Yesterday I was privileged with the opportunity to drive an hour south to watch the dress rehearsals for IABF. There’s really nothing quite like witnessing others doing what they love and sharing it with the world — things that give life, radiate positive energy, and spark joy. One of the missions of this festival is to allow everyone the opportunity to dance and perform, regardless of age, size, or body type, and it really was moving.
I sat in the 3rd row choking back tears and covered in goosebumps because seeing everyone’s commitment to this art form (which is both physically and mentally exhausting) was a complete reminder of the importance remaining committed to pursuing our interests and passions.
These dancers were jumping joyously and moving as if they were kids again — carefree and fluid. Smiles and laughter everywhere. And as lighthearted as everyone made their efforts seem, one thing I understood was that exposing yourself or allowing vulnerability in any capacity is far from easy. It takes serious resilience and a healthy mindset to silence those ugly voices that try to limit our potential and steal our joy. So brava to everyone who performed at IABF 2024. You are inspirational and incredibly special!
I began ballet the summer I turned 31, and I was terrified but over the years it’s become a sacred space in terms of meditative movement. I will always remember taking my first class. There was a woman named Becky who was almost 70 years old who stood near me at the barre. She no longer had the traditional physique of a ballerina, and she wasn’t as agile as she used to be in her teens and 20s, but her epaulment was gorgeous. Gestures made with her arms, head, shoulders and eye gaze moved like water, and watching her graceful ethereal movement became such a motivation for me to continue to show up and try. To emulate her. To come into my own as an adult ballerina.
I took class with Becky again maybe 5 years later and was overjoyed when she expressed to me how far I’ve come in my training. What a compliment! I’m sure I was beaming that day 🙂
So being a ballet dancer is definitely one of the puzzle pieces in my life that bring me great joy.
What’s bringing you joy? I encourage you to find what you love, and then do it!