Hello dancers,

Facilitator Grace here. Greetings to you wherever you are.

Although we’re sporadic, to say the least, about posting….yesterday (a July dance) was so full of joy and such incredible energy in the dance, it’s time to say a few words this week.

Coming into the great dance hall on a summer morning is such joy. The trees are absolutely lush with green leaves, filling the entire floor-to-ceiling windows with an incredible and gorgeous view. The dance hall seems shadowed (we always use natural lighting, although sometimes in the northwest winter we actually need to turn on a few lights, it’s so dark even in daylight).

The room is quiet as we enter to set up.

Bright fabrics are hung. Music equipment is plugged in, chords taped above the doors, floor swept, yoga mats and blocks put out, sarongs draped over ballet bars, chairs set up around the edge….and the music begins.

As people enter, the day grows even brighter outside. Sun beaming bright on a mid-July Saturday morning. And so many people!

Our first dances over five years ago had 7-8 dancers only. All of us in a huge dance hall. There was room for cartwheels. We somehow knew to keep going, and to question our thoughts that more people should be there with us.

Yesterday, in the summer when it may be a little less well attended because of all the camping, festivals, travel (who knows what’s true though, we don’t)….we still had 39.

Clapping, hooting, hollering, singing to the music, laughing.

That’s what this dance is like.

The set list was full of requests from dancers (five of them) which is more than usual. And what an awesome set. Including a sing-along to Grease (Summer Days, naturally).

Already can’t wait for next week. Best way to start Saturday. Ever.

–Grace