JUNE PARTY RECAP

As I sit down to write this post as a country, a nation, and a world we are faced with yet another example of hatred and intolerance with the mass shooting in Orlando. My heart goes out to the families affected by the tragedy. As I share my reflections on this past week's party my hope is that the type of love and acceptance we have at Daza Dance that allows you to be and become who you truly are is one day reflected everywhere.

Rumba is the lesson of the night.  I started to reflect on my first couple of lessons with Antonio where he shared the historical context of the dance and how it became a framework for people to have conversations and fall in love. I read the post he wrote about Rumba over and over again trying to understand the dance and how to properly express emotions.

Tonight I am so excited for Maxi, he is exuding confidence and truly becoming a superstar teacher with his own lighthearted style. I am grateful for the chance to go back through the basics and approach the class with a blank slate allowing me to see that dance with fresh eyes and make corrections. As we practice I am feeling more comfortable with the dance than I ever have.

When the party started As usual I made a point to dance with all the instructors. I got to dance the Rumba couple of times with Masha. She showed me how to be a better follower and gave me advice on my posture. She encouraged me so much as she said she saw how much I had improved. I go to dance Salsa Maxi who did not go easy on me, and challenged me with new patterns. I couldn’t catch my breath the entire time as Maxi gave me something to stretch for while I continue to prepare for competition. I danced the East Coast Swing with Mario. I am always transformed when dancing with Mario by his joy for ballroom that cannot be contained. His encouraging words are priceless and have helped build my confidence as a dancer. With Antonio I danced a lively east coast Swing Antonio continues to pull the best out of me every time and I can see noticeable improvements. We also danced the Foxtrot, which continues to challenge me and I was feeling great about the dance until I stepped on his foot whoops!  I was mortified! I still felt like It was one of my better Foxtrots but I made a note to take bigger steps. 

Tonight I was excited to catch up with several fellow students and meet a few new students, one of who thought I was an instructor. Hahahaha! Actually I can see that in my future long term with the studio.

With the Line dances I am so confident of the movements it feels like breathing. When I danced the 

Samba something happened inside my heart that I could not explain- an untapped energy poured forth and once it was released I felt this peace overtake me. I need the confidence and the calm I feel in this moment to be present with me always. I never want the party to end but alas, the clock has struck 10 PM and it is time to bid farewell. Parting is such sweet sorrow!

By: Kamaria George (06/13/2016)