Rehearsals scheduled and spread over a month. The originally ensemble of 8 dancers reduced to 5. Changes. Shifts. Apprehensions. Planning. Planning. Planning. Preparing for each detail, every minute of that one hour performance. Repetitions. Repetitions. And some more. Above all, The joy! Of togetherness, of learning, of blessings, hours spent getting ready. Oh! The unmatched joy of this immersive experience. The showcase only being the culmination of it all.

Our very first showcase and like everything first, is and will always be cherished. Was prepared for it all – For it to fall perfectly in place, for goof ups, to be welcomed, to be critiqued. Was prepared for it all.

But what eventually happened wasn’t something I was prepared for or I anticipated at all.

This deluge of pride and happiness that swept over me, as I stood there watching them all beam and shine in their dance. Being so present and truthful to their learnings. My vision blurred several times as I couldn’t hold back my tears. And as we ended the showcase with a presentation of their beloved choreography on Krishna, I could sense that pride and happiness envelop the entire space. Me, us, everyone included. Those teary hugs, applause, and accolades later – an acknowledgement to that. All made possible through this gift. This ever giving, ever gracious gift – Dance!

And this wonderful fort of family and friends like family! Love and Light throughout!