Putting on my jewels…

I was a social butterfly since last Friday night along with my sister Jennifer visiting. We had people over and went to people’s places.

Jen and I spent some wonderful sister time together, floating around the pool, cooking together, and watching girl tv.

Yesterday, Jen left early to head back to NJ to beat the traffic and did. We were done with production before noon which was fabulous.

After production, I felt exhausted, I had a great time with lots of fun, but I was beat. The heat didn’t help either.

I rested in our air-conditioned bedroom with Nelly until it was time to start getting ready for our library gig.

Unlike the parade gig, this time I was wearing my new white lace choli and polka-dot coin bra I made in early June.

The costuming I chose was simple; black, white, and purple. I did my hair in a flamenco style with only 2 flowers. My make-up was more subdued than the Pride Parade.

This was the look I envisioned when I made my polka-dot bra. Getting ready went smoothly and quickly. I was happy with how everything came out.

When I got to our dance space where we were meeting before the gig, I realized I was very mellow. I wasn’t in a talkative mood since I talked my fucking head off for days. Lol.

I felt the same way while driving over to the North Bennington Library and when I got there.

I knew it was part of my job as the dancer’s teacher to be “Julz.” I had to slip into my fun, energetic, and confident self. Julz the performer, the professional, and the leader.

While everyone was outside hanging out waiting to dance, I told Kathleen I needed to go inside and put on my “jewels.” She knew what I meant.

I went back inside the library and grounded myself. I closed my eyes and visualized myself putting on my “jewels” which is pulling my shit together, getting rid of any tired or negative energy.

I opened my eyes and popped into Julz, the belly dancer. I walked outside and announced to the dancers, “Ok guys, let’s get ready to have a fun show, that’s what we are here for. Let’s do it!”

I could see everyone smile and their eyes told me they were relieved to have their upbeat Julz back. I think Kathleen winked at me.

Next thing I knew, I started the music, we all locked into each others energy while I lead a gratitude dance facing each other in a circle.

We performed the best we could on a lawn with a slope and a hole in the ground. The most important thing was we had a ton of fun.

Kathleen and I performed our first public duet in front of an audience since June 2018. Thanks, covid.

Our duet was special and meant a lot to the both of us. We danced with the love we have for one and other as dance sisters. After all, we’ve been dancing together for 20 years.

After our two sets, we did a mini-lesson and invited the audience members to come up and dance with us. I put on music and started calling out what we were doing while everyone followed.

Quite a few people, men and women got up to give it a try, including my friend David. There was no pressure to do anything right except having fun.

We were all hot and sweaty since it was still in the 80s. We had that awesome post-gig buzz on again. I asked my friend and student Maria if she had fun and she said she did.

Last year, Maria was terrified of dancing, but has gotten over it. I said to Kathleen, “Get over here and give me a big, hot, and sweaty hug.” She threw herself at me and we cracked up.

The ride home was beautiful with the sun now gentle after a burning hot, sunny day. I drove with the air on and my window open.

I felt so good. I thanked to my body for allowing myself to still be able to dance after a rocky and sick period this winter.

I thanked the heavens that I get to teach and dance with a wonderful group of women, my dance sisters. ❤️