estatic

Have you heard of estatic dance?

My friend took me to a class a few weeks ago...it's all about free movement, taking up space and just being present. There were people of all ages, bodies and dancing abilities.

My friend and I (both 20-something female professional dancers) entered the space and I instantly found my breath caught in my though. My muscles tensed up. My heart beat faster.

I was so scared. This was not my home studio. My home space. My sanctuary.

My friend turned to me and said, "See you in two hours" -we're not allowed to talk during this time.

I hestitated, watchingmenand women of all ages move around the room, make noise and dance their hearts out. I knew how to do this on stage...but with no rules, I suddenly felt paralyzed. I hung out on the sides of the room for most of the "practice".

Week Two.

Something clicked. Maybe it was familiar faces, knowing the space or just where I was that weekend, but this session was fun. No, more than fun. Interesting. Breathtaking. Full of play. Cute eye candy doesn't hurt.

Like most things in life, I realized I needed to see things twice before going forth and truly feeling comfortable. At first, I was mad at myself for not just "giving in" when I had the chance. Now, I'm over it. I know my process, understand it, and go for it.

It works for a reason.

Tomorrow is day three in this dancing realm. Stay tuned.

To find out more about Dance Divine, which fasciliates these sessions, check out their Facebook page. 

years.

I just can't stop listening to Years & Years. I stumbled across their music this afternoon, and ended up changing my entire class playlist to suit my new mood. 

Take a listen...

music

Going through your music library is in a time machine in itself. 

I build my playlists for my classes several days in advance, and am constantly changing them up to challenge myself in class and make things more interesting for me students. 

Isn't it funny how certain songs take you back to such particular moments in your life? 

For example, Radiohead's , "Reckoner" reminds me of my first or second year of university sitting in the school auditorium watching the senior Bachelor of Fine Arts, dance students perform a beautiful contemporary piece to a score of the band. 

I was upset and unhappy. I wouldn't admit it at the time, but I wanted to be one of those performers on stage.

It was a moment of conflict...I was so happy in my place as a journalism major, but I knew how much I missed dancing. 

Notoriously,  anything by Hootie and the Blowfish reminds me of a weekend away at a friend's cabin right after I finished working on the London 2012 Olympics.

It was a time of celebration and also the signal to the end of summer and like all contractors know, a job, sense of stability and rhythm. 

Funny enough, when I went to find my third song (I went to my full library of 2,600 plus songs and pressed shuffle) the most recent piece of music I downloaded popped up. 

Lenny Kravitz, "Ain't No Sunshine". Hmmm. 

Where am I right now? 

Happy. That's all. 

I'm working on several projects. Teaching consistently, dancing 4-5 times a week, have a steady income from my social media business, have friends and am soaking in this moment. After a scary brush with tragedy last weekend, I had a reality check. 

Life is short. Life is good. Life should be fun. 

If it isn't, time to change. 

Just a thought. 

Up next: Britney Spear's Greatest Hits album a la, 2004. Gold.