When I was a kid, my aunts would regale me with stories of weddings they attended, and every time, they would describe a moment where everyone would sit to watch my mom dance. My dad was a guest at one of those weddings, and he fell for her right then and there.

The power of dance intrigued me from a young age, and I couldn’t help but wonder what it was about my mother’s movements that had held everyone’s attention.

When I turned four, my mother began taking me to these events – a beautiful Moroccan ritual where women would gather in the afternoon to dance and celebrate life. I was mesmerized by the vibrant music and the way these women would move their bodies with such grace and freedom. They were like goddesses, unleashing their feminine energy and their stories through their dancing. It was clear to me that dance was more than just a physical activity – it was a way to nourish the soul.

By the time I turned five, I knew that dance would play a huge role in my life. My parents enrolled me in my first dance class, and it was love at first sight. A love that only grew stronger with time and practice.

Thirty years later.

Last year, I had just finished a dance class in San Francisco, when the unexpected happened. My dance teacher approached me and asked, “Do you teach dance?”. I was both flattered and embarrassed. I said “Me? Oh no, I just love to dance”. But my teacher wasn’t deterred. “Think about it. Something special happens when you dance. Why don’t you audition here and see what happens?”

On my way back home, my mind was spinning with a mix of excitement and fear. The thought of teaching and sharing the magic that had transformed my life with others, was both exhilarating and daunting. I couldn’t help but question myself: who was I to think that I could become a dance teacher now? I hadn’t pursued dance as a career when I was younger, my technique wasn’t as sharp as it once was, and I had no experience teaching. Forget about it, it’s a crazy idea.

That night, I could barely sleep. As crazy as that option initially sounded to me, it started taking hold.

I realized that dance, my ultimate favorite language, had taught me so much. It had shaped a big part of who I am today.

And the idea of passing on those lessons to others, and creating a space where they could experience the same sense of freedom and joy that I had found on the dance floor, was too tempting to resist.

So, I started reflecting on all those lessons that helped me grow not only as a dancer but also as a person…

• Express and release: Movement is the language of the body, and everyone has the ability to speak it. When we move, we express our innermost thoughts, feelings, and stories, even if we don’t realize it. Dance has taught me that this self-expression is not only therapeutic for the soul, but also a way to release trapped emotions and energy. By embodying our truth through dance, we can recreate ourselves and grow in unimaginable ways.
• Dare to be whole: Dancing has taught me that the best and whole version of myself is the one that I become when I dance – free, alive, authentic, connected, vulnerable, confident, and flowing. This philosophy has pushed me to strive for wholeness in other aspects of my life, to fully embrace the “ands” in me and be my truest self no matter where I am.
• Focus on the journey: Dance is not about reaching a destination; it’s about savoring every step of the journey. By embracing the process and enjoying the present moment, we can learn to appreciate all experiences that come with it.
• Embrace the different beats of life: Just like in dance, life is full of unexpected changes and challenges. Dance has taught me to adapt, to listen and respond rather than react. By being bold, passionate, and using dance as a catalyst for change and transformation, we can persevere through any obstacle.
• Celebrate differences: Dancing with others has taught me that we are all connected, and that our differences create richness, inspiration, and growth. Through dance, we can build community and connect with people from all walks of life.
• Come back to the center: In dance, we explore the space around us but always come back to our center. This beautiful metaphor can be applied to our lives as well. By making decisions and moving from within, we can stay grounded and true to ourselves.
• Develop grit and commitment: Dance requires dedication and perseverance, but the rewards are immeasurable. The lesson is simple: if you TRULY want something, go for it, and don’t give up until you get it.

After this reflection practice, I couldn’t ignore the powerful pull of my passion. With my heart racing, I picked up my phone and sent a message to my teacher, “You were right, I should audition. Where do I begin?”.

Today, I taught my very first dance class, and the joy and energy that filled the room made me feel truly alive. The experience reaffirmed that dance is a way of life; in fact, life is the most beautiful dance. One that allows us to embrace every moment, connect with others, and create a world where we are all free to be our most authentic and vibrant selves.