Embodiment Inspiration: Two Things I love…

Surfing, and this girl.

Let's start with surfing—and more specifically, what it has to do with a blog about dance. First, let’s dispel any mythical thinking. While I love, love, love surfing, I am not good at it. I’m pushed into most waves I catch; if I manage to ride the face of the wave, it’s a miracle. I’m not being modest. I’m being honest. Because all that matters is the sheer freedom and raw embodiment I feel during the few seconds I manage to stand atop my usually foam board and fly!

I feel the same when dancing. When I surf, it’s my human-animal body and a wave. When I dance, it’s my human-animal body and the music. In both, I show up to ride whatever wave emerges—be it ocean or musical. Sometimes I pop up effortlessly on every wave. Other times, I don’t get up once. Sometimes I love every song; sometimes I really don't. And It doesn't matter, so long as I show up. The wave or the dance—both leave me freer, more regulated, more embodied than when I arrived. In both settings, I’m held by a quiet community. We smile, we nod, we move—each in our own way, but together. We never know what will happen, and still, we show up.

Since you’re a dancer, I probably don’t have to convince you that whether you’re “good” at dancing is irrelevant. The same goes for surfing. If you’ve ever dreamed of surfing and thought you couldn’t, take it from this 51-year-old with limited flexibility: get to a gentle wave, find an instructor who’ll push you into it, and experience the sheer embodiment of being a crappy surfer. And as an act of service to humanity, remind all who tell you that they “can't dance” that being good at dancing doesn’t matter. The point of dancing is not to get good at dancing—it is to dance. Period.

Second thing I love. My girl.

This picture is the youngest of my four daughters. This is her on our latest trip to Mexico—where we went to work (a workshop and gig in Mexico City with Nubia), to visit family, and to surf! This surfing superhero also happens to be an amazing travel companion and often joins me on DTM business.  If you are joining us at the upcoming Facilitator Training on May 19th she will be the one playing with the resident horses, cats and dogs of Quinta São José dos Montes.  I’ve homeschooled long enough to know that exposing kids to communities beyond their hometown expands the mind like nothing else.

When I built my Dance Church in Nelson, BC, one of my deepest desires was to create a community diverse in age—from 0 to 99. In many societies, children and elders are separated into institutions, and this has deeply impacted our sense of community. I wanted DTM to help change that. And it’s happening—more and more families are joining us at trainings. Last year in the UK, we had a little one who joined us for meals and evening dances while a parent trained—and we’ll have another family doing the same this spring in Portugal.

So if you’ve ever felt like having a family keeps you from attending our trainings, please know: you belong. Whatever your block—logistical, financial, or otherwise—we want to help find a solution. We offer scholarships for every training. If you’d like to talk about your specific circumstances, reach out.

Bonus third thing we love—Karen!

We’re saying goodbye (for now) to one of our own.  Karen you will be missed immensely! Karen came to us in 2022 as an Online DJ student and joined the team in 2024, masterfully taking care of admin and so much more. We’re sad to see her go (and yes, we’re looking for a new VA!) but thrilled for her as she returns to Ireland to begin her next project. It’s not goodbye—it’s just a new chapter.

Thank you, Karen, for helping build us stronger. While you're leaving the team, you’re still very much family, you and Clementine.

Final thing we love? … Knowing what you want!

We’re planning our 2026 season and would love your input.

For online courses, what day of the week and format works best for you?

For in-person offerings, should we come close to home—or meet you somewhere far-flung and fabulous? Click the link below and…

Help us shape the future by filling out our poll on where to take DTM in 2026.