How RUD Blessed Me
By: I'oLa Hall
Dear RUD community, I literally started writing this exactly 2 months ago on my way out of the Richmond area, and because I didn't finish, I never followed through in sending it... But it's so unlike me not to express appreciation to those who have positively impact my life. So better late than never.
2/29
"As I head out of Richmond, I want to extend my thanks to all of you! In my favorite novel, the main character is literally walking with God and he asks something along the lines of "why do people die? Why do we experience loss? And why do good things come to an end?" and God's response was, "if we knew life would last forever, if we didn't experience an end, especially to those good things, we wouldn't have the feeling of gratitude towards anyone or anything". That put a lot of things into perspective for me. In fact it resonates with me now, as I bid RUD and each and everyone of you, adieu.
So it is with a thankful heart, I am sharing my thoughts and reflections of how RUD blessed me; and though only for a season in time, the sense of gratitude will last a lifetime!
Mandy: The safe and welcoming space you've created for dancers to grow not only in their craft but in character is invaluable; I can list multiple reasons why I'm grateful to you, but I'll refrain. Instead, although simply stated, it is with sincerity I'll say, "THANK YOU FOR EMBRACING ME!" 🤗
Alex: My fellow dancing therapist, while hip-hop may have challenged my mental processing, you challenged this 37 y.o. body; physically pushing me to places most would consider past their prime. No matter what song, no matter what movement, your choreography truly felt the most exhilarating/liberating to me. Thank you for sharing your testimony with us, what you've come through is inspiring; defy the odds, keep dancing😉!
Mizuki:🥹🥹🥹...Absolutely LOVED sharing a space with you, learning with you & growing with you! You are a great dancer, with versatility, poise and such a great and positive attitude! So grateful to have had the opportunity to dance alongside you, God willing it won't be the last time🤗!
Desmin: Technique can be challenging, yet week after week you made class light-hearted and fun for all. Much respect for how you treat your students with a great balance of patience, and gentleness while still pushing us to improve our skill set. Your ability to create such clean and creative choreography on the spot is nothing short of amazing. I'll surely miss learning from you!
Sam: Last Wednesday, as I watched you teach 2 classes back to back I couldn't help but think how much you have grown as an instructor and a choreographer. The variety of style you put into 1 piece of choreography is one of your greatest strengths. Before starting at RUD, I watched a social media clip of you expressing how impressed/overwhelmed you were with the amount of talent surrounding you at an audition. Well, I want you to know that the very thing you once admired, you have now become. So stinking proud of you🤗!
Joscelyn: Your heart for your craft and your leadership skills are admirable. It's so evident in the relationship you have with your team!
Joann: Quiet as you may be, dancing alongside you or even partnering with you in a couple classes has always been so calming to my spirit. Thank you for your energy!
Camila: You are such a strong choreographer with great musicality. Your choreography to that Spanish song that goes "un V.I.P" (don't know the title😩😅) will forever be special to me...it was my first class back in the studio after a 2 year hiatus❣️
Randy: Your gift to RUD (and I suppose anyone who knows you) is that you are a natural encourager. I have never taken one of your classes, but I've had the opportunity to watch it during show-and-tell. You are so gracious in the way that you give students positive feedback, and express appreciation for their presence in your classes. I love that it's always a VIBE 🫰🏽, and no matter what level of experience the dancer has, your classes always gives full blown concert at Madison square garden😉. Thank you for your kind and heartfelt words to me before I left, it made me feel valued♥️!
Ash: You're such a doll! Very rarely do I meet another dancer who craves to learn and engage in the vast array of genres dance has to offer. From heavy hitting HH, to emotion filled contemporary, I loved that I could always rely on you to take EVERY class with me🤭. I can imagine little versions of us being BFFs if we grew up as studio kids together🤗.
Tay: Whether you were a student or instructing the class, the jokes and humor you bring to class is refreshing. Besides the fact that your choreo is real smooth (always a VIBE), this is your strength as a dancer and a teacher.
India: When taking class, I suppose most dancers have that one person whose quality of movement they love most, and during hip-hop classes, you were always that dancer for me. I LOVE how your body interprets movement and really enjoyed watching you execute choreography.
Denese: Watching you in class is inspiring. Knowing you are a career woman, specifically a medical professional, I admire the fact that you make time to do what you love by continuing to dance.
P.S. Your presence is so endearing. You literally give the best hugs, so grateful for your warm weekly embrace!
Makeia: You're such a humble-beast! The quality of your movement is a perfect combination of power and sensuality and the fact that you're so silly and fun-spirited makes you all the more admirable!
Wednesday & Thursday Night Crew (Afro beats: Elianese, Jae, & Deni) ( Jazz/contemporary: Erin, Ash, Ariel, Savannah & Noel): When class sizes are smaller and attendees are consistent it allows for slightly more socializing. It was always fun to dance with you, but it's been even nicer getting to talk and connect with you in areas outside of dance. Such sweet and kind spirited young ladies.
Rachel: We always made sure to hold each other down when we were tryna catch on to the choreography. I'll miss sharing a space with you in the back right corner.
Liz: 'Gang-gang'😂🤣😂!!! It's been fun dancing with you. As someone whose always smiling and ready to crack a few jokes, you remind me to enjoy dance and have fun throughout the process. I've only dance with you for 4 months, but I've seen such tremendous growth in your execution. Keep pushing, your progress is IMPRESSIVE👌🏽.
Cali: Your afrobeats choreography to that song that starts "bling, bling, bling, bling, bling" (sorry, I very well might be showing my age but I hardly ever know the songs you young folks listen to nowadays, lmbo), is literally one of thee most sickening pieces I've learned in class, like ever🔥🔥🔥🔥! You're so young, with great potential, keep pursuing your dreams, can't wait to see what else you create!
Jasmine: Those working in the background don't often get the public acknowledgement they deserve. Thank you for being a gracious greeter whenever I walked through the front door. Thank you for your diligence in always making sure to inform me about class cancellations. I only got to take 1 of your classes, but I've seen clips of your classes, and your ability to hear even the most minute sound in the music then execute it through those gag worthy isolations in your body is mind-blowing. Love your artistry as a choreographer.
Jason: I love the fact that you are a constant presence in the HOUSE supporting and protecting whenever and wherever there is a need. This it truly honorable!
I wish I could shout out each and every one of you, but unfortunately I don't know each of you directly.
With that being said...
To each and every instructor whether I've taken your class or not, your creativity is inspiring!
To each and every dancer, I've had the pleasure to share a space with, your energy alone has rekindled my heart & passion for dance, when I questioned whether or not it might've diminished.
In the dance world, competition can cause such divisiveness, instead you all have CHOSEN to create a community of support and encouragement, the comradery among you all is not only admirable but an asset to the welcoming environment of RUD.
As my time here at RUD has come to an end, out of all the places I have worked, lived and established a sense of community with, this is the perhaps the hardest to depart from.
Be blessed as you all have been a blessing 🙏🏽! "
I'oLa Hall