Thankful and Grateful...Finding Gratitude Amidst the Chaos

It is Thanksgiving week and I have finally logged into this account baffled that my last post was 3 months ago in August. While the fall semester has moved fairly fast, it has quite literally hit me like a hurricane, two to be exact and one ironically with my actual name. And the timing has been absolutely the worst it could possibly be! But as dancers, we are flexible mentally and physically. So we pause and find a way to proceed amidst the chaos of the storm.

Two weeks ago, I was finalizing our production of the annual school musical to be informed that Hurricane Nicole was on the way to the South Florida region. No one could predict the size or place, but heavy rain, wind, and school closures were inevitable. And the show was to have a full performance and audience in a matter of days. We weren't ready to begin with and now this storm was coming in to take away the few rehearsals that I did have left. What were we going to do? As creative directors, we collaborated to come up with a solution. The school administrators allowed our students the entire day Friday to rehearse and prepare for our opening night. But even then, mandatory tests and projects had to be presented and dedicated students still tagged out of rehearsal to complete these important assignments. As a director, I tried to remain calm. But every ounce of me was overcome with anxiety that entire day. I honestly thank my experience as a mother that I did not lose it in front of my cast. They needed me to be their leader and guide them through this insanely challenging uphill battle. Between my incredible creative team, we got through the day. What ensued between the rehearsal day and the show was proof that sometimes, even big kids need to be kids to relax. Between making mini waffles and coloring, my high school students could be heard laughing and giggling as they killed time before show prep. Their cheerful voices helped me relax and I knew that regardless of what happened on the stage that night, they were going to be okay. We had all done the best we could and that's all that any of us could ask. 

That night, by the grace of God, the cast of Grease did a fantastic production! Things worked that never had worked before and the energy was electric! I was so proud of their product and finally took a huge exhale at the end of the night. I began to think about how often I try to control so much in my life. But sometimes when I just step back and let it all unfold, things turn out better than I expect. I am thankful that I have learned these various processes over the years...as a director, a choreographer, a teacher, and a mom. All of them have benefitted me in one way or another. My process as a director has given me assertiveness to deal with my son when I need. My creativity as a choreographer contributes to creating fun activities on a rainy day. My patience as a teacher reminds me that I must also share that quality with my little guy. And of course, everything benefits from my experience as a mom. The struggle has been incredibly real over the last few months. But when I step back and reflect, I am blessed with these past experiences to help me somewhere along the journey. Even amidst the chaos, may you also find gratitude and know that someday you will understand why. Happy Thanksgiving and happy dancing mommas!