If you’ve ever filled out any kind of official form for insurance, a loan, a job application, the United States Census, or even to sign up for your COVID vaccine, you’ve probably filled out that section on “Race and Ethnicity.” And there are the usual categories: White, Hispanic, Black, Indigenous,...
Hope for the holidays
Here we are, at the end of the year, of this year, which has challenged us all in ways that we could never have imagined. And it’s definitely time for a year-end reflection. At the beginning of 2020, I was preparing to tour and teach like I have every year...
My first performance… ever
I am almost 2 years old. My eyes are closed. I can feel my heart beating, and I try to slow down my breath, taking huge inhales and releasing huge exhales. I’ve never felt so scared, and yet being on stage is all I ever dreamed of. As I wait...
I never learned how to ride a bike
So, this might come as a surprise… but I never learned how to ride a bike. Like, not ever. My mom wouldn’t let me. Starting as a pre-teen, I was the breadwinner of the family, teaching dance around the country. And my mom was afraid that I would hurt myself...
Ladybugs for Isabella
When Isabella asked me for a ladybug themed birthday, I giggled. I thought it was a bit silly. But then I started thinking about what that meant… and I realized that it was a lot deeper than I first thought. When Isabella was little, I used to call her my...
I just want some peace!
The letters that I chose to use as stocking hangers on our fireplace during the holidays spell out PEACE. It's what I most desire during the holidays. That idea must sound like such a cliche. But I never really felt peace growing up, and I wanted so much to create it for...