we keep it moving

Apr. 12, 2010 at 10:00pm with 54 notes

I have a friend named Apple. He’s from Singapore, on exchange, and going to San Diego State this semester. He hasn’t been dancing very long, at least compared to those of us who’ve been dancing going on past a decade. One of the things that is so special about Apple is that he has that zealous drive that I think most of us had when we first started dancing, but times 100. For those of you who know him, you know what I’m talking about. If you don’t know him, here is an example. Apple, is determined to take classes and train, but he has no car and San Diego is big. He takes a 3-hour trolley/2 bus ride to get to Studio 429, and a 3 hour ride back. Now that he’s been here for awhile and made some more connections, he gets rides here and there. But without fail, rain or shine, ride or bus, he is always in my class on Tuesdays (and Thursdays) as well as at the class before mine and after. He also does this every Monday and Wednesday. He works hard, he sweats, and with this positive energy that exudes from his presence. I could write so much about how Apple inspires me, but I’ll keep it as short as I can.

Today I got a text from him in all-caps about how he just bought his tickets for Body Rock and how it’s a dream come true to be able to be at the show. Just to be there to watch. I felt so touched and also like his drive was being transferred over to me. Like there was some little thing kicking me inside and itching for me to go to practice. To work hard and to make something incredible with my team so we can come with our best. Not because of competition, not to prove anything, but because dance is a powerful thing, because Apple is in the audience, because we should always want to push ourselves. What we do enlivens people. It touches them, but I believe it touches us the most. And it’s crazy that someone, across the Pacific Ocean, already came to this country knowing about our dance community and wanting to just be here to be a part of it. Our dance community is here yeah in Southern California, but really, it’s so much bigger. It’s an international community and I’ve been so blessed to even be able to experience a small portion of that.

At church on Sunday we were talking about being a mentor, being a teacher or even just a friend. And about how when you talk to someone, when you’re there for and help guide them, they really teach you more than you teach them. When I see Apple in class, talking to the other students at Studio 429, being excited at other shows like Vibe and Friends & Family, he teaches me how to be motivated. How to appreciate everything around me. There have been other people in my life who do this too, I wish I could name you all. Probably in other posts. But I just wanted to share a little bit of Apple. Maybe if anyone is reading this who is going to be performing at Body Rock, just know that there’s someone in the audience who is passionate about what we all do and so so excited to watch you. Thanks Apple :)

Night night world.

Heart,

Mari