Dance Saved Us

None of us could have predicted what 2020 was going to look like - the year started off with so much promise, energy, enthusiasm, and for me personally and professionally, 2020 was already beginning with a bang - live TV appearances, awards, speaking engagements across the country, and a brand new #BareFeetDNA Season 3 on Create TV.  Of course we all know what happened immediately after that, but as I was making this video, not only was I reminded of how long ago and how different the earlier part of the year felt, but I was also filled with immense joy to see how dance has continued to help me stay connected with the world, no matter what!

I want to thank the 40+ guests who joined me on our weekly #BareFeetLIVE series this year - it was an honor to be able to share so many dances and chats with you all!  And without you, none of this would be possible.  I (and I hope all of you who joined us) was able to travel every week and be transported to another place in the world through the power of technology, social media, and of course the connection that dance and music can only do.

So much has happened this year that has changed our lives, I hope for the better - and as we say goodbye to 2020 and welcome in the new year, let’s remember the beauty that this year brought us, no matter how painful, and to know that dance will help us get through all of this.

Happy New Year, to a brighter 2021 filled with dance!

Special thanks to ABC Good Morning Washington, Create TV, G! Awards, and to all our guests including Sylvia Serena, Jessy Munoz teaching Ori Tahiti, Mary Verdi Fletcher and the Dancing Wheels Company, Michelle Reed of N8V Dance Fitness, Orlando Pagan of Syzokryli Ukrainian Dance School, Djoniba Mouflet of the Djoniba Dance Centre, Milteri Tucker of Bombazo Dance Company & SummerStage, Blakeley White-McGuire, The Sandoval Broz., Beatrice Capote, Linda Simms, Julio Jean, Quenia Ribeiro, Phil Rosenthal, Ryan Daniel Beck, Alberto Lopez of Calpulli Mexican Dance Company, Shermica Farquhar of Soka Tribe, Sarina Jain of The Masala Bhangra Workout, Rodney Green Jr., Marjorie Stewart of Shot of Scotch, Michael Thomas of the Ailey Extension, Julia Kulakova, Dieter Riesle, Leila Broukhim, Jimmy Locus & Monica Richardson of Locust Performing Arts, Princess Lockerooo, La Luna Dance Center, Esraa Warda, Gina Niemiec of Embrace Your Rhythm, Jenna Zraick, Anne-Marie Nelligan of the Torc Traditional Irish Dancers, Rick Steves, Justa Lujwangana of Curious on Tanzania, Aubrey Lynch of Harlem School of the Arts, Superceili and The Dingle Music Shop, Jason Samuels-Smith, and all of the guests who joined me in 2020!