The importance f being free has never been so relevant in my life. Two weeks away from turning 26 and four years away from my 30th birthday I can not help but say that I am proud of the woman that I am becoming. I can recall how I always gave a rats tail about what others thought about, who was watching and whether or not they thought that I was cute or cute. As I have matured I have found that I am slowly (I am still a working progress) shedding that spirit.
Recently I started taking West African Dance and discovered after years of believing that I couldn't dance that I can in fact dance. The difference between present and the past, is simply in the past I cared too much about the perceptions of others and was unable to simply be. A bit more secure at 25, I could care less what others think of me especially as it pertains to this African class. I must also interject and say the women whom I dance with are really supportive and encouraging.
There's just something about being able to connect to my ancestors through dance ad music. The drums...the drum player are unbelievable. Its almost like there is a spiritual connection between the rhythm of the drums and my body. The rhythms, the beats, the stomping of the feet of the ground just does something to the soul that is quite uplifting. The 2 and 3 yr old girls dancing to the beat and learning early on this is who you are and you come from a spiritual people is very inspiring to me. Among these group of women I feel at home, where I am able to just be, although still a little timid at times. We greet each other with hugs and simply connect to one another...it really a fascinating feeling being among black women who are secure in who they are in their natural state.
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