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 Greetings!
As the days grow shorter and colder in the fall, I'm moved
to take time for reflection. And what comes to mind is not only how far we've
traveled, in thirty years as a company and approaching four years in our new
home, but also a very deep sense of gratitude.
I'm thankful to our teachers:
their everyday efforts--energetic, soulful, sublime!--inspire us all in so many
ways. The Rhythm & Motion staff and my many ODC collaborators behind the
scenes help keep things in perspective, transforming the on-going challenges of
our work into tasks we can take up with focus and heart.
My deepest gratitude goes to you, our students, who make the efforts and
sacrifices to come to class. I so much appreciate your choosing to spend your
time with us in our joyful, inclusive community.
I look forward to sharing news of our up-coming 30th
anniversary celebration; the festivities are free for everyone and open to the public, so please save the date and invite your friends!
In gratitude,
Consuelo Faust, Founder and Director, Rhythm & Motion Dance Program
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  R&M Upcoming Events
SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday, December 30th!
Come
celebrate R&M's 30th anniversary with an amazing array of classes,
performances and other special events happening from morning until
night. More details coming soon.
F-U-N: Every Weekend Dance Parties!
Our
Tango classes followed by the Tango Practica are now part of our class
pass system. Just sign in at the front desk as you normally do. And
join us for a free Tango class on October 30th as part of R&M's
monthly 30th anniversary specials.
New Saturday Night Party
The
Rent Party hosts a weekly Saturday night dance party. Join the fun
every week with Lindy Hop and Blues dance. Throughout the month, we
will offer different level classes, all starting at 8:30pm. The Party
begins at 9:30pm and goes until 12:30am. You can use your class card to
pay for the class and party or just pay as you go ($12). Come on time
and get a discount ($10). You can even just come for the Party (only
$7). For more information see www.therentparty.com.
Drop-in beginning level classes are offered at every dance party!
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As my husband Alex and I drove down the coast for a weekend
getaway, we fantasized about life after our two middle schoolers. Salsa
lessons. Slow weekend mornings without little league. A Thai cooking class.
When Alex mentioned moving out of San Francisco, I was game until he suggested
Santa Cruz.
My stomach turned. "Nope, I need to be within 20 minutes of
the city by car."
Alex pushed down on the gas pedal. "You just can't leave
your mother."
My teeth clenched. "Maybe. But really, I'm not moving more
than 20 minutes away from a Rhythm & Motion dance class."
"What? That's crazy. You'll find another exercise class!"
After 20 years together, we must have learned something
about prioritizing precious time alone because we both dropped the subject. But
upon arriving home to our 13 year-old with a fever, the question lingered.
Would Rhythm & Motion Dance Workout really keep me close to San Francisco?
As my daughter's fever turned into my son's runny nose, I
remembered R&M classes teaching me how to dance and enjoy exercising when I
was 15 years old. During college on the East coast, movement meant grapevines
to a VHS of Jane Fonda in a shiny blue leotard urging, "Make it burn." After
that in Half Moon Bay, I walked endless laps around a school track pumping my
arms like a chicken to raise my heartbeat. When we moved home to San Francisco I greeted Rhythm & Motion like a lost love.
When Alex started sneezing, caring for my family replaced
thoughts about moving anywhere. Inexplicably, I also couldn't sleep. Exhausted,
I dragged myself to the gym for a quick round of strength training. Mid-push, I
caught myself staring vacantly ahead. After another sleepless night, I realized
that survival mode had kept me away from R&M all week.
That day Fusion Rhythms welcomed me with slow stretches and
encouraging smiles. As my rolling spine became a cheeky urban thrust, I rocked
until my stress transformed into relieved sweat. With each urge from the
teacher, I leaped higher, a call in response of joy and fun. Once on the floor,
my stomach lifted toward a wise song that said, "I know a place...Ain't nobody
cryin, ain't nobody worried....I'll take you there." I inhaled slowly and savored
my heaven here on earth.
That night I felt calm and somehow refreshed inside; my eyes
really did close before my head touched the pillow. Nope, I'm not moving far
from San Francisco any time soon.
Staci Boden has been enjoying R&M dance since 1985 and is Editor of R&M's e-newsletter. Staci is Founder of Dancing-Tree Consulting,
a resource for individuals, groups and organizations to realize
potential in life and business. With services ranging from individual
coaching and guided visualization to copywriting and business
development, Dancing-Tree Consulting helps clients transform projects,
decisions and relationships.
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Warm regards,
Consuelo, Samantha, Dudley, Alex and Staci
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