As it’s November, and gratitude goes hand in hand with this month of thanksgiving, I find it fitting to address the ten things I am most thankful for as a part of SCDT. Gratitude is one of my favorite practices – each morning I write down ten things in the past 24 hours that I am thankful for. Overall, it makes me happier and helps me to notice the small things that make huge impacts. So here it is, my official Gratitude List for South Chicago Dance Theatre:

1. Friendships and bonds that have been created in the past three months. I can confidently say that I trust, respect, and love every member of our SCDT team.
2. The importance of artistry. Kia values each artists’ personal voice as a mover and that is so fulfilling as a dancer to know that your own movement quality and quirks are seen as important.
3. Kia herself. Seeing a strong and confident woman run her own company in such an organized, professional, and loving manner is inspiring.
4. The challenge to be a better dancer. Everyone gives it their all in company class and in rehearsal. It constantly pushes me to grow.
5. COMPANY CLASS! Can we talk about Sarah Schaefer’s ballet class every Tuesday? I have never felt more poised and like I’m actually DANCING in a ballet class than with her. And don’t even get me started on Kia’s modern – a challenge but a necessity!!
6. Diverse repertoire. We are performing ballet, jazz, modern, Africanist influenced, and soulful choreography. It keeps me on my toes as a dancer and provides me the opportunity to be versatile.
7. Our board!! We had a chance to invite them to our rehearsal over Zoom last month and the way they spoke about their appreciation for dance and SCDT made my heart so happy.
8. The Youth Training Company! I’ve had the chance to substitute teach over Zoom for these kids and their dedication to dance reminds me why I started in the first place.
9. The laughs and silliness that only dancers can understand. Being back in community with fellow dancers has made me the happiest I’ve been all year!
10. The sense of belonging I feel with SCDT. We are all such a crucial part of the group. The studio is our home, we are each other’s support systems, and movement is our therapy. 

South Chicago Dance Theatre is so much more than just a company to all of us dancers. We get to live out our passion, and for that I am forever thankful!