

That means dance is pretty important stuff. I remembered how important dance is this week when I had a friend and former student come and teach my classes for a few days. It truly provided me with relief during an emotional time, and reminded me of how much I need movement in my life. I wanted to share a couple videos of that combination so others could hopefully get a taste of what I've been rambling about. Enjoy! 

And remember: Dance matters.

*The beautiful movers that created this wonderful choreography are Jasmine Benton and Majee Bouey.

For Mom

Hey Mom, remember when this happened?

That was a great day for both of us, I think. I hope. Very painful for you, kind of traumatic and confusing for me, but I don't even remember it so I can't complain. :)





It's been too long since I've written a blog post. What better reason could I have to jump into one than thanking you? So, here goes.

Thanks, Mom:

For teaching me how to wipe off a counter-top really efficiently.

For teaching me how to be gentle in word, deed, and... baking. 

(I never over-mix, thanks to you.)

For showing me that women can do anything men can, by being the first to beat Zelda in our house. :)

For taking me to dance classes at least four days a week for, I dunno... 10 years???

For showing me how to laugh at myself and not take things too seriously or personally.

Teaching me to stay positive and rise above the bad in life. There is good in any situation.

For being my accompanist any time I feel like singing at the piano.

For passing on your appreciation for music, changing skies, nature, art, people, new places, all things beautiful, and... any sort of citrus desserts.

(Speaking of desserts, thanks for all the pies, Mom. And for letting me eat the leftover cinnamon-sugar crust.)

For teaching me patience, and love, and more patience.

For making sure that I knew I was beautiful, that my body is a blessing and I need to treat it as such.

For not getting annoyed when I do impressions of you. It's all out of love, Mom.

For all the times you tickled my back at night because I asked you to.

For teaching me to enjoy the quiet moments in life.

For going on long shopping excursions with me, even though you hate shopping.

For providing me with wonderful guidance, while letting me make my own decisions.

For your constant love, support, encouragement, and faith in who I am.

For teaching me that family is most important.

For showing me, through your example, that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the truest path to happiness, and that we can stay on that path if we choose to do right and keep an eternal perspective.

I can't thank you enough, Mom. Especially for that last one. You are wonderful, and I'm so glad I will be yours, and you will be mine forever.