Day 20: the Spark of Creation

Dancing is difficult for me. It always has been and it probably always will be. For the past few weeks for Children of Eden, I've really been struggling to learn the choreography. It's not too difficult, but our choreographer, Kayla, has really high expectations and moves quickly (which is completely necessary). I never feel like I can keep up. And, I know this sounds over-dramatic, but I've even left some rehearsals crying out of frustration.

But tonight my attitude completely changed. Tonight at rehearsal we ran through the entire show and then had a short dance clean-up with Kayla. It was really fun even though she worked us really hard and my ankle hurt really badly because I sprained it. Because of this, I was feeling uncertain about myself and I was having more trouble than usual. Kayla talked to us about the message of one of our dances, which is about how the world is being recreated.

I have never worked with a choreographer who is so passionate. She dances so beautifully and I could watch her dance all day. Kayla is a little bit intimidating at first and it really stinks when you disappoint her, but in reality she is so, so, so sweet.

When we moved on to our second dance, Kayla encouraged us to really get into it and I really tried to. For the beginning of the song, I am off to the side of the stage bopping along and singing. Near the middle of the song, I get to go to the center of the front row and dance. So, tonight, I ran to my place and as I got there I shared a moment of interaction with the boy who stands next to me. All of a sudden I heard Kayla's voice: "BEAUTIFUL, KATE!" I literally started crying. Kayla often shouts out compliments when she likes certain things in the dance, but she has never said anything about me before. I was so touched and it really made my week.

Kayla sparked something inside of me that gave me hope. I am encouraged. I feel great about myself. I am so grateful.