Professionally, it's been a crazy wonderful and inspiring year. I don't know how many dances I learned, choreographed and performed but I did it somehow! At times, I'd be running on stage JUST in time for the next dance. I used to watch footage of myself dancing since my accident and concussion and could tell something was wrong. It's so good to be and see my actual REAL self again. This year was a struggle but I fought hard. As they say "the struggle you're in today is developing you for the strength you need for tomorrow," and I wasn't going to let myself sink.
I worked with the inspiring Keith Thompson in a 4 day residency and performed his choreography, premiered a new solo about breathing through life and following your dreams... "Turn your plans to dreams so you can breathe." was the theme. "[demanding] a quieter introspection of the way life makes demands on the body and soul... [A Power-packed acrobatic performance]" was the review by Radhika Baruah for an article in the Asaam Tribune. I reunited with former college teachers and friends and got to dance with them one more time as we celebrated the ever-inspiring Karen Dearborn. I learned a crazy cool duet with one of my favorite choreographers and people that I could never be sick of, joined a new dance company that makes me laugh so much my cheeks hurt, and performed in the beauty of the woods instilling the most graceful and ethereal of experiences. I performed all over the place in the Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia, and NYC for fundraisers, showcases, outreach programs, and full-length company shows. I worked with a videographer that visualized my movement in the coolest of ways and have my last dance venture before the end of 2014 with the same person, being asked to specifically choreograph to a certain song.
In the midst of all this I took some great masterclasses and spent a lot of time at Broadway Dance Center of course. I taught and choreographed about 30 numbers at the studio I work at where I am continually inspired by my students and their passion, hunger, and eagerness to learn from me. I taught some master classes at a few different places as well and to have me teach for them was an honor. These past months we have even started rehearsing for the first dance convention in which my choreography will be presented and critiqued by renowned dancers, choreographers, and teachers.
It's hard to believe I even had time for a personal life but in times of re-booting I was able to support other fellow dancers, musicians, and friends. I reunited with many to celebrate as they moved on to the next stages of their lives, learned all about beach culture, had Rita's for the first time in my life, and of course spent many moments in NYC. In the summer I spent in this constantly inspiring city, so many things raced through my mind, my heart, and straight into my soul through this place I never feel alone. I even got to meet Birdy at her concert with Christina Perri (my dream team!). This weekend will also be a reunion of people that haven't been together in 10 years! This year, I had constant adventures in life and in love and there's so much to be grateful for.
Just as the year started I was all about being grateful, living in the moment, and planning now what you may not be able to do tomorrow. Thank you to everyone who has been along on this crazy ride of a year with me. Thank you to my family, true friends, the best students, the most talented people to share stages with, and a special person who breathes me life - no matter how near or far.. always in my heart. The moments we sneak in mean everything to me. Always remember, we follow our dreams, and today that is all that matters even though I miss you always, most especially this time of year. There's Something About December ;)
So what does 2015 hold for me? The possibilities are endless. The convention my ASH angels are preparing for is coming, it's time to start choreography for the studio, and my new solo "My Strength" will be premiering. I'll be performing at Ailey in NYC, company-length shows in Philly and who knows where and what else... maybe even Poland! A lot is up in the air and I can constantly feel myself being pulled towards my dreams.
For the last 5 years my life's theme has been about starting again. How do you recover from losses so great you thought you'd never live life again? Starting from scratch you dig deep and find that one thing that keeps you breathing your way through life. In that time, I did it somehow. For a while now I've been doing it...but once again I find myself at a crossroads, having to find the strength to start over again. It isn't easy leaving something you've known and loved for so long, but sometimes you have to do what's best for you. 2015 will be a huge year of transition and I need to be ready. In high school, I had a favorite quote. It was on my yearbook page, AIM profile, and college application essays. "I fall, I get up, I fall again... but in the meantime I keep on dancing like it's just another routine." No matter what the future holds, what the world gives me, what life deals me... I will keep on dancing. Here's to 2015!
Love Always,
Lauren.
