For many people around the world, this week marks an annual renewal, a time to reflect and be truly appreciative for the blessings throughout our life. Rather than talk about form, or technique, or dance classes, this week I simply want to say, “Thank You.”
Thank you to everyone who inspired me to dance over the many years. Thank you to the one person who, at my very first time as a horribly awkward, new beginning dancer at Toronto Salsa Practice, provided me with the kind and encouraging words that enabled me to continue. Thank you to the great teachers and workshop instructors who inspired me with technique and ideas that strengthened not only my own dance ability, but also my ability to share these ideas with hundreds of students.
Thank you to great partners who constantly challenge me to bring my best to each, individual dance. Thank you to courageous beginner dancers who challenge me to truly tune into you, to discover your strengths and hidden potential, and to allow me the privilege of helping to guide you towards accomplishing your dance aspirations.
Thank you to wonderful and supportive students who continually inspire me to improve as an instructor, to invent and experiment with new ideas that can help even one more person connect to this wonderful undertaking. Thank you especially to the Salsaholics students who, week in and week out, put up with my bad “dad jokes,” my metaphors-for-life commentaries, all my teaching “shtick,” and work very hard to incorporate the ideas and techniques I attempt to convey.
A very special thank you to the Salsaholics Anonymous team: the Salsa Dealers both new and old, who have supported this little school with their helpful and welcoming attitude towards our members, and make it possible for us to create the unique and engaging environment that makes learning salsa dancing safe, friendly, and fun. And an extra special appreciation and thank you to Sanam “Sunny” Devine who created Salsaholics 16 years ago, who brought me in as an instructor, and entrusted her legacy to my care last year. (And, she is the special guest instructor this week! Woo hoo!)
Each of us has many things throughout our life to be thankful for. Sometimes, it takes a reminder of how quickly they can be taken away from us to truly appreciate them: Our health, our relationships, our livelihood, our family, our friends. Dancing in general is something that features prominently in my life and has brought me so much joy and indeed, even the life I am now living. Teaching dance has been a privilege for which I am grateful each and every week. So…
Thank you.
See you on the dance floor.
Mark