June is for moving. June is moving for myself. For feeling myself.

All photos courtesy of the wonderful and talened Matthew Gregory Hollis.

I made a promise to myself at the end of the school year that the month of June would be about movement. Too vague? Right, because every month for me is about movement. But June was about my movement needs: learning, exploring, creating and reflecting through movement lead by outside sources.

Believe it or not, this task was quite terrifying. This meant showing my face in classes with my peers that I had not seen in months. This meant I needed to let go of control and let someone else run the show. Slowly my ego shut down and I was able to really enjoy myself. I returned to classes taught by my favorite teachers who challenge and inspire me. One week in Madison creating new work for Kate Corby + Dancers had me falling in love with rolling on the floor all over again. Many walks and jogs exploring the city, spending quality time with friends. A two hour photo shoot with the lovely Matthew Gregory Hollis left me “feeling myself.” (it’s not cocky or gross....or at least it’s not when Beyonce says it.)

I quickly realized how crucial it is for teachers and artists to embrace “breaks” and take advantage of any opportunity to reverse roles. Be the student. Be the muse.

So how can I continue these experiences during the school year? How can I keep feeding my own needs when my occupation demands so much of me to fulfill the wants and needs of others? I plan on starting modestly: one new movement adventure a month. Ideas include: improv to whatever song I’m digging that month; buy tickets to a dance company I have not seen; try out the newest fitness crave; have a dance party in my kitchen; during passing periods roll around on the damn floor because it feels so good.

*I do realize it's the end of July...oops.