Let’s talk about community. I think my happiest moments in New York City have been when I have felt wrapped up in my community. I have so many beautiful friends that I have collected from many different places in my 27 years. As a very important purple dinosaur once said, “Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other’s gold.” But the old one’s aren’t silver and the new one’s aren’t gold, I’d like to think they are all whatever color they want to be.
This past Friday, I hosted my first Dance for Movers Class!!! And wowwy I don’t think I could have imagined it going any better. I had planned to teach this class while I was in Austin and missing my friends. I’ve seen girls that I audition with start to teach their own classes, and while that interested me, I really just wanted to have fun with my friends in a dance environment. I’ve taught dance before, but mostly to younger kids for very little pay. It was never something I had necessarily enjoyed. So I challenged myself to do this. I made a poster on Canva, texted people directly, and posted on Instagram. Once I had a few RSVPs, there was no turning back.
I wanted to make dance class accessible both financially and skill-wise; to create an environment that was friendly and silly and no pressure. Just fun exercise. Moving our bodies together and maybe stretching our brains a little bit. And if you don’t get it? Who cares! Freestyle! (We’re refraining from using the word improv) Or stand on the side and cheer on your friends! But leave class glad that you came.
Well class was exactly that. 12 friends from all different circles of my life showed up. I received very positive feedback. It was so refreshing to see everyone conversing before and after class. It was truly a night of community.
AND earlier that day, I found one singular Cheetah Girls shirt at Five Below. What a great day!!!!
Beyond that night, I’ve had multiple people ask me, “How was your dance class? I definitely want to come to the next one!” Whoa! You know about my life. I mean yes, I did post about it on Instagram multiple times. But when it’s acknowledged face to face it’s still kind of surprising. It’s another breaking the 4th wall moment. I’m so grateful for the people in my life, no matter how close we are, who show me this kind of support.
I will definitely be doing more dance for movers classes in the future. Next time maybe at The National Dance Institute on 147th instead of Ripley-Grier because I find their prices to be quite heinous. But more info to come! Just thought I’d share this success story to begin your week!
Have an energetic week! <3
xoxoxo
Yasmyn
Yasmina you are simply the best!