Hey there Beauty Shaker,
Let me tell you about a dear friend. You may know her: Marisa, SharQui’s Director of Professional Development. I recently spent the weekend with her at her summer house in New Jersey, and let me just say – if you ever get the chance to spend an hour with her, take it! She has this way of speaking that feels like she’s revealing the meaning of life. And her voice… holy crap, it’s poetry. If you ever need to unwind, she’s your gal.
Did you know Marisa was once a classical guitarist? Yes, seriously! She was even accepted into Juilliard’s Graduate Program but turned it down. When I heard that, I nearly fell off my chair. Juilliard was my dream, and I once auditioned too. But I didn’t get in – I was told my skills weren’t up to par, and that I wasn’t the “right” body type. So to find out she didn’t end up going… my jaw dropped. (Why she turned it down is a story for another day!)
Hearing Marisa’s story brought me back to my own classical music roots. I used to play piano, even competed for a while. But to be honest, I hated practicing, and my passion wasn’t there. I eventually realized my mom was living through me a bit. Still, that classical training gave me an edge in my dance journey and in creating music for SharQui, so I’m grateful for it.
It’s been, what, 35 years since my fingers last touched piano keys. And even though I haven’t gone back to playing, I did go back to music in a different way – by creating it. Marisa told me she’s thinking about picking up the guitar again, too.
Here’s the thing: every day, we have the chance to begin again. We can roll out that yoga mat we’ve been ignoring, dust off the treadmill, or dig out that hip scarf hiding in the closet. There’s always a chance to try again, to hope again, to dream again.
And if that spark to start again is calling to you, I’d love for you to find it with us in the SharQui community. Whether you’re stepping into dance for the first time, picking it back up after a break, or even if you are interested in teaching or want to learn new skills, we’re here for you. SharQui is a space where we come together, dust off our dreams, and keep each other inspired.
Today’s not over yet.
Life’s not over yet.
It’s never too late to start for the first time or to start over. Even after 35 years.
Even now.
Especially now.
So, if you’re ready to take that step, dance with us. We’re ready to welcome you back with open arms.
See you soon,
Oreet