This November, we are in a state of process. Tons of work going on towards Kia Smith’s new piece and it’s truly wonderful watching everything to come together. Don’t get me wrong – it’s hard work. It’s nice to take a step back and appreciate all that’s going on big picture.

GRATITUDE is one of my favorite seasons of the year – you all know if you’ve been following the blog for years and years. This year I’ve decided we need MORE gratitude and it’s a whole series.

Today, I start by being grateful for the people in the picture above and so many more not pictured. Each dancer on SCDT brings a little bit of light into my day and I’m extremely thankful for it. Below is a sentence or two about each person. Hopefully it helps you get to know them a bit more, and selfishly it allows me to reflect and sparks some joy in my day 🙂

Keeley: For one, Keeley makes me dance taller and makes me want to get my leg up higher!! But in all seriousness, she is sweet and always serves a smile and her youthful energy keeps us going!

Kelsi: Our quiet and quippy queen. You have to listen close, but she is quick-witted while staying completely focused and determined whenever it comes to class or rehearsal.

Lauryn: A serious powerhouse. She may be new this year, but her dancing is far from timid. I’m inspired by her hunger and tenacity in her dancing and as a person!

Reid: He’s young but oh so professional! Reid is the first to treat everyone with kindness and has a work ethic that is top notch.

Mary: She’s so silly and fun and keeps the long rehearsal days so light-hearted. It’s what we need every time we step into the studio – more JOY!

Maddie: Maddie is insanely focused and has a constant desire to get better. She takes feedback and improves upon it unlike any dancer I’ve seen and it’s so inspiring!

Faith: She has such an ease to her movement. She challenges me to explore and think about movement in a different way and is such a powerful force and presence when she dances!

Ben: Ben is the type of person you become friends with from the first moment you meet – he’s so easy-going, funny, and doesn’t take things so seriously. And then you watch him dance and his flexibility and realize he’s serious about that…:)

Elijah: The company’s all-time grandpa! Such an old soul, but so incredibly creative. The way Elijah approaches movement is from a leveling up mindset. He’ll never settle and constantly pushes me to do more!

Brodie: Brodie is sometimes my needed reminder to chill out – he’s a calming spirit and so collected especially when learning choreography quickly. My FAVORITE Brodie moments, though, are when he spews out in uncontrollable laughter!

Valerie: Our newest company member, but so eloquent, well-spoken, adaptable, and mature. I don’t love hugs, but I’d take a Valerie hug any day 🙂

Trey: Trey’s presence is always known and they constantly inspire me to take up space, dance taller, and level up. Plus, I’m 100% thankful for their shoulder massages!!!

Chloe: Chloe girl is fun, chatty, and so easy to get along with. She’s gorgeous to watch as a dancer and has such fluid transitions!

Jack: His energy is infectious and fills the whole entire room. He’s a natural leader, a fun friend, and so athletic as a dancer it constantly challenges me to push my stamina and strength.

Marissa: Poised, graceful, organized, on top of it ALWAYS! Marissa is calm and confident energy, she’s so intelligent, and she balances out all of our crazy energy so well.

Mya: Never a dull moment around Mya – her personality is bright and silly and she keeps me laughing 800% of the time. She is the POWER in SCDT no doubt!

SCDT is full of great dancers, but more than that it’s full of great PEOPLE. Thanks for always sharing your energy with me each day.