It’s a strange feeling, this happiness. I mean, it’s not like I was never happy in AZ, and it’s not like I’m never unhappy here. But right now I’m experience that special sort of happiness that you feel when you start to make your dreams a reality. Here’s what’s making me happy right now:
That picture up there? That’s me dancing to live music by The Nathaniel Johnstone Band at Skinny Dip. That night really exceeded my expectations, and my expectations were already pretty high. The band was in fine form, the other dancers were a varied and talented lot who each brought a unique interpretation to the songs they chose, and the crowd… Have you ever had that experience where it’s almost time for a show to start and there’s like two people in the audience? And everyone’s like oh well, we’ll have fun dancing for each other, and then you finish getting ready and you go out to dance and… WHOA where did all these people come from? Yeah, we had a packed house, and they were really enthusiastic with their applause and their tips.
Not only that, but backstage was just magical. Dancers and musicians mingling, hugging, and sharing glitter (thanks to Martina Crowe-Hewett, the wonderful creator of Glitter Goo). Everyone was so supportive of each other, even the people they didn’t already know. It was a really welcoming and fun experience. Anyway, click here to see the performance video. I’m dancing to “Zola” because yaaaaay violin! And a big THANK YOU to Carolyn and Sarah for making it all happen.
Next, and this is a big one which I would have lead with but I’m going chronologically here, I FINALLY PASSED CULTIVATION! I’ve been a little quiet lately about my retest experience because I wanted to keep my head down and just get the work done. I’m really thankful to Malik Turley, one of the first 8 Elements certified teachers, for working with me via Skype and giving me some really good advice on how to approach my practice for the test differently. I am so excited to finally have beaten this test after a good 9-10 months of struggling with it. I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to continue my 8 Elements training sometime in 2017!
But wait, there’s more! This weekend I am going to JAMBALLAH! I’ve wanted to attend this festival for years, and now suddenly it’s just a couple of hours away for me. Not only do I get to attend, but I was incredibly fortunate and was able to purchase a spot in a sold-out Rachel Brice workshop from a dancer who had a change of plans. Since I am only going for one day (due to the next point on my list), and since I am celebrating my Cultivate status, I treated myself to a VIP ticket to the evening showcase too. I am really, really excited to study with one of my favorite teachers, shop from some of my favorite vendors (including some I’ve never seen in person but have stalked on Etsy!), and then watch some amazing dancers. I have heard really good things about Jamballah so I’m happy I could squeeze it into my schedule.
And why is it a squeeze? Because on Monday, my lease on my cute little summer sublet expires! Now, I am sad to be leaving the Stadium District of Tacoma, and my classes with Kat and my easy access to Portland (just 2.25 hours from my front door to downtown!) and all the sweet vintage touches in my apartment and the two walk-in closets (seriously you guys this place is a dream), but on the other hand I am moving in with MY BEST FRIEND! Who is also a belly dancer, so we are going to have a DANCE ROOM! I am looking forward to a life full of solo practice to work on my own stuff, and then drills with my bestie to keep my fundamentals in check and work up a sweat. Plus I will have someone to watch dance videos with, and to geek out about non-dance stuff too (like Doctor Who and Star Trek and games and books and the cute steampunk shop in downtown Edmonds). And while Portland will be further away, Seattle will be closer (we’ll be in Mountlake Terrace, which is just north of Seattle Proper and has OMG so many trees).
I have to admit, as I was getting close to moving out here and stressing about money and which stuff I would take and leave behind, and the knowledge that I would miss my husband, our corgis, and my dear friends (plus good Mexican food and my favorite brunch place…), I wondered if this was really a good, responsible decision. Was I building Seattle up as better than it actually was, because I was so tired of certain things about Tucson? But now that I’m here, and I have the opportunity to study with dancers who I admire and dance with bands I love and perform several times a month and attend awesome events, I have to say that I’m happy that I took the risk and stepped out of my comfort zone. I’m so excited to see what happens next!