Over the years, I have had the good fortune of taking my love for teaching dance beyond the SCU classroom.  This summer, I engaged new and former clients in individual dance technique coaching in preparation for auditions and college applications.  All of these students are musical theatre lovers, so my work as a jazz dance educator fits seamlessly into reaching their summer goals.  I was also invited to return to choreograph West Valley Youth Theatre’s production of The Addams Family, https://www.wvyt.org/addamsfamily,  where I worked closely with Broadway alumni and director, Heather Stokes, music director Truesten Taotulo, along with recent SCU alum Patrick Gammon(stage manager) and current student Ashwin Raman(assistant choreographer).   I appreciate working with professionals who share the same values and care for their students.  This project commenced in the spring quarter during SCU’s run of 42nd Street and just closed on July 28. 

Although extremely busy in the performing world, I feel very at home in the theatre so choreographing a summer show or prepping upcoming projects is where I find enjoyment (although I have no problem sacrificing a couple days of rehearsal in exchange for a white sandy beach). When I am not choreographing, I also love watching other shows, which typically include current and former students. I do my best to support their process beyond the classroom.  From youth to professional theatre, watching these students grow their passion is fulfilling, as many educators can relate.

While my heart is so connected to my art, I do my best to balance family and social life with work. This summer, my family celebrated the heavenly birthday of my nephew Dominic Lopez Toney, with a golf tournament in his honor. Dom was an avid golfer and brought so much love to the game with his inclusive attitude. Golf is something I also enjoy when I can, so having the opportunity to be outdoors and celebrating with family and close friends is grounding, especially while in the midst of the rehearsal process.

This past week, I moved to the South County to be closer to my family. With my father’s passing last year, the loss of our nephew, my sister, and Mom, coming back “home” has provided a sense of centering I need at this time in my life. I am officially an empty nester, so between now and the end of summer, family, fun, and class prep will be priorities on my calendar.  I am also attending a dance conference in NYC in a couple of weeks, which I am looking forward to being a student for a few days.

While summer work intertwines with my time “off”, I still feel extremely blessed to be employed doing what I love.  Because I realize what a gift this is, I highly recommend that people find the fun in all they spend their time in. Dance around, sing out loud, hit a golf ball and be present in the freedom to choose what makes you feel centered and grounded.