Dear Friends,
"The purpose of life is to discover your gift.
The work of life is to develop it.
The meaning of life is to give your gift away."
- David Viscott
This past month, I have spent countless hours choreographing to "Descendants the Musical" for my part-time job as the Spring Musical Choreographer for Mark Day School, while driving in my car, while laying in bed, while walking the dogs, while cooking, while showering, or basically anytime I am not actively teaching my Stop Drop and Dance classes.
Although I only teach 3 afternoons a week in-person for 2 hours each day, it takes twice or three times as long off-hours to envision the scenes, create the movements, and then set formations.
My mind does not stop spinning with ideas.
But what I've noticed, is that despite this huge amount of work... it doesn't feel like work. Just as much as I love choreographing and teaching Stop Drop and Dance classes, this musical opportunity has helped me to re-discover my love for creative dance storytelling, for working with kids, and even for the exciting and nerve-wracking stress of preparing a real performance with a set deadline.
It isn't going to be perfect as some of the 4th-8th graders are brand new dancers, and it's a lot to act, sing, and dance all at the same time... but what I have seen this past month from all the students is effort, attention, focus, determination, and pride when they get it right.
I see their faces light up and I see joy.
This past weekend, three of the older girls in the musical actually chose to wake up early on a Saturday morning and come to my 9:30am Stop Drop and Dance class for the first time, just because they wanted MORE dancing with me. I was shocked but absolutely thrilled and honored.
Find your gift.
Develop it.
Then share it with others.
For me, the way to tell if something is your gift is:
1) If you have a unique way of doing something.
2) If you don't directly benefit from it, i.e. attention, money, status.
3) If the "work" is actually enjoyable and doesn't feel like work.
Yes, your gift can be stressful.
Yes, your gift can be time-consuming.
Yes, your gift can be challenging.
But YES, you have a unique gift.
And the world can't wait for you to share it!
Happy Triple Birthdays Jen, Bev, and Shannon!
Last Tuesday, we celebrated Jennifer Lee, Beverly Brewster, and Shannon Bindler's birthday with a 75 minute Stop Drop and Dance mashup of their favorite songs.
The theme was to "Come as you are" and Bev brought birthday crowns, while Jen brought the motivational buttons pictured above, and Erin hung up a birthday banner. From Jen's "You Are Enough" to "Always Be Kind" to "Make Today Great" buttons, and Shannon's electric "Higher Love" dancing and singing, to Bev's 72-year-old belly dancing and getting "Low" moves, it was such a fun class!
Thank you to everyone who was able to join them and Happy Birthdays to Jen, Bev, and Shannon!
Keep dancing until you are a GORGEOUS MESS.
Don't miss out joining us in Monterey!
Our initial 12 room block has already been all booked! Now we are on a first-come, first-serve reservation basis pending hotel availability so please book your spot if you are planning on joining us!
Our TWO-NIGHT getaway to Cannery Row in Monterey, California is from Wednesday, April 29th 4pm to Friday, May 1st noon.
- 2 night stay in the 4 star Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa
- 5 meals during our retreat (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners)
- Let's Roam Monterey scavenger hunt
- Kelp forest and sea otter kayaking
- Private group room rental at the hotel for our gatherings
- Meditation & Journaling
- Small Group Bonding
- 2 Stop Drop and Dance classes
- 1 Yoga Class
- Core work
- and more!
(transportation or parking not included)
FYI: you can come earlier or stay longer and explore Monterey more including the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Pebble Beach, 17-mile drive, Coastal trails and hikes, etc. It is a GREAT location!)
As many of you know, our Power With Grace retreats are designed for maximum bonding and interaction with our community to get to know one another more. It is a rare opportunity to travel and vacation with a wonderful group of women who are genuinely kind, caring, and easy-going. Unfortunately this retreat is not right for you if you are looking for a typical wellness retreat with a lot of private/solo time.
Early Bird Pricing starts at $1295 each for a shared double bed room (please find your own roommate) or $1595 for a single king bed room. Prices go up $100 after February 15th! Reserve your spot with a $500 non-refundable deposit and the remainder of the balance will be due March 15th.
Our February Schedule
This upcoming week will be a regular week of classes Tu/Wed/Th/Sat and if any of you are Marin Montessori families, I hope to see you on Friday evening at the 2nd Annual Dance-a-thon hosted by Erin Flynn!
Save the dates:
Saturday, February 7th 9:30am-10:30am @UUMarin
60 Minute Stop Drop and Dance class
Happy Birthday Debby Strenkofsky!
(also her last class before she hibernates for her double knee surgery at the end of February!)
Theme: Wear protest shirts and make protest signs to hang in the background!
Thursday, February 12th 9:30am-10:30am @UUMarin
60 Minute Stop Drop and Dance class
Happy Birthday Paula Todd!
Theme: TBD
Saturday, February 14th 9:30am-10:30am @UUMarin
60 Minute Stop Drop and Dance class
Happy Birthdays Eliza Desch and Gina Mazza!
Theme: Valentine's Day Adult DRILL TEAM outfits!
Tuesday, February 17th - Saturday, February 21st
CLASSES ARE CANCELLED!
Please take a previously-live class on-demand!
"In case you haven't been told lately...
You are loved.
You are important.
And you matter."
Love,
Grace
Dancers in the Wild!
Top Left: Visiting Leslie Dinham after her brain surgery last Tuesday.
Top Right: Karin Conn dropping off homemade dinner for Leslie Dinham.
Bottom Left: Jaime Dillon and Tanya Burdick at the San Rafael Protest against ICE in honor of Alex Pretti.
Bottom Right: Kristen Sperling sharing Bill AB 405 to keep lead out of our clothes.
