Yesterday I got a phone call from one of my Irish dancing friends, Co. We chatted about our lives and, of course, what's happening with dance. It brought back all the good memories and made me miss the dancing and the dancers.
I've been doing a lot of thinking recently, especially about the really difficult situations that I've experienced. You know the ones I'm talking about. Not just the "oh, I'm having a rough day" but the ones that pretty much throw your life into shambles. I guess it's given way to thinking about how I deal with tough things.
I've been talking to Heber about those times, especially the one last year. I asked him, "how did I ever get through that?"
Heber's response, "You danced."
I guess it's true. I filled my life with dancing friends, music, rhythms. When times were the toughest in the last few years, I was out dancing. And it somehow made it better. Made me feel like a person again. Since leaving Logan, it's one of the big things I miss most, not going to Wednesday and Thursday night practices.
I guess we all need that thing in our lives that makes us feel alive, that helps us to cope when things seem bleak. I was so lucky to start Irish dancing in my mid 20s. And I loved it all - the performing in Celtic Night and various exotic locations like Star Valley Wyoming, the music, the friendships. It was an incredible experience being associated with all of it.
I'm sure you're getting sick of all the posts about what I miss or all the changes happening but I think I'm trying to come to terms with all of it and to prepare for the biggest change of all. For now, I'll just dream about the time I can be dancing again.
My class. Many of the girls I've danced with since the beginning.
The Annual Review with my dear friend Janette. Miss you!
Celtic Night 2011
Laura, Janette and I
