Joy of Dancing

Ever since I was a little girl, I have been singing and dancing in my living room and bathroom and later in discotheques. When I first encountered modern dance with Desirée, I felt like a fish out of water. However, with Desiree’s guidance and support, within a short period of time, I was swimming along with all the other fish. No Place Like Home has been a transformational experience for me: I regained the joy of dancing. A more flexible body appeared.

This account is not so much about me as it about others: I have been moved and touched by the creative energy, stamina and eagerness of young professional dancers. I also have been impressed with the seniors willing to do their best within their capacity and their life experiences. I have been amazed by the spontaneous improvisations and flexibility of the two musicians.

Most of all, this account is a tribute to the great creativity and nurturing of our teacher and director, Desirée, and her ability to transform a widely diverse group of people. Desirée encourages individual freedom of movement and, at the same time, evolves a structure that holds the dancers and their dancing together. I could feel the synergy of the group coming together. With No Place Like Home, Desirée created such a wonderful collaboration of professional dancers and senior community dancers.

For me, being part of the production of No Place Like Home has been a wonderful spiritual journey under our director's guidance.

- LAN YOOK, COMMUNITY DANCER IN NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Photo: David Cooper | Dancers: Lan Yook & Garrick Jang