For The Holidays
12.11.10

To many of us, this part of the year brings up a lot of great feelings of sharing and family and all those things that go with enjoying life so much. Speaking from personal experience, this time of the year has me thankful for my extra time after nearly succumbing to injuries in my accident. I appreciate so many things so much more and I really believe I was pretty happy to be alive even before that event.
 
Dancing is my life now and I spend as much time as I can sharing that joy and fun with so many of you. Whether its teaching, performing or competing ot just plain dancing, I just cannot imagine my life without it. To see so many good friends and students progressing in our community, becoming stronger dancers and people, it is just so incredible to be a part of that process.
 
Music and dancing have been a part of human civilization probably since we managed our first fire. We celebrate all facets of life and living and dancing has always been an integral part of the celebration.
 
Some of those around us are having a more difficult time than we are. We all go through these cycles and the difficulty in facing trying times is daunting, even when help is around us. When we feel that no one is there to support us is when those difficulties begin to look like mountains and chasms that are impossible to cross.
 
Those that are weak need you now. Whether the tough time is induced by financial stress, health issues, family or relationship trouble, focusing on these troubles make these obstacles bigger and tougher to defeat. We also begin losing focus on what is joyful and helping us grow and become better as people.
 
It's not always about money or presents. It can be a simple as an invitation to join you and your other friends to dance. Social involvement can lift the lowest spirits and dance is a joining of the music and ourselves to become something more. Whether it is someone you meet in the streets or someone across the room, an invitation to dance is a way to express life in its glory. Share that time and look for people who seem to be disconnected and ask them to get involved. You know that you will enjoy it as always, but the chance to expose someone new makes it that much more special.
 
There will always be those who turn away from these chances or refuse to dance with you. It is sad, but move on. They are limiting themselves and losing the chances we all need to make our lives better. You have offered and continue to offer dance as one of the greatest gifts you can give. Keep passing it on...