July was another big one. First, Bex, Michaela and I raised over $625 for the Dry July Trust by staying sober all month – proof that you don’t need alcohol to have a great time. Our 4th of July party was our biggest yet, with everyone decked out in red, white, and blue. Seeing our boot sisters from Gisborne and Whakatāne join in made it even more special.
On 12 July, I headed down to Wellington for the Dracula’s Cabaret Show with Maree, followed by some (squeezed-in!) line dancing at Dakota Bar. The place was so packed we could barely move, but we still managed a couple of dances.
Back home, our Absolutely Beginner Workshop Series has been going great guns. We’ve been running them back-to-back with 30 odd people in each class. It’s incredible seeing so many brand-new dancers – many who came in saying they had “two left feet” (and trust me, I know that feeling!) – start to find their rhythm and fall in love with line dancing too.
And then – the challenge.
After Whakatāne in June, Bex and Pauline threw down the gauntlet for me to choreograph my own dance. I’d been itching to use Don’t Wanna Dance by Thomas Rhett since April, so I finally dove in. Hours upon hours later, I realised just how much work goes into choreography… and truly appreciate all the people who helped me with this dance!
Reflection:
Sometimes growth looks like late nights, scribbled step sheets, and music on repeat – but the payoff is finding your own voice on the dance floor.
🎶 Song of the Month:
My Centrefold – Cathy & Claudio Dacumos
