Reflections On a Career Day Visit
On Friday, I was a presenter at an area high school as part of their career day. They asked me to do two presentations, one on my experiences as a professional dancer and dance educator, and one on my current career as a novelist.
Preparing for both was an experience. For one thing, a tsunami of memories flooded back as I pored over old dance photos to put together a Power Point presentation. I met my husband in a dance company, and we went on to dance and work together for eighteen years.
Newlyweds!
Looking back, it was a lovely time in our lives. One of the students in my workshop about “becoming a dancer” asked me if I still missed it. What a great question! I think dance will always be a part of me. For one thing, dancing appears constantly in my dreams. Sometimes I’m performing, occasionally I’m rehearsing, and often I’m creating movement combinations for my dance classes.
My latest novel!
I’m fortunate, though, that my post-dance life has been so positive. I adore my husband and family, and my work as a novelist has had its ups and downs but has always been rewarding and meaningful. I recognize how fortunate I’ve been to spend my life doing creative work in two different fields.
Of course, one thing I was aware of in my visit is how much I miss teaching high school students. Teenagers have always been my favorite age group to work with.
Performing Undercurrents
Adults, however, are mighty engaging, too. Prior to our presentations, I met several other speakers with interesting careers. There was the entrepreneur who proudly showed off his samples of barbeque sauce, the wealth management guy, and the electrician who was also a pastor. Part of me wanted to stay there all day and interview them!
All in all, I really enjoyed the day. I hope they ask me back again.
Ellen Birkett Morris and I at Joseph Beth Booksellers