The Struggle Is Real

Make a Difference

Inspire Me

We Saved 1500 LIVES!!!

February 9, 2021

February 9, 2021

Dear Friends,


Thank you for donating $2973 to OneMama.org!

This past Saturday, we celebrated Marti's birthday and danced together for Black History Month to an all-BIPOC-women playlist.  We gathered in a parking lot, and even persevered through a dropped Zoom call, all so that we could provide 30 months-worth of birthing kits (saving 1500 lives) for a maternal health clinic in Kirindi, Uganda. Thank you to Siobhan Neilland, the founder of OneMama.org, who spoke in the beginning of class, and is doing truly amazing things for women all around the globe.  Thank you also to everyone who danced and gave to this organization!

"I LOVE my friends."

As the donations were coming in this past week, this was Marti's response. Isn't it true?  Surround yourself with people who support you, who make you a better person, and who love you as you are!

"I would not be here, without you all."

Earlier in the week, we also celebrated the 5th cancerversary for our dear friend, Seran. One of our dancers, Ammie, stayed up late the night before, thoughtfully making adorable pink tank tops with the number "5" on them for all of Seran's friends.It was supposed to rain the past Tuesday, but somehow Seran's magic brought out the sunshine. Thank you Jen for capturing this photo and thank you to all of you who showed up for Seran (and Happy Birthday Kira)! The quote above are Seran's beautiful words.

Lunar New Year Wishes: Stop Racism

When my parents immigrated to the United States in the 70s, they faced so much racism and discrimination that they raised my sister and I so we would be fluent in English and be able to assimilate into American culture.  I thought our society had changed and begun to improve.

Until last year. 

2020 and the "Kung-Flu Virus" resurfaced some extremely harsh racism against Asians, from verbal abuse to physical assault.  Even I had shared my experience of getting pushed out of an ice cream store last summer.  Clearly, xenophobia against Asians never went away and Covid-19 was the excuse to unleash all the hate.

Events from this past week in the Bay Area have been extremely disturbing as Asian elders seem to be the new targets.  Two specific incidents happened to be captured on video: a 91-year-old in Oakland Chinatown and 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee, who ended up passing away from injuries.  What about all the other instances that weren't videotaped?

Awareness, the first step.


Celebrate Black History Month with more love!

The drawing above and inspirational story below is by Instagram artist Jonathan D. Chang @jdschang, who was the original artist to illustrate Vicha Ratanapakdee after his passing.  Now Jonathan's drawing can be seen on many people's social media profile pictures.  

"Had to illustrate what I saw the other day when I was stuck in traffic. An old Asian man tripped on the sidewalk and collapsed on the floor. An old Black man quickly got out of his truck and gave him a helping hand. We need this type of energy in the world more than ever."

The ongoing fight for #BlackLivesMatter will never stop, but this month, we also pause specifically to celebrate the achievements of black people who have shaped our history, from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Jackie Robinson to Amanda Gordon.  Thank you to Katherine who shared a wonderful resource for Black History Month, perfect for educators and families:

https://blackhistoryintwominutes.com/


NO LIVE CLASSES 
Saturday, February 13th - 20th

I will be taking some time off to play in the snow with my family.

During my absence, I will provide a few previously-live Stop Drop And Dance and HIIT Cardio Strength recordings on-demand, plus we have a growing library of all sorts of fitness and yoga classes. Purchase classes a-la-carte, or become a member for unlimited access to all classes!

Thank you for your support and understanding.

Love,

Grace