Thanksgiving

The pursuit of any skill or art requires dedication, discipline, and steadfast practice, but the most important element in success is having the right coaches. I’m very grateful for all of the instructors I’ve had in my individual quests towards some goal. One of my greatest lessons is to really respect the knowledge and gift a coach offers as I’ve come to appreciate the value of a teacher more than ever in my own growth. I am humbled and grateful that I can, as a teacher in my field of expertise, be a contributor instead of a consumer. I not only instruct dance, but I motivate and mentor when a student experiences frustration or hits some temporary limitation. I feel an ever-growing appreciation for the influence my guidance may offer as I contribute to the achievement of someone’s goal. I am simultaneously grateful to my students who provide so much joy in my life, allowing me to coach them in their endeavor with a trust that I will guide them with my fullest capabilities. I learn a great deal from my students. They bring me constantly to an awareness of myself and to enjoy all the small, intangible moments I once so easily dismissed.

My quality of life is exponentially improved by both my teachers and my students. I’m thankful for both.

Thanksgiving is a personal holiday for me every day (without all the calories) as I hold myself to not just thinking and feeling gratitude, but showing and expressing it to others each day.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

My dance card runneth over!

I’ve had the opportunity to teach at several events the past few weeks. Most recently, I had the pleasure of working a local school district fundraiser. It was hosted in a private home, complete with food, beverages, D.J. and party lights galore. Instructing adults with little or no knowledge of dance deepened my appreciation for the moment. The participants gathered around as the DJ lowered a microphone from the upstairs loft, as if I were a Boxing referee about to announce the contestants. I felt so at ease in that environment as I began to present the concept of partner dancing and introduce the dance of the evening in terms that helped the group understand how to respond. I feel so blessed to do this as a career and share my knowledge with both beginners and more advanced dancers.

I have entered a sweet spot of gratitude as my business transitions into opening a new school of dance. The teachers I’ve been training have become like immediate family and the student body like extended family. The excitement has been building among current students and those anxiously awaiting their first class. I’ve been receiving referrals from a networking group I belong to as well as from a church directory. But the most complimentary source is always word of mouth. After previously being part owner in two studios, I look forward to watching this school unfold as we organically grow to our fullest potential. This Thanksgiving, I am grateful to all of the teachers who will be working with me as we launch this new endeavor; Kelly, Karla, Shawna, Natalie, Jordan, & Juan Carlos.

My dance card runneth over!