Our Genius.
2
years ago I landed home after a 2 month world tour with my daughter to find myself getting a divorce. After 13 years of marriage I was having to redefine myself, raise my daughter on my own, restructure my business, and support my entire family on my own financially. Looking back, I can now say it was the best thing to ever happen to me. I am a stronger person now then I was 2 years ago and learned so much not only about myself, but my friends, family, and who I am both as an artist and a business woman. I remember that summer 2 years ago when I had just started this journey in redefining myself. Each day was a journey of rediscovery. During the first month of this new phase in my life, I taught 3 weeklong workshops back to back. I was so lucky to have this focus, and looking back I realize that it was the dance and teaching that kept me positive and moving forward. In the middle of all this drama one of my students came over for wine and gossip and handed me “Eat, Pray, Love”. Knowing me the way she does she said “ya gotta read this, especially now”. That night I began my journey with Elizabeth Gilbert’s novel and found a way to sooth my soul during such a tumultuous time in my life. Now, 2 years after those dark days of the initial separation and divorce, I’m on my feet, my daughter is stable, my business is better than ever, and my heart is open and in love again. Coincidentally, another student just sent me this lecture and I feel I must share it with you. Not only did Elizabeth’s book offer me peace during a very difficult time in my life, but the exploration kept me hopeful. These words and possibilities in concepts of creativity are so timely for me, since they are coming at a time when my first level 5 students are graduating. My format is one in the same connected to my spirit. Having a student complete my level 5 is my ability to finally exhale. Like hearing the last note on your masterpiece composition. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did… http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius.html
Isabella’s 11th birthday
I can’t believe I spent this past weekend celebrating my daughters 11th birthday . Looking at her face each day, as it changes from child to girl, and from girl to tween has been completely amazing. I cherish every day that I get to wake up to her face as well as all the amazing experiences motherhood has brought me. It is hard to believe my time with my “little girl” will soon be crossing over into the teen years!!!
To celebrate her birthday, we had a great party! (One that I would have loved to be invited to…) Coincidently, Isabella also had a performance with her theater group that day, so we started the party off with 9 of her friends meeting at my house, then caravanning over to the theater to watch the show. Isabella had the only solo song in the whole play, so you bet she gave it her all as her friends watched wide-eyed from the 2nd row! Afterwards, a limo (yes, a limo) took them to Chevy’s Mexican Restaurant which has been a tradition for Isabella ever since her 2nd birthday. After dinner, everyone got back in the limo to head to the studio for “The Party”. Brittney did an amazing job setting up the studio with decorations, a chocolate fondue fountain, DJ, and best of all, a jumper in the back parking lot !! (What party is complete without one??) We had a blast. To say the least I’m exhausted, but it was all worth it to see her face light up when everyone started singing happy birthday. What a lucky girl she is to have so many people around her that love her.
All in all, the day was a great success. But the best part of the day for me? Cuddling in bed with her, telling stories about my 30 hour (!!) labor, and seeing her face light up when I ended with “and the day you were born was the best day of my life”.
Isabella's 11th birthday.
Thoughts on the Plane…
On the plane coming back from Spring Caravan in New Jersey, I look to my side to see my students Nadia and Rebecca with head-phones on. They are sharing an iPod hook-up and glaring at hand-written notes while playing “air finger cymbals”. At first glance one might say that they have totally lost it. When the picture comes in to focus, though, I realize that they are rehearsing fingers cymbal patterns for their upcoming Level 4 test. I can’t help but laugh to myself! Their expression is so very serious while their little, well- manicured fingers are going a mile a minute. Illuminated by the dim airplane lighting, the notes are placed haphazardly in the on the tray table in between the girls. Rebecca has her back to me, not knowing if I’m even paying attention, but I am. I’m watching their fingers move at the break-neck speed, and I am of course, checking for accuracy. Damn they’re good.
As I look over to my other side I see my daughter Isabella and her friend/student, Taylor, snoring away peacefully. Even though they just rocked the house at Spring Caravan with a duet, they do not have the worry about level 4 (yet). I let Isabella drape on me for some extra comfort as she dozes without a care in the world. What a fantastic contrast.
On second thought, maybe I should wake these kids up! Level 4 is so extremely difficult, they better start now! Their 11th birthdays are right around the corner, how will they ever be prepared for Level 4 in time???
The kids looking so innocent and angelic, I tell my mind to quiet, and leave them alone. I turn my attention back to Nadia and Rebecca: they look upset. Is it with me, or is it the cymbals? Either way I feel responsible. Not bad… just responsible 
Las Vegas, NV workshop April 2009!
Austin, TX workshop March, 2009!
Austin, TX Workshop Participants!