I take ballet at least once a week at a ballet studio close to my apartment. Last week I decided to take the morning class instead of the evening class since I had the day off. The morning class was filled with elderly women, all retired, who probably have been taking class since the studio opened. For those of you in the dance world, you know who these women are!
During the first combination, a young woman came in with a baby in a carseat. No one blinked an eye as we continued with class and the teacher gave the next combinations. The baby woke up during the barre work and started to cry, and the mother immediately shushed and took the baby out. A few funny remarks from the teacher and everyone continued as normal.
What happened next in class made me extremely happy. During the break a few dancers came over to the mother and complimented her. As class progressed, women started holding the baby for the mother so she could dance. Complete strangers were helping this women so she could enjoy the class! For one combination the mother held the baby while learning but another woman took the baby when the mother's group danced. I even offered to hold the little one! When class ended, three women took all of the woman's belongings and helped her to her car. One of the women who helped left saying, "It takes a village!"
I told her how wonderful it was that she brought her baby- it was a pleasure to see! I love how the community in the room did not even flinch to help this woman who was trying to dance. I can only imagine how hard it is to take class when you have a little one and I give her major points for actually doing it. This is one of the many reasons I love being a dancer. Whether we know each other or not, there is a common bond and love for dance that unites us.
I am still trying to find my dance and non-dance community here in West LA. I have made a big push in the past 2 months and I have made some real progress! My smallgroup at PCC has been a great joy and I have been connecting with people from my past. I had a great community in DC and NYC and I feel a strong community is important for a healthy life.
If you know anyone in West LA-let me know! I would love to meet them!
During the first combination, a young woman came in with a baby in a carseat. No one blinked an eye as we continued with class and the teacher gave the next combinations. The baby woke up during the barre work and started to cry, and the mother immediately shushed and took the baby out. A few funny remarks from the teacher and everyone continued as normal.
What happened next in class made me extremely happy. During the break a few dancers came over to the mother and complimented her. As class progressed, women started holding the baby for the mother so she could dance. Complete strangers were helping this women so she could enjoy the class! For one combination the mother held the baby while learning but another woman took the baby when the mother's group danced. I even offered to hold the little one! When class ended, three women took all of the woman's belongings and helped her to her car. One of the women who helped left saying, "It takes a village!"
I told her how wonderful it was that she brought her baby- it was a pleasure to see! I love how the community in the room did not even flinch to help this woman who was trying to dance. I can only imagine how hard it is to take class when you have a little one and I give her major points for actually doing it. This is one of the many reasons I love being a dancer. Whether we know each other or not, there is a common bond and love for dance that unites us.
I am still trying to find my dance and non-dance community here in West LA. I have made a big push in the past 2 months and I have made some real progress! My smallgroup at PCC has been a great joy and I have been connecting with people from my past. I had a great community in DC and NYC and I feel a strong community is important for a healthy life.
If you know anyone in West LA-let me know! I would love to meet them!
