Diana's Letter

Hey-o!

As you know from the blog, I teach at Studio One Dance Academy, and our end of the year dance shows (3 of 'em) are coming up this Saturday.  They're all sold out (so cool!) and I'll be spending the next few days glued to the dance floor.  But in the midst of all this chaos, costumes and stage moms, there is a lot of love and appreciation going around.

So, I've decided to share with you the letter I wrote and gave to my studio owner, Diana.  I used to think that sharing personal letters on public sites devalued their intention, but after reading letters shared between my friend Kurt and his wife after he passed away on their blog, my mind was changed.  I now see it as a very personal view into a relationship, a way to get to know someone better, and a little window into someone's head & heart.  Also, hopefully an inspiration and way to encourage you to share your words and feelings with others. This letter shows insights not only into my relationship with Diana, but also my relationship with dance and my continued heart-pull back to the continent of Africa....

So, without further adieu, here you go:

June 18, 2014

Dearest Diana,

Last Wednesday was a bad day. The week had started out hectic with various problems through various jobs, but on Wednesday right before I was scheduled to head into the studio, I received an email. That email was from Nicole, the sister who ran the orphanage for street boys in Ngara, Tanzania, where I had taught dance (mainly hip hop and break dancing) every Saturday during my 6 months stay in Africa. We are still in contact, with her sending me random updates every now and then on how the boys are doing, often accompanied by pictures that show their progress. On Tuesday, Nicole had sent me an email showing a couple boys overcoming their latest challenge: The Marathon for Peace in Kigali, Rwanda, which happened May 18^th. Several of them ran and completed their first marathon successfully, and I responded to her email with congratulations and to remind her of how appreciative and inspired I am by her work. She responded on Wednesday with this:

“Thank you Nichole, it's nice to read you. At this moment are boys here have holidays for one month... Normally they go to their family but last week they all have been circumcized so they have to heal before going home. Some have signs of infection. It is the government that wants that all boys and men of 10 and older have to be circumcized... And  a team came to Nyamiaga dispensary, and in one week around 7000 persons have been circumcized... I feel glad to be a woman... enjoy your summer, and continue dancing... We also do, on Saturday.. love. Nicole”

And almost instantly, I became furious. Livid. The Tanzanian government had once again made another decision with good intentions, backed by extreme lack of education. After doing some research myself, I had come to discover that these mass circumcisions, when performed in Africa, are almost always done one after the next, with no sterilization between cuttings and therefore the spread of HIV is extremely prevalent. There are a lot of “poor kids in Africa” stories we hear every day, but this one is REAL. Because I know each of these kids' stories and I care for them. A lot. They've overcome obstacles in their lives that we can't even fathom in ours, and to have the government traumatize their lives when they've finally found a sense of home and security. Well, that enrages me like nothing else.

But at the same time, as I re-read Nicole's email over and over, I couldn't help but focus on the last part: “enjoy your summer and continue dancing....we also do, on Saturday”. And as I grabbed my gear and headed out the door for the studio, I knew I was headed in the right direction.

DANCE is an amazing healer. Of all things. Every time I step into the studio I bring things with me. Not always these things, but sometimes I bring anger, stress, disappointment, or fatigue. They may not show on the surface but some days, they're inside. And every time I leave the studio, those things stay behind. I leave them on the dance floor. The love I feel from my students and the energy the expression of movement gives to me reinvigorates me, refocuses me, and helps me stay balanced and grounded.

And I couldn't help but think of the boys at Nazereti on Wednesday during my classes. How fortunate I felt that I was able to share that tool with them...the tool of dance...expression...release....and how happy it makes me to know that they still have it now and are practicing using it every week, over a year after I've left. That just MAYBE its helping them get through their hard days and times, too.

I LOVE my job. I feel so fortunate that I get to do what I love every day. And, I love Studio One. I've taught at a lot of studios, and Studio One is truly something special. Because of you, Diana. You have this energy about you. You emit strength simultaneously with compassion. You inspire others through positive reinforcement and honest, sincere discussions. You have a way with people and know how to touch your student's hearts to make dance and the beat BREATHE through them. You really are the “lighthouse” you speak of, sending little rays of light and positivity out in every direction and touching everyone with kindness in your reach.

I feel like I have grown so much as a teacher and a person in your presence. I look forward to continuing my learning and growing through observing your words and ways. Thank you for inviting me in to be a part of your family, and for giving me an outlet to share my passion with others. I am very proud to call Studio One my home.

Love,

Nikki

Zoe & Abagail, from my Combo 1 class, ready for their tap piece "Tutti Fruiti" on picture day.  Have you ever seen anything so cute before in your life?!

A few of my Hip Hop 2 students yesterday in the studio.  They LOVE selfies :)