*This article is part of a series following the last months of my 15 year professional dance career with Aspen Santa Fe Ballet. To start at the ‘beginning of the end’ so to speak, check out https://interviewenlair.com/6-months-soul/.

I love the saying, “If the music is good, you dance”.  So simple, very cut and dry…clean.  Basic yet so fulfilling.  Well my friends, the music has been “good” for 15 years, and I’m no musician.  Where am I going with this?

As I continue my personal journey of transition from the stage to a new chapter in life, it is imperative to discuss the concept of gratitude. I have a lot of it.  If there was to be a theme of the 15 years summed up for me, Gratitude would be it.  Artists do not become fulfilled by themselves, we need inspiration, motivation, coaching, support, our music so to speak.

I am taking this as an opportunity to say, THANK YOU.  To everyone who has been a part of my dance life.  My parents, siblings, teachers from the beginning to the end, all of my non dance related friends as well as the dance family I am blessed to be a part of.  My directors, choreographers, coaches, patrons, and the many many audiences.  You have all contributed to a beautiful life to experience.  I’m not sure how I deserved it all, but I do know I will forever hold all of you in my heart.

Below I have attached my formal “retirement article” recently published in Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s Ballet News.  The piece was prompted, edited, finalized by Marketing Director, Jessica Moore, and to me was a very therapeutic way to put thoughts of love, gratitude, and closure together in one place. Jessica and I joked the initial notebook where I jotted my thoughts was wet covered in tears, and she wasn’t far off.  Just as dance onstage can be full of emotion and passion, I’m learning that saying good bye to the stage has the same effect.

Once again, I thank you, and my gratitude continues to the readers of The Bend and En L’Air, I guess there is a part of me that will always be drawn to having an audience.

If the music is good, you dance.

http://www.aspensantafeballet.com