Ending of an Era

I moved to North Carolina and started graduate school exactly one week after returning from a 3 week tour of India where I was performing with BYU's Dancers' Company. 2001 was my dancing "peak" because that year I averaged between 20-30 hours a week in the studio. (Interesting to note that my performance quality peak has occurred these last couple years. I just don't have as much strength and technique to back it up as I did before.) Reeling from jet lag, moving across the country and starting graduate school all in one week- it took me a couple of weeks before I started to scout out the dance scene in Carolina. I still wonder what my face looked like when I went to the first dance studio and was told "We don't have a class for someone your age." Someone my age??!! Sum it up as a major reality check- I don't think we are in Kansas anymore Toto. Apparently not everywhere is a dance mecca with classes for all. Taking class at school wasn't possible because PT school owned my life. We didn't register for our classes- that was done for us and then we were given our schedule. If it was 8am- 5pm Mon-Fri it was fair game- end of story.
I had been dancing for 12 years. It wasn't long before I started to have major withdrawal. In fact- I consistently had "bad dancing dreams" the 3 years I lived in Carolina. For example- I was on a dance company but they rehearsed without me so on the day of the concert I didn't know anything, I was naked on stage, or I couldn't even get up off the floor during class no matter how hard I tried... any numerous scenarios. I started to teach dance my second year and that helped - but not totally because I wasn't taking class. (so selfish)
After three years in North Carolina I moved to Salt Lake City. Where it may not be New York or LA- it is much better than Chapel Hill for dancing. Modern dance is my favorite (hey- I have another favorite) and I found an adult community modern dance class sponsored by RDT. I still remember my first class. I was so nervous- It had been 3 years since I had taken a class. It is an acquired skill to pick up combinations- I was out of practice. I think a part of me believed those dreams would come to life and I would end up on the floor. I wanted to be the dancer I was years before and in the beginning had to keep a running dialogue- it is just for fun- to move. Well- in the end I wasn't as terrible as I had feared and my bad dreams simply disappeared. Dancing once a week(when I'm lucky) in an adult community class is not going to bring back any mad skills- but it was enough to get me back on my feet, keep me moving, and keep me sane. Enough that I have since been paid to perform for smaller free-lance dance concerts. Enough to create a bond between others who just can't give it up. In fact, my friends in this dance class at times keep better track of important happenings in my life than family or other friends.
I have taken this class taught by Rebecca Forde for 3 1/2 years.
Rebecca Forde started to teach this class in 1995. Last night was her last class because she is moving to Australia in June. (and yes, I am going to plan a trip to visit her there, she is going to live right off the great barrier reef) There are some dancers who have taken her class from the beginning. She is greatly loved, admired and will be missed. I thank her for my sanity and opportunities that she pointed in my direction.


Rebecca and I after class on Monday (the last night...)

Some of the good old crowd at dinner after the last class

In the end the timing is perfect. Earlier this year I started to take a different class on Monday nights which is much more fulfilling for me. It is offered at a new studio and is a professional level class. All over a much happier and better situation for me... but I still had some guilt. I felt like I was cheating on my friends. I realize that may sound bizarre but it's true. I felt like I owed them so much and I was just leaving them for a younger, faster, hipper, more exciting scene. I came back for the last 3 classes Rebecca taught. I will miss everyone from the RDT class- I loved the eclectic crowd it drew. But I am excited to move upward and onward! So once again- thank you Rebecca for all the years you taught and I wish you all the best!