Made it & music.
Made it to Cleveland safe and sound. Totally welcomed by friends. I got on the plane this early morning and felt so excited to be coming this way - I had such a good time on my last trip here. I love seeing the familiar faces. And there is a seriously amazing goody basket staring at me across the hotel room right now - you guys are so awesome. Looking forward to classes in the morning.
On the way from Phoenix to Cleveland I watched a movie that brought up all kinds of thoughts and emotions. I wanted to share with you what I wrote after seeing the movie:
I am intensely inspired by people who make a difference in the lives of others. Those who bring out good and life and passion in those they come in contact with. On the flight to Cleveland I watched a movie called Take The Lead which is based on a true story of a ballroom dance instructor (Pierre Dulaine) who brought something magical, passionate and oh so very good to kids in NYC. (He is also featured in the documentary Mad Hot Ballroom that I hope to see soon.)The music. The bodies of the dancers. How the music flows through their body. How it takes them away from the everyday into another realm entirely - the realm of flow and beat and cha cha cha. Movies like that make something well up inside me. I was totally entranced and inspired.
And I thought of Simon and how he was dancing to the live band on the 4th of July. The music was flowing through him big time. He is just a little boy and man, he feels the music. He is connected to something greater than what we see on the surface.
Then I thought of that video of Matt doing his dance all over the world. I wonder if Matt had music while he danced? Did he just dance to the beat inside himself?
In looking back at my life so far, college for me was such a time of music. There was always music pumping somewhere on my street. Parties were all about music. And I loved dancing. I remember what it feels like to move my body to the music - it has been way too long since that time. I have developed more inhibitions, gotten more self-conscious. I am missing that freedom of movement, that flow that comes through the body when you dance without worry of looking silly, or fretting about your body...
I want loud music in my life again. That pure sense of being alive that only comes from the rhythm and flow of melody. I want to dance. I want to love my body and feel the beat and move.
Peace and tons of music to you all out there.
Music is such a wonderful thing, love it truly. Both of my boys I'm sure will be musically inclined, hubby plays bass guitar and stand up bass. We haven't gone to a concert in ages, but I'm so excited to be able to get up and dance and not care how stupid I look because everyone looks just as dumb. 311 in September, awsesome band.
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You gotta drive alone more often! I love the road to PDX with the sunroof open and the Rock N Roll blaring, my voice is usually hoarse by the time I get to work. :)
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Thank You For Sharing. Rock on.
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Hey, Ali...I was wondering about Matt, too, and this is what he said about music and dancing:
"Is there music playing while you dance?
Someone pointed out that I snap my fingers while I'm dancing. I never really noticed. I guess that's what I'm dancing to."
Cheers,
Amy
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Inspiring post Ali. I understand about living with more inhibitions. Seems we accept it as we become adults. I would love to feel the music as well.
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Dance like no one is watchin, right? Loved your class this morning Ali- Also love the movie. I own a dance studio- pretty sweet sharing my passion(well one of them) with kids! Another passion(scrappin)! Had a blast with my green shirt girls this morning! Thanks for your inspiration, real-ness and just some great hang out time!
Missy
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How awesome, Ali!
It's funny -- I crave music the same way you do.
I spent this morning downloading all kinds of old "memory" songs that remind me of good, dancing times.
let's dance in NZ!
love you,
jessica
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Hi Ali - have an awesome time in Ohio!! I wanted to share a story I just read on NHL.Com it combines my love of the National Hockey League and my heart for all things related to autism...
a cool bunch of dudes...
be good.
Mary
http://www.nhl.com/features/insider/aaa_golf070806.html
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Awesome post Ali! Inspiring as always :) Enjoy your time there too :)
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Hi~
You don't know me but I just read your recent blog on the music. You are totally going to love this book that I am going to recommend you get for your song. Then name is Giraffe's Can't Dance. It is totally awesome! You will love it. I sure do and share it with my kiddos grades K-2 every chance I get!
SMILES
Amanda
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Great post Ali! Music has always been an integral part of my life. I have to have it on ALL day long, but the volume has decreased over the years. Today, I turned the volume back up and thoroughly enjoyed taking it in. Loved it!!! Have fun in Ohio!!
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Wonderful post, Ali! I found myself swaying to the music of your words. I love watching babies react to music...to the beats...and how they move so freely. Don't you wish we could all do that again?
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I love to dance and I love music. just today I entertained my puppies with a little dancing while I cleaned and rocked with Mick Jager....it is good for the soul Ali....which reminds me of one of my fav quotes
“To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful. This is power, it is glory on earth and it is yours for the taking.”
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You do realize you do this for many of us????.......I am intensely inspired by people who make a difference in the lives of others. Those who bring out good and life and passion in those they come in contact with.
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You don't know me and this post has nothing to do with music. Why is that my personal favorite layouts don't get as many posts on 2 Peas but ones I'm not as crazy about get tons of posts? Does that happen to you? I was just curious. I'd love for you to check out my Lo on 2 Peas oneday when you have a chance(allison S). And girl I'm loving your style of scrapping, so real life. thanks!
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Ali-
How do we find out in advance about the classes you are teaching? I know it must be on your site, but I can't find it..
I would have been so happy to come take a class from you!
Carolyn in Cleveland
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You've got to check out Mad Hot Ballroom. One of my sorority sisters from Lehigh is one of the NYC teachers featured (she's the one that cries all the time - she did that in college too).
Oh, and Cleveland rawks. :)
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Ali,
providence, fate, destiny- really, pure kismet. I read your blog entry the morning after seeing an incredible performer who is heading your way. Drive to Portland & see her live if you can. I cannot say enough about her & was like a highschool kid with a new album on Friday- listening to tracks over & over. Hauntingly beautiful melodies and lyrics. And she is originally from Georgia (former USSR)....which will make some sense to you if you received a previous email from me!....but i digress...her origins aside- check her out. www.katiemelua.com Sunday July 30, in Portland OR
-and thanks for always inspirational posts
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Not sure where you are staying in Cleveland...but not too far away from the Terminal Tower downtown is where I lived, breathed and moved to music at the Cleveland Ballet School. It was about this time of year in 1982 when I was in Ohio, commuting from my mother's house in Avon Lake (my hometown) to attend scholarship classes. That was the last summer I danced...Came home to California, hung up the toe shoes and decided it was time for a family. Annie was born the following June. Every time I return for a visit, I'm reduced to tears at the memories of those classes and of moving so freely. It's as close as I've ever been to flying...
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Mad Hot Ballroom was really terrific. DH and I rented it this spring when we were taking our first ballroom dance classes together. Suffice it to say, the kids in the movie were MUCH better dancers than we were! :) Pretty fabulous movie, though.
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