So many things can be said, this is all I’ve got …

This time of year growing up was when we would go to nursing homes and dance for the residents. As students, we would try to remember our dances from the year before, remember the Christmas dances (Santa Tap, Skater’s Waltz etc.) and hope our costumes still fit. I remember sliding all over the linoleum in my tap shoes trying not to tear my ACL again.

Mrs. DeWeese was more than a dance teacher. She was a mother, mentor, and role model to us all. She did not care if you went on to dance but she did want you to do your best and be a good person.

We were all held accountable. We were all expected to make our own decisions. We were all taught and expected to perform to the best of our ability in all things. We were taught poise. We were taught compassion. Most of all, more than learning the art of dance, I learned what family and community means.

When you walked on the wood floor of the studio, you were expected to leave the rest of the world outside. What was inside the walls of the pale green church were what mattered. The people you were surrounded by were your sisters and brothers and they were the most important thing at that moment.

This taught me how to be present to someone. You dare not stand with your arms crossed or on your hips. You looked at your teacher in the eyes when she spoke. You took correction humbly and with humility. You allowed yourself to be vulnerable, to connect to your emotions.

I am who I am today because of her. Because of the lens I am able to look at life through. Because I am able to think about something and try to understand it, before I try to make my “feet” & “body” do it. Because I was able to be myself, flaws and all, and be told I was beautiful. Because I was supported. And because we laughed.

But most of all she taught me how to love, unconditionally.
All people.

Rise in glory!

love & hugs to you Mrs. De.